Additionally, we see the kinds of questions they asked the prophet to attempt to diminish his status were on matters in which God intentionally gave him limited information.
17:85 They ask you about the revelation (ruh). Say, “The revelation (ruh) comes from my Lord. The knowledge given to you is minute.”
7:187 They ask you about the end of the world (the Hour), and when it will come to pass. Say, “The knowledge thereof is with my Lord. Only He reveals its time. Heavy it is, in the heavens and the earth. It will not come to you except suddenly.” They ask you as if you are in control thereof. Say, “The knowledge thereof is with GOD,” but most people do not know.
Time is the Ultimate Judge. Patience is the BEST Answer
Imagine being present during a debate between a messenger of God and his people. As much as we would love to think that the messenger would always have the right thing to say to put the people in their place, what we see is that much of the time, their response was simply to wait and see.
When Noah was mocked for building the ark, we saw who the one with the last laugh was.
11:38 While he was building the ark, whenever some of his people passed by him they laughed at him. He said, “ You may be laughing at us, but we are laughing at you, just as you are laughing.
After Shuaib showed his proofs and provided his arguments to his people still insisted on disbelieving, his final word to them was:
11:93 “O my people, go on doing what you wish, and so will I. You will certainly find out which of us will incur shameful retribution; you will find out who the liar is. Just wait in anticipation, and I will wait in anticipation along with you.”
3:61 If anyone argues with you, despite the knowledge you have received, then say, “Let us summon our children and your children, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then let us invoke GOD’s curse upon the liars.”
As a submitter, our objective is to be a truth seeker, and debate is a gift from God that can help us find the truth and eliminate falsehood. Yet, like any tool, debate can be used for good or evil, depending on who uses it. Therefore, a debate is not won strictly by who articulated their position better but by which side spoke the truth, and our judgment of the truth is strictly based on God’s revelations.
18:56 We only send the messengers as simply deliverers of good news, as well as warners. Those who disbelieve argue with falsehood to defeat the truth, and they take My proofs and warnings in vain.
18:57 Who are more evil than those who are reminded of their Lord’s proofs, then disregard them, without realizing what they are doing. Consequently, we place shields on their hearts to prevent them from understanding it (the Quran), and deafness in their ears. Thus, no matter what you do to guide them, they can never ever be guided.
As submitters, when people pose questions to us to challenge our faith, we are not obligated to have all the answers. While we can certainly look for answers to defend our position, not having an answer does not make us wrong; it only makes us human. The only obligation God imposes upon submitters is simply to submit wholeheartedly to God alone. If, despite this, some continue to object, let time be the judge and patience be our response.
3:20 If they argue with you, then say, “I have simply submitted myself to GOD; I and those who follow me.” You shall proclaim to those who received the scripture, as well as those who did not, “Would you submit?” If they submit, then they have been guided, but if they turn away, your sole mission is to deliver this message. GOD is Seer of all people.