Can I Teach Theories That Contradict Islam While Following a Secular Syllabus?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

As a teacher in a secular country, am I permitted to teach theories that contradict Islamic beliefs, such as early humans communicating only through signs and symbols? I have non-Muslim students and must follow the syllabus, but I do not believe in these theories. Should I continue teaching or leave my profession?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

If there is a legitimate way to avoid teaching content that directly contradicts Islamic beliefs, then it would be best to do so. However, if you are required to teach such material, you should not do so in a “confessional” or affirming manner. Instead, present the theory academically—explaining that it is one perspective among many—and encourage your students to think critically, question assumptions, and explore alternative explanations.

Allah (Most High) says:

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good admonishment, and debate with them in a way that is best.” [Quran, 16:125]

This approach is not intended to deceive, but is a more academically rigorous and sincere form of teaching. It reflects academic integrity and intellectual maturity. You are not required to endorse and believe every theory in the textbook—instead, your role is to expose students to a range of ideas and help them engage critically and respectfully. For instance, you might say, “According to some anthropological theories…” and then ask, “What are the assumptions behind this view? Are there other ways to understand human development?”

This allows you to fulfil your professional duties while maintaining your faith. You are not only teaching content—you are modelling how to approach complex ideas thoughtfully and responsibly.

If this role still causes you deep spiritual discomfort, you may seek counsel and explore other avenues. But teaching, when done with wisdom and sincerity, can be a powerful means of service and da‘wa.

And Allah knows best.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

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 (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, 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 been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, 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 Prophetic living and fitness.