TO RECITE THE QUR’AN...

To recite the Qur’an and read the Hadith – to understand Deen - to teach Deen and practice Deen; all these are different matters. One does not necessarily signify the other. When a person recites the Qur’an and read the Hadith in a language that he knows, it does not mean that he understands it that well. Similarly, if a person has understood, it does not mean that he can teach it that well. He may have understood it well, but it is possible that he does not have a good style to teach it. So, if someone does not know how to explain well, it does not signify that he does not know. A good Aalim may not have a good style and the art to address the masses. However, it does not mean that he does not have knowledge. This does not affect and does not have anything to do in regards to his competence in the knowledge of Deen. Similarly, if someone has the style to attract the public, it does not necessarily mean that he has a good knowledge of Deen.

Another problem...

There is another problem. And the problem is quite serious and requires attention. When a person teaches something in Deen, it does not mean that he has inculcated, what he is teaching, in him. Very often, we explain a verse, a Hadith or an anecdote which astound people. In turn, we also make our best to perfect our explanation so that it may touch the hearts of others. However, very few among us have the concern and make the required effort to inculcate that in us in the first place. It is really a great shortcoming in the life of a Daa'i (preacher) and it is one of the main reasons that render our Da'wah ineffective.

An Example

An incident happened which made me ponder a lot. I was performing ablutions when suddenly I saw a person come in and started urinating at the place designated to perform Wuzu. I reprimanded him without bothering to listen to the problem he wanted to narrate to me. The bullet was gone. When everything calmed down, I remembered that a similar incident had taken place during the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). According to the anecdote, a person had entered Masjid-e-Nabawi and started to urinate in a corner of the Masjid. The Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) hastened to rebuke the person while he was fully in action. But Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) did not reproach him nor did he let the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) interrupt him. When he had finished, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) called him in a corner and made him understand calmly that this place is not appropriate to do such things.

This made me realise the mistake that I have committed in my way of acting in such a circumstance. As far as delivering the talk was concerned, I may have managed to explain this Hadith for which many people may have been satisfied and flattered with me.

A great failure

Nonetheless, I acknowledge that I have failed at the practical level. It was a great failure for me. May Allah forgive me and grant me the Tawfeeq to act appropriately in such a circumstance.

[English version of "Lire Qour’aan…" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.8]