Once, I met a Western scholar and asked him what he believed was the secret behind the West's progress in many fields. He replied that it was the freedom of dissent, which the West considers sacrosanct. Undoubtedly, what he said is true. However, this principle is not exclusive to Western thought; it is actually a law of nature.
The Nature of Critique
Differences of opinion are generally expressed in the form of critique. Ideally, intellectual critique should lead to analysis and further study of the issues on which differences exist. This critique should aim to facilitate an open exchange of views on such matters. It should bring together different minds to honestly express what they know about issues and also how they feel about each other's views. Such open exchange is indispensable for intellectual development.
Knowledge Without Limits
Knowledge, whether of religious or secular matters, is limitless. Undoubtedly, differences of opinion are a mercy. However, there is one condition for expressing such differences: those who disagree must do so on the basis of accepted evidence and must refrain from hurling allegations against others.
Benefits of Disagreement
Differences of opinion are immensely beneficial. They help bring to the fore new dimensions of issues under discussion and uncover hidden aspects of a subject. They promote creative thinking and enable people to benefit from the intellectual contributions of others.
