Criticism is not a vice; it is a blessing. It opens new dimensions of knowledge and brings to light previously unexplored aspects of an issue. Criticism is not merely fault-finding; it is, at its core, an intellectual exchange between the critic and the one being criticized, benefiting both parties equally. It broadens the intellectual horizons of everyone involved. True criticism is an intellectual gift from one person to another.
This is why the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, said, “May God bless the man who sends me the gift of my shortcomings.” (Musnad Al-Darmi, Athar No. 675)
The immense value of criticism is not just a theoretical concept to me; it is a matter of personal experience. If I were to say that I have an inherent appreciation for criticism, it would not be an exaggeration. Because of this disposition, I encourage my close associates to engage with me intellectually through criticism.
An incident from my life illustrates this attitude. One of my colleagues, Maulana Anis Luqman Nadwi, worked closely with me for about eight years. When he later visited an Arab country, a Sheikh asked him about his role in India. He replied, “I am the critic of the biggest critic in India.” This reflects my affinity for criticism and intellectual discourse.
For a true scholar, the most fulfilling experience is intellectual exchange. While criticism may appear to be directed at a person, its true focus is the subject matter under discussion. Genuine criticism transcends personal ego; it is not a matter of prestige or personal confrontation but an exploration of ideas and truth.
When criticism is valid, it provides an opportunity to correct errors and move from the darkness of flawed thinking to the light of accurate understanding. It helps a person grow intellectually and become more developed in their thoughts. Even when criticism is invalid, it serves the purpose of highlighting additional aspects of the subject. If the person being criticized responds calmly and with an open mind, criticism can strengthen their intellectual capabilities. It can stimulate creative thinking, enabling them to present their views more clearly and logically. In truth, criticism is beneficial in every way, whether it is valid or not.
A personal experience further illustrates this point. In 1965, I was in Lucknow, where I met a non-Muslim scholar who did not believe in religion or religious figures. During our conversation, he criticized the Prophet Muhammad, saying, “If Muhammad were removed from history, what difference would it make?”
His words were certainly provocative. Had I reacted with anger, I might have simply rebuked him and walked away. But, by the grace of God, I maintained my composure. This allowed me to think constructively and respond calmly. I said, “The same difference that existed in history before Muhammad.” (In other words, history would lack exactly what it did before his advent.)
This criticism compelled me to reflect on an aspect of the Prophet’s life I had not previously considered. The observation led me to realize that all modern scientific and cultural advancements emerged after the Prophet’s advent. This insight inspired a formal study, culminating in my book, “Islam: The Creator of the Modern Age.”
This experience demonstrates that when one approaches criticism with composure and an open mind, it can be a profound source of growth and discovery.
