Question:
Previously, someone asked about a hadith: “Whoever abandons argument even though he is in the right, I guarantee him a house in Paradise.”
We responded that this hadith cannot be correct because:
- If you have the truth, you must not abandon it.
- You must not submit to falsehood.
- You must command good and forbid evil.
Now some brothers ask:
The Qur’an says forgive, overlook, maintain ties.
Hadiths say be generous, forgive, maintain relationships even if others cut you off.
So, if we have the right, shouldn’t we give it up?
Answer:
There is a fundamental distinction:
There are two types of “giving up.”
- Giving up after truth is established.
- Giving up while truth is still disputed.
If someone falsely accuses you of stealing property, and you give up without proving your innocence, then:
- You are accepting the accusation.
- You are accepting injustice.
- You are allowing falsehood to prevail.
You must first establish that:
- The property is yours.
- You are not the wrongdoer.
After that, you may forgive, give up, show generosity. But you cannot surrender truth while it is still disputed.
The hadith in question says: “If you are right, abandon argument.” This is dangerous.
Because:
- If someone commits shirk,
- If someone spreads bid‘ah,
- If someone commits injustice,
Should we say, “We are right, but we won’t argue”? That would destroy the command to enjoin good and forbid evil.
Even in legal matters:
- Theft must be proven.
- Murder must be proven.
- Then forgiveness may be granted.
But you cannot forgive before establishing the truth.
So, this hadith contradicts Islamic fundamentals.