What Is the Ruling on Adopting Non-Judgmental Listening and Being Open-Minded?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
What is the ruling on adopting non-judgmental listening and being open-minded, as taught in communication skills courses, especially when it involves avoiding stereotyping and judgments?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
Adopting non-judgmental listening and open-mindedness, as emphasized in communication skills courses, aligns with Islamic principles of respectful interaction and sincere listening.
Allah (Most High) commands believers to speak kindly and avoid suspicion and backbiting [Quran, 49:12]. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) exemplified empathetic listening and refraining from premature judgments in his interactions, as is evident throughout his Sira (biography) and Hadith.
Avoiding stereotyping and judgments upholds the dignity of others and fosters healthy communication, which is praiseworthy in Islam. However, maintaining an open mind should not compromise adherence to Islamic values. Always ground your openness within truth and ethical conduct while avoiding harmful biases or assumptions. In other words, ensure that you always adhere to Sacred Law.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
