2015-01-09 - Islam & Freedom of Speech - Sheikh Yaseen

Islam & Freedom of Speech — Continuing the Khutbah

Continuing from the first part of the khutbah — I think that many times our responses are misguided and based on emotion rather than our intelligence, our rational thinking, or the spiritual guidance from our deen. It stems from a lack of knowledge, it stems from a lack of immersing ourselves into our deen. When a person acquires knowledge of Islam correctly, then it builds within them that spiritual morality — or spiritual maturity — which is needed for an individual to navigate in this time.

Especially in light of the hatred and hostility that Muslims are facing. So we must immerse ourselves into learning more about our tradition. We mustn't be people who think we know enough — we don't know enough.

We mustn't think we know something when we don't know something. It's very important for us to understand this.

It doesn't mean that because we are intelligent people and experts in X, Y and Z tradition or educational field, that we are going to be experts in Islam as well — or that we understand our faith correctly or properly.

No, this requires some education too. It requires an effort. It requires for us to learn it from the sources, from the scholars, from the ulama — who brought the message down from the Prophet of Allah and brought it to us today. That sacred tradition, that sacred link, is extremely important.

The Four Types of People — Imam al-Ghazali

Imam al-Ghazali mentioned something very beautiful and profound. He says you have four types of people:

First, a man who knows, and he knows that he knows — a man who has knowledge and he knows he has knowledge. He said that person is an alim — follow him.

Then he said there is a person who has knowledge but he doesn't know he has knowledge. Such a person is asleep — wake him up so he can benefit people.

Then Imam al-Ghazali says the third type of person is a man who doesn't have knowledge, but he knows he doesn't have knowledge. This person is a seeker — guide him, teach him.

Then Imam al-Ghazali said the fourth person is a person who doesn't have knowledge and he doesn't know that he doesn't have knowledge — because he thinks he's knowledgeable. He said this person is a Jahil. Stay away from that person. He is a Jahil.

So which category do we fall under? Are our actions misguided? Are we peacemakers?

If we look in the surah there are so many examples — I could have spent 30 minutes just going through stories with you of how the Prophet, peace be upon him, expressed and demonstrated mercy and compassion.

But I chose not to do that, and I chose to address this whole issue of what's going on from a different perspective and angle — with the hopes that Allah opens our minds and our hearts and guides us to what is correct and to doing what is right for the sake of His Deen. And may Allah accept all of our efforts.

Closing Du'a

O Allah, forgive all the believing men and believing women, and all the Muslim men and Muslim women — those who are alive among them and those who are dead. Indeed, You are All-Hearing, All-Knowing, Responsive to supplications. By Your Mercy, O Most Merciful.

Indeed, Allah commands justice, goodness, and giving to those near to Him, and He forbids indecency, evil, and transgression. He admonishes you so that you may remember.

Remember Allah, and He will remember you, and call upon Him and He will respond to you. And the remembrance of Allah is the greatest, and Allah knows what you do.