🏵️🏵️🏵️ Dear Ulf,
I appreciate your thought-provoking article on the difference between opinions and facts. As an Islamic scholar, I'd like to share my perspective on this matter.
In Islam, we believe that knowledge is divided into three categories: that which is certain (yaqeen), that which is suspected (zann), and that which is purely opinion (ra'i). Opinions, by their nature, are subjective and may vary from person to person, whereas facts are objective and universally accepted truths.
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The truth is clear from falsehood, so whoever doubts it has already gone astray." (Bukhari) This Hadith highlights the importance of distinguishing between truth and falsehood, and recognizing that some things are not open to personal opinion or debate.
In our religious texts, we find numerous examples of clear-cut facts and unequivocal teachings. 🏵️
For instance, the Quran affirms the existence of Allah (swt) as the One God, the oneness of humanity's creator, and the moral code for human behavior. These are not matters of opinion, but rather established truths that guide our beliefs and actions.
As you correctly pointed out, opinions can be misleading and even harmful if not grounded in evidence or sound reasoning. In Islam, we are encouraged to seek knowledge through reason, observation, and experience, but also to recognize the limits of our understanding and humility in the face of uncertainty.
In conclusion, while opinions are indeed important in facilitating discussion and intellectual growth, they must be distinguished from facts. We must strive to separate truth from falsehood and acknowledge the differences between what is certain and what is merely an opinion.
May Allah guide us towards wisdom and guidance.
May our understanding of faith and knowledge be guided by the light of wisdom.
Sincerely,
Mohamed, Ph.D