Speaking about things that you don't know

If someone inquires some information on Deen from you under the impression that you know it, then it is your duty not to deceive him if you do not know. You should refer him to someone else who knows. You should not feel shy to do such. Acknowledging that you don't know is part of the knowledge of Deen. Pretending to know something that you do not know is ignorance and a very advanced sign of stupidity. It is purely transgression to induce people in error concerning a subject that you have not mastered. The abode of the transgressors is the fire of hell.

If, however, you know something by having heard it somewhere or by having read it in a certain book, this does not mean that you know it or you have mastered it. You are well aware that you cannot give a prescription merely by hearing it from somewhere or by reading it in a certain pamphlet. You cannot allow yourself to do so merely because you have not mastered this field under the supervision of the experts and the professionals in this field. In such a circumstance, without hesitation you will advise the person to consult a doctor. And you will not send him to any doctor. You will advise him to consult a doctor who is really competent and who does his job honestly. It is same in regards to Deen also. You should contact someone who is really competent and who does his job sincerely and honestly. You should not take risks and give information on Deen based on your logic. It is true that matters in Deen are not against logic, but it is not necessary that it is according to your logic.

Thus, there is no shame in admitting that you don't know when you don't know. This is the cause of honour for a person. This is better than making yourself a stupid by pretending to be what you are not and by pretending to know that which you don't know.

[English version of "Cause kitchose ki ou pas conné" – Al Jamiat – Vol.5 No.1]