Ethics of Disagreement: The Golden Rule

Course Overview

This course on the mannerisms or ethics of disagreement (adab al-ikhtilaf) is loosely based on the text written by Taha Jabir al-Alwani entitled ‘Ethics of Disagreement in Islam’. The course will consider the reasons for and effects of Muslim disunity, as well as the nature of disagreements within the historical context of the early generations of Muslims. Judicial disagreements between the early jurists over points of law and procedure is analysed along with how their disagreements within the academic domain never led them to lose sight of the higher purposes of Islamic law nor of their responsibilities as those who administer it.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Understand the nature and spectrum of disagreements amongst the early generations of Muslims
• Appreciate the differing juristic perspectives and approaches
• Demonstrate an insightful understanding of the fundamental reasons for differences of opinion
• Understand the correlation between scholarly and social cohesion