Information is widespread today, and it is this ‘widespread’ nature of information that has caused ignorance to prosper at rapid speeds as well.

The culprit of this dilemma is the camera, internet, and the need of some teachers to broadcast every lesson they teach about Islam globally, in the name of ‘dawah’.

They failed to realise that ‘dawah’ doesn’t allow you to shout over the voices of local scholarship, and that local scholarship does have a greater right to their communities, over those who teach with the camera on.

They thought the whole world is the West, and failed to realise that speaking without context can actually lead some to doubt that which they never ever questioned previously.

They used the term (sheikh) and (mufti) in front of their names, but never applied the ‘fiqh of da’wah’, despite considering themselves modern day sources of the noble science.

They taught something noble in the wrong way; and thus were complicit in the spread of ignorance, despite their sincere intentions.

And you know what the ironic thing is; even an ignorant man will not eat the most expensive biryani served on dirt!

Its not enough to have read so much, or learnt a lot; for collecting information was never called knowledge!

Its really about, saying the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, and to the right audience.

Accordingly, Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) eloquently said: “You should teach the people according to their ability to comprehend; would you love them (to end up) denying Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)?” (alBukhari).

This brothers and sisters is FIQH, and you won’t develop your relationship with Allah sustainably through flirting with Islamic lectures that randomly pop up on your Google feed. There is great purpose in structure.

Moving forward; the best thing you can do is to get off the Internet and find a local, knowledgeable, non-sectarian, and responsible teacher; and persevere with him/her upon a structured curriculum, which is suitable for the goals you have in terms of your journey to Allah Almighty, and your relationship with Him.

You can still use the Internet; but in a complimentary way, and as secondary means in terms of your strategy.

Finally; to my brothers and sisters involved in the deep study of the religion; study well! For back home; thirsty communities await you.

May Allah save us from ourselves. Ameen.

And Allah knows best.

Your brother,
Sajid Umar.