The Etiquette of Research and Debate Among Scholars

Question:
It is reported in Ahmad, in a narration, and in Ibn Majah that their dispute was over the divine decree (qadar).

Answer:
And this is the obligatory course when a difficulty arises. They should say what they know and refer what they do not know to Allah. Thus, in research and reflection, they should seek out the evidence in interpreting the verse or verses, because the verses interpret one another, and what is difficult in one place may be clarified in another, and so it is with the Sunnah. It is incumbent upon the scholars in such cases to follow the path of fairness. If the discussion leads to contention, they should leave it so that hearts are not corrupted. They should research, study, and debate as long as their hearts are united and their objective is one: to establish the truth and follow the truth. If the hearts become divided and corruption is feared, they should withdraw until another time. Let the intention of each one be to know the truth and to guide his brothers to it, and not to seek to appear superior to his brother or to dominate him, for then the intention is corrupted and the reward is lost. We ask Allah for safety.