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Some of the salient features of the ethics of disagreement during the time of the Prophet:
- The Companions, may God be pleased with them, tried as far as possible not to disagree. They did not make much about marginal issues but treated the matters that posed controversy in the light of the Prophet's guidance. This manner of dealing with actual situations normally does not leave much room for argumentation, let alone dispute and discord.
- If differences occurred despite attempts to avoid them, the Companions would quickly refer the disputed issue to the Quran and to the Prophet, and any controversy would be quickly dispelled.
- The Companions reacted with a ready obedience and commitment to the judgment of the Quran and the Prophet and their complete and total submission to it.
- The Prophet used to point out to his Companions what was right and what was wrong with regards to controversial questions open to interpretation. On their part, the Companions had mutual trust in the genuineness of each other's judgments. This approach guaranteed the preservation of mutual respect among fellow Muslims who differed, and also kept fanaticism and bigotry at bay.
- Commitment to God-consciousness and avoidance of personal whims made the pursuit of truth alone the goal of those who differed over an issue. It did not matter to anyone in a discussion whether the truth was voiced by him or by another person.
- They adhered steadfastly to the Islamic norms of behaviour during argumentation. They discussed matters politely and amicably, avoiding the use of vile and insulting language. Each was prepared to listen attentively to the other.
- They avoided hypocrisy and flattery as far as possible and exerted every effort to investigate an issue objectively. This practice, characterized by the seriousness of the argument and respect for the other person, would force the disputant into either accepting the other point of view or advancing a better opinion.