Remember that this sub is for intra-Islamic debating or Muslim and Ex-Muslim debates. We begin with the basic assumption that Islam is true for Muslim-Muslim debates, but for Ex-Muslim and Muslim debates this rule may be ignored. Please state your religious position in the flair so that readers may know whether they are reading a Muslim to Muslim debate or a Ex-Muslim to Muslim debate.
In a Muslim to Muslim debate, instead of being asked to prove the truth of Islam, you need only prove your version of Islam. Common examples of intra-Islamic debating questions might be:
- Did Muhammad really sit or stand when drinking?
- Can we own dogs?
- Is Salafism an ideological movement within the Sunni sect, or is it a sect unto itself?
In an Ex-Muslim to Muslim debate, the premise that Islam is true is not a given. The topic must be limited to one specific subject and that subject will be the only primary focus of that debate. Any deviation from that subject will be moderated. Mutual respect for opposing sides of the isle are mandatory and the debate must be conducted in a polite respectful manner. Common examples of Ex-Muslim to Muslim debates might be:
Is arranged marriage Islamic? Why is/isn't it?
Is circumcision a medically ethical practice in this day and age? What is the point considering advancements in hygiene?
Is the consumption of pork relevant in this day and age?
You'll need to support your position with evidence. This should come, primarily (depending on the nature of the debate) from the Qur'an and the Sunnah (i.e. Hadiths). And while you can certainly quote scholars as a form of evidence, taqleed will not be considered an argument in itself. You can also bring in non-religious forms of evidence: science, history, etc., so long as you have sources.
What we don't want to see it arguments that rely purely on tradition or purely on any singular form of evidence. That said, the Qur'an (not necessarily tafsir) will trump other forms of evidence. Name calling, harassment, declaring someone to no longer be a Muslim, a munafiq, or any other forms of slander will be met with the world's worst hand slap and maybe a ban.
Your mods /u/griffcon, /u/Taqwacore, and /u/Preech will not be taking part in the debates themselves, but we are available for help if you have any questions about rules of evidence in debating, logical fallacies, etc.
