Seeking Guidance from the Knowledgeable: Lessons from Qur’an 16:43

Introduction

On the 4^th of Rabi‘ al-Thani, we celebrate the birth of ‘Abd al-‘Azim al-Hasani, a devoted scholar and transmitter of the teachings of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). His legacy reminds us of the vital role of knowledge and trustworthy scholarship in shaping a healthy Muslim community. In this spirit, the Ayah of the Week is:

فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ (النحل، ٤٣)

“So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” (al-Nahl 16:43)

Educational Messages for Teenagers and Youth

1. Ask Before Assuming

When unsure, seek guidance from knowledgeable and trustworthy sources instead of guessing or following trends.

Practical Challenge: Next time you face a question about Islam, ask a teacher or scholar rather than searching randomly online.

2. Choose Reliable Guides

Not everyone who speaks loudly online or in public has knowledge – be discerning about whom you trust.

Practical Challenge: Identify one reliable scholar or mentor you can consult regularly for your faith questions.

3. Empower Yourself Through Questions

Asking good questions is not a weakness; it shows a strong desire to learn and grow.

Practical Challenge: Prepare one thoughtful question each week to ask in your Islamic class, youth group, or mosque.

4. Critical Thinking in the Age of Social Media

In a world where social media often spreads false or incomplete information, train yourself to verify the source and accuracy of what you read or hear before accepting it.

Practical Challenge: Before sharing any post, double-check its source and ask yourself: “Is this reliable?”

Educational Messages for Parents

1. Respect Your Children’s Questions

Value the questions your children ask and encourage them to be inquisitive. This nurtures confidence and a love for learning.

Practical Challenge: Dedicate time each week to openly answer your children’s questions, no matter how simple or complex.

2. Teach Source Verification

Guide your children on how to evaluate the origin of information and recognise whether it is authentic and credible.

Practical Challenge: The next time your child shares a piece of news, review it together and assess the reliability of its source.

3. Be Humble Learners

Parents should admit when they don’t know and model turning to scholars for answers.

Practical Challenge: The next time your child asks a difficult question, respond by saying: “Let’s ask together.”

4. Guard Against Online Misguidance

Help your children navigate the flood of unverified information on the internet.

Practical Challenge: Review one Islamic website or YouTube channel together and discuss whether it is trustworthy.

5. Make Knowledge a Family Value

Create an environment where knowledge is celebrated and respected above opinion.

Practical Challenge: Dedicate one evening monthly to reading or listening to a scholar’s lecture as a family.

Educational Messages for Imams and Religious Leaders

1. Clarify Who “Ahl al-Dhikr” Are

Explain that it refers to those with authentic knowledge, integrity, and piety; not just anyone with a platform.

Practical Challenge: Offer your community a list of recommended resources and scholars to consult.

2. Combat Religious Misinformation

Take responsibility for correcting false or misleading claims about Islam.

Practical Challenge: Each week, address one common misconception spread on social media.