Understanding Islam: A call to seek knowledge, not blind imitation
Everyone has a responsibility to truly understand their religion rather than simply imitating others.
Seeking knowledge is key to dispelling doubts and misconceptions, allowing Muslims to grow as obedient servants of Allah.
By embracing the Quran as a source of guidance, healing and mercy, believers can find the clarity and peace needed to strengthen their faith and practice, ultimately deepening their connection to Allah SWT and fulfilling their spiritual duties.
An-Nadaa Educational Foundation, Nigeria founder Dr Ibrahim Nuhu Tahir highlighted the collective responsibility of every individual to actively learn and understand their religion.
"For so many years, we knew nothing about our religion, merely imitating what we saw—going into ruku' (bowing) at the mosque because others did, fasting during Ramadan because it was what everyone at home did.
"How many of us have truly made it our mission to understand our faith? How many of us have woken up and said, 'I take this responsibility seriously?'," he said during The Straight Path 2024 (TSP 2024) Convention which took place at Menara Kembar Rakyat, Kuala Lumpur on Nov 23.
Celebrating a decade of impactful contributions to the local dawah scene, TSP 2024 featured distinguished global speakers Imam Development Programme, South Africa founder and director Sheikh Bilal Ismail; Muslim Chaplain at the University of Nottingham and United Kingdom Roots Academy academic director Hisham Abu Yusuf; Mufti, judge and National Waqf Fund, United Kingdom (UK) Syariah adviser Sheikh Dr Sajid Umar and Nafsib Wahida, New York founder Dr Hassan Akbar.
The two-day event, moderated by Hamza Andreas Tzortzis covered vital topics like parenting, modern challenges, leadership and preserving the Islamic identity.
Ibrahim said while Allah has not required all Muslims to become scholars, He has made it an obligation for every Muslim to understand their faith.
He said when Muslims understand their religion, the door to doubt is closed.
"No one can deceive us or misrepresent the teachings of Islam. It is our responsibility to take this trust seriously," he added.
He also discussed how many people seek knowledge from external sources, such as philosophy or the teachings of various teachers, while neglecting the guidance already provided by Allah in the Quran.
"Has Allah not sent down the Quran? Is that not enough?," he reminded us that the Quran is free of doubt and serves as guidance for those who believe.
Ibrahim highlighted a moment when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) questioned Umar ibn al-Khattab for reading the Torah, reminding him that Islam's teachings are clear and sufficient.
He stressed that true enlightenment and understanding of life’s purpose could only be found through the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
He also expressed concern that many Muslims have reduced the Quran to a mere tool for earning good deeds through recitation, neglecting its deeper purpose as a guide for life.
"Whosoever recites a single letter from the Book of Allah will earn ten good deeds.
"The Quran is not just a book of good deeds; it is a healing, a cure and a mercy for those who believe.
"Within the pages of the Quran, there is healing that cures doubts, misconceptions, physical ailments and spiritual diseases like hypocrisy and disbelief," he said.
He said no matter what challenges Muslims faced, turning to the Quran brings peace and comfort to the heart.
Thus he said, it is the responsibility of Muslims to understand the religion, increase the knowledge and apply it in their lives.
