How to Deal With Those Who Speak on Religion Without Knowledge

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

How should we deal with people who speak on religious matters without proper knowledge?

Answer

In the Name of Allah Most Merciful and Compassionate.

The Presence of the Unlearned in Every Age

There have always been people who speak about matters beyond their knowledge. In our times, however, the voices of the ignorant can be amplified far more widely through modern platforms. As a result, one encounters many individuals discussing religion without the proper grounding or qualifications.

The first principle is simple: do not listen to the ignorant and do not listen to the unlearned. Religion is not a plaything.

The Purpose of Religious Knowledge

Religious knowledge is called guidance because it shows a person the way to Allah. However, the purpose of learning is not simply to listen endlessly to religious content.

The duty of the believer is to act upon the guidance they receive. The way of the people of guidance was that they would take from religious knowledge what they could act upon.

It has been said:

“Take from actions what you can manage. For it is not Allah who tires, but it is you who tire.”

Thus, religious learning is not meant to be entertainment. It is not religious infotainment or edutainment. Rather, knowledge is sought in order to act upon it sincerely for the sake of Allah Most High.

Being Selective About Whom You Listen To

One should adopt a clear personal policy: do not listen to someone speaking about religion unless you know who they are and whether they are qualified.

Many individuals online may have large followings and present themselves as religious figures. Some may even use titles such as Shaykh even though they have not studied properly. They may have taken a brief course or an online diploma, but this does not make them people from whom one should take their religion.

Curiosity can lead people to listen to such voices. It is said that curiosity killed the cat, and in matters of religion, curiosity can also harm the believer. Simply clicking on content from unqualified speakers can lead to misunderstandings of the religion and can negatively affect one’s character.

For this reason, a believer should be very selective about whom they listen to.

Seek Knowledge in a Structured Way

Rather than casually browsing religious content, one should seek knowledge in a clear, structured manner. Learning should be purposeful and guided, with the intention of drawing closer to Allah and acting upon what one learns.

Advising Others With Wisdom

If one encounters someone who speaks about religion without the proper grounding, and there is an opportunity to advise them or those close to them, this should be done politely and with sincere concern.

Sometimes a gentle reminder may be beneficial. For example, advising someone to focus first on building their relationship with Allah and gaining sound knowledge before attempting to teach or spread religious content.

A Warning From the Early Scholars

Imam Baji relates from Imam Malik ibn Anas that it used to be said:

“Do not allow one whose heart is not upright to be heard by your ear.”

Meaning, do not allow the words of a corrupt person to reach your ears, because you do not know what harm may befall you as a result.

Imam Malik also noted that one of the ways innovation spread among the early generations was that some people listened to individuals who were clearly misguided. The scholars and learned people rejected them, but some individuals continued to listen to them. As a result, some people began to follow them, while others were gradually influenced by their ideas to their own harm.

For this reason, one should be careful not to place oneself in such a situation.

And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.