The first word revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was, “Read!” What else do we need in order to understand the importance of seeking knowledge in our beautiful religion? Let me tell you a story, my story ...a very common story that is too often repeated with many Muslims involved in da'wah, or calling others to Islam. This story compelled me to bring to light the importance of knowledge for a da'ee, or the one teaching others about Islam. The knowledge needed is not just about our religion, but also the current affairs and the state of the Muslim ummah around the world. I met a Danish Christian woman currently living in Dubai. After formal greetings, she almost immediately asked me about why a young girl, would be covered in hijab. She found it very odd and peculiar for a teen to not show her beauty. The norm in today's society is to parade beauty, to be the centre of attention. I seized the opportunity for me to tell her about Islam. I explained to her about the many benefits that the hijab serves and she even agreed with me. But then she said to me, “My son has many girlfriends who wear hijab.” At that moment I was LOST....Lost for words! I was stunned into silence. How can girls wearing hijab easily mingle with guys, and have relationships with them, boyfriends? I had no idea that young Muslim women who wore hijab could behave in such a manner. After this woman said that to me, I was unable to go on explaining Islam and hijab, and I did not know how to respond in this situation. However, from my story I learned some lessons. First of all, with regards to myself, I did not have knowledge of the current situation of the Muslims around the world. I did not know the right approach to talk about Islam either. After that incident, I tried to console myself thinking I was young back then and therefore was in no knowledgeable position, but that was just an excuse, one of the excuses we all make when slacking off the obligation of seeking knowledge. I learnt that da'wah begins with tawheed, belief in the Oneness of Allah, the Creator. Introducing a person to the concept of Tawheed is the correct way of da'wah; otherwise he/she will not comprehend the teachings of Islam, nor why so many Muslims practice Islam at different levels. I also realized that although most of us think of da'wah as being aimed primarily at non-Muslims, the Muslims are also in serious need of education; myself included. We need to learn the foundations, fundamentals and rulings of our religion. The only explanation that a Muslim girl is mingling freely with guys, to the extent of being in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship is that she does not fully know or understand the teachings of Islam. She does not understand the reasons behind such rulings, and she is short-sighted in seeing only the present moment, and not looking at future rewards and punishments in the Hereafter. Maybe she never learned the rulings of engaging with the opposite gender. But it's never too late, I am determined now to gain knowledge and to educate those around me. Knowledge in essence is nourishment for our souls, a means of helping us get closer to Allah. Knowledge also brings comfort during times of trial because we know this world is transient and we know that we will be rewarded for our patience. Allah says in the Holy Qur'an: {“Read! In the name of your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) Who created— created man, out of a leech-like clot: Read! And your Rabb is Most Bountiful Who has taught (the use of) pen. He has taught man that which he knew not.” (chapter 96, verse 1-5) So what knowledge should we acquire, when it comes to conversing with people, whether Muslim or non-Muslim about Islam? Firstly, we should seek knowledge of our religion, Islam. This includes studies of the Holy Qur'an, Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him), and various books by renowned, upright scholars. Second, we should be aware of the situation of the Muslim world. What practices have become common amongst Muslims? Moreover, Muslims are divided into sects; we need to know their beliefs and try to correct them using the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah. Third, knowing the basics about other religions helps you understand the person better by what background they come from. The importance of knowledge in Islam is very clear. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “If Allah wants to do good to a person, he makes him comprehend the religion.” (Sahih Bukhari 1/67) May you never be lost for words!
