Learning from Classical Islamic Scholars for the Noisy Social Media Generation

Every era has its own methods and approaches for criticising the functioning of government. In modern times, criticism often takes the form of demonstrations, podcast discussions, television debates, and sharp opinions that go viral on social media.

Sharp words spread easily and quickly, sometimes faster than facts themselves. In such conditions, criticism often transforms into collective anger that goes viral and loses its moral meaning.

Let us examine the history of Islamic civilisation and observe how classical Islamic scholars criticised those in power. Since the early days of Islam, scholars have played the role of guardians of conscience over authority. They did not always agree with those in power, and sometimes they dared to rebuke them harshly.

When faced with harsh criticism from scholars, some rulers accepted it well. Yet others responded with clever retorts that left scholars speechless. What is striking, however, is that scholars’ criticism was almost always delivered within a framework of courtesy, honesty, and high moral integrity.

We can learn from classical history how this tradition of criticism developed. One night in Mecca, when the Abbasid Caliph Harun Al-Rashid (786-809 CE) was on pilgrimage and wished to meet a scholar brave enough to advise him, he went to the house of Fudail bin Iyyad (726-807 CE), one of the most famous ascetic figures of his time. As soon as the door opened, the caliph humbly asked for advice.

Fudail did not begin with praise for the caliph. He immediately reminded him of the most fundamental principle of leadership ethics. “O Caliph Harun, thy father, thy grandfather, and all the leaders before thee have passed away. Thou too shalt one day stand alone before Allah.”

The caliph’s heart was immediately touched by this direct admonition, and tears flowed down his face. Fudail continued, “If thou art able to save thy body from the fire of Hell, then do what is best for the people. Do not lead the Muslims whilst a single person amongst them is wronged because of thy authority.”