Uttering Words of Kufr in Order to Teach Debate (Munazara)

Question

In one of our religious madrasas the students are given practice in debate (munazara) for the sake of instruction. One student presents himself now as a kafir, now as an innovator, now as a Qadiani, now as a Mawdudist. When he presents himself as a kafir, he denies God and denies the messengership of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Another student answers him, addressing him with words such as “kafir”.

Answer

If debate against some false sect is being taught, it is by no means permissible for any student to count himself among those sects and to declare the people of truth misguided or kafirs; it is a grave sin — indeed, a danger to his own iman.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.