Cyberspace and the Chaos of Confronting DebatesAnd Responding to Doubts on Religious Matters

Abstract

Man was created to debate, argue and debate to prove his claims and what he believes in. He was also created to defend his principles and choices against the attacks of enemies and opponents. The phenomenon of debate, argument and answering doubts has existed since time immemorial and has crystallised over time. Its features were manifested in the calls of the prophets, reformers and their followers, as they practiced debate in the best way, discussion and argumentation. To convey the teachings of heaven and to respond to the doubts and skepticism raised about them, rules and principles were established for this practice, agreed upon by rational people, framed by divine teachings, and urged by the prophets, guardians, and imams (peace be upon them) for their significant impact in defending religion and truth. Therefore, we find that the issue of debates and responding to doubts took up a wide space, especially in the doctrine of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), due to the fierce attacks that this doctrine was subjected to throughout history. Their narratives and positions emphasized its importance and legitimacy, and that they forbade debates that tended in a wrong direction as a result of their transformation into a type of argument and fruitless debate, or that breed hatred and animosity, and other negatives. They (peace be upon them) demonstrated the correct and effective approach to these debates, while clarifying the special specifications of the debater that qualify him to be a specialist in this field. However, given the presence of cyberspace and the virtual world, which has allowed anyone to engage in debates and answer questions, resulting in rampant chaos, entangled in conflict and causing significant social and intellectual harm, it is imperative to warn against the harmful effects of this phenomenon.