What Should Muslims Do When Lecturers Speak Blasphemy?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

How should a Muslim respond if a lecturer makes un-Islamic or blasphemous remarks? Should one leave, remain silent, or address it, considering the potential harm and the unpredictability of such incidents?

Answer

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

When encountering un-Islamic or blasphemous remarks from a lecturer, a Muslim should respond based on the framework provided by the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) in the following hadith:

“Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue. And if he cannot, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith.” [Muslim]

This hadith outlines a three-step approach to responding to wrongdoing, which can be applied to such a situation.

1. If One Has Authority to Correct It (Changing with the Hand)

If a person is in a position of influence—such as a senior academic, an event organizer, or someone with authority—they may be able to intervene directly to prevent or correct the lecturer’s remarks. This should be done in a manner that is effective and does not cause unnecessary disruption.

2. If One Can Speak Out Respectfully (Changing with the Tongue)

If direct intervention is not possible, one should attempt to correct the misinformation by speaking out. However, this must be done:

• With wisdom and good manners, following Allah’s command: “Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice, and argue with them in a way that is best.” [Quran,16:125]
• In a way that does not escalate the situation or cause greater harm. This could include asking a respectful question, providing a correct Islamic perspective, or addressing the issue in a follow-up discussion.

3. If One Cannot Speak Out (Rejecting It in the Heart)

If there is a risk of harm or speaking out would cause a greater problem, one should at least disapprove of the blasphemous remarks in their heart and, if possible, leave the gathering. Allah instructs:

“And when you see those who engage in (offensive) discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another discussion.” [Quran, 6:68]

Leaving is a form of silent protest that upholds one’s faith without engaging in direct confrontation, which may not be beneficial.

The Prophetic Example: Wisdom in Response

During the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, Suhayl ibn ‘Amr refused to acknowledge the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) as “Messenger of Allah” in the treaty document. Instead of arguing, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) agreed to remove the title, prioritizing the greater good over immediate confrontation. This teaches that patience and strategic forbearance sometimes serve Islam better than direct opposition.

Conclusion

A Muslim should assess their ability to respond based on these three levels:

• If they have authority, they should take direct corrective action.
• If they can, they should speak out with wisdom and good manners.
• If neither is possible, they should reject it in their heart and, if appropriate, leave the gathering.

In all cases, one must prioritize wisdom (hikma), patience (sabr), and the broader interests of Islam.

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.