Another such example is the hadith reported by Ahmad and others from ‘Amr ibn Shu‘ayb, from his father, from his grandfather: the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, came out to his Companions while they were disputing about predestination. One was saying, “Did Allah not say such-and-such?” Another was saying, “Did Allah not say such-and-such?” He said:

“Were you commanded to do this? Is this what you were called to—to set parts of Allah’s Book against one another? Look to what you have been commanded and do it, and leave whatever you have been forbidden.”

This hadith and others like it prohibit setting one truth against another, for that leads to denying one of the two truths, or to confusion and bewilderment.

Rather, one must affirm both truths. A person must affirm the truth spoken by others just as he affirms the truth he himself speaks. He may not believe in the meaning of a verse he cites as evidence while rejecting the meaning of a verse cited by his opponent in debate, nor may he accept the truth from one group while rejecting it from another.

For this reason, Allah Most High says:

“Who, then, is more unjust than one who lies about Allah and rejects the truth when it comes to him? Is there not in Hell an abode for the disbelievers? * And whoever brings the truth and affirms it—it is they who are the God-fearing.”

Thus, He, glorified be He, condemns whoever lies or rejects a truth, and praises only those who speak the truth and affirm it.

Even if a person speaks truthfully, but does not affirm the truth spoken by others, he is not worthy of praise until he is among those who bring the truth and affirm it. It is they who are the God-fearing.