At five in the afternoon, Cairo time (70).. Islam and Freedom of Opinion and Expression (9)

How Did the Prophet, Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him, Manage Disagreement?

If the Qur’an established the methodology of dialogue, then the Prophetic biography provided the practical application of that methodology.

The Prophet ﷺ was not merely a conveyor of revelation; he was also the leader of a nascent state. Yet he did not treat criticism as a threat, nor disagreement as a departure from the community. Here, one of the most important paradoxes becomes clear between the Prophetic experience and later practices attributed to Islam.

Criticism in the Presence of Prophethood

In the Prophetic biography, we find repeated instances in which the Companions expressed their opinions, objected, asked questions, and debated. This was not met with anger, criminalization, or punishment, but rather with dialogue and clarification. Indeed, some of these objections altered the course of decisions or modified plans, without being regarded as rebellion.

Between Revelation and Opinion

The Prophet ﷺ clearly distinguished between what was revelation—where there was no room for personal opinion—and what was human judgment, open to discussion. When a matter fell into the realm of opinion, he listened, discussed, and accepted correction.

A very important example of this is the famous Battle of Badr, the first battle in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ selected the location where the Muslim army would encamp. One of the commanders known for his military experience prior to Islam, al-Hubab ibn al-Mundhir, found this surprising.

He asked the Prophet ﷺ a precise question with refined military etiquette:

“O Messenger of God, is this a position that God has commanded you to occupy, such that we may neither advance beyond it nor withdraw from it? Or is it a matter of opinion, warfare, and strategy?”

When the Prophet ﷺ replied that it was a matter of opinion, warfare, and strategy (that is, a human judgment in military planning), al-Hubab expressed his view.

What Did He Propose?

Al-Hubab proposed that:

1.    The Muslims should advance to the nearest well of Badr on the side facing Quraysh.

2.    They should take control of it.

3.    They should then fill in the remaining wells.

4.    They should build a basin (reservoir) to store water for the Muslims to drink from.

5.    Thus, the polytheists would be deprived of water.

What Happened?

The Prophet ﷺ was impressed by his opinion, accepted the proposal immediately, and the Muslims implemented the plan. They achieved victory at Badr through it.

This demonstrates that religion, in its essence, does not confuse the sacred with the human. It leaves opinion and consultation to those with expertise, each within their own field.

Opposition Without Accusations of Treachery

Even in moments of tension, religion was not used to silence dissenters. Charges of hypocrisy were not raised against every critic, nor was disagreement classified as betrayal. This reflects the leadership’s confidence in its project and in society’s ability to coexist with diversity.

Why Have We Ignored This Model?

Because this model disrupts any discourse that seeks absolute obedience, monopolizes understanding, or fears accountability. In the Prophetic experience, criticism was not a danger but a safeguard.

From Biography to Reality

When we compare this methodology with what occurred later during eras of domination, the scale of deviation becomes evident. The deviation did not lie in the text nor in the Prophetic model, but in imposing the logic of the dominant state onto religious discourse.

What Does This Mean Today?

It means that defending freedom of opinion is not a departure from the Sunnah but a return to it. It also means that criminalizing criticism is not a protection of religion but a departure from its spirit.

In the Next Episode

We will move closer to the Prophetic state and ask:

Freedom of belief in the State of Medina… How did the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, manage the idea of pluralism?

To be continued…

Cairo: Five o’clock in the evening, local time of al-Mahrousa.