Sources of Islamic Knowledge

بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيم

We are seeing a growing trend in some quarters amongst young men and women in the west of taking their first steps towards independent learning of Islam. This is to be commended, regardless of whether the individual has previously learnt knowledge prior or not. However, with the abundance of information available at one’s fingertips and the presence of questionable sources (influencer culture), the following questions arise: Who should I learn from? How do I know such individual/institute is best suited to me?

To help answer this question, I’ve compiled a list of pedagogical indicators for one to look for, that have been divided into: scholastic and trait-based.
This article is designed to be presented to be primarily in the starting stages of their independent learning though I believe all can benefit from this article.

Scholastic

• An increasingly difficult area to determine is the qualifications of a teacher. Do they have a recognised degree in the subject? Have they studied abroad? While these ‘traditional’ routes can produce good teachers, there are also non-traditional options that are viable, such as studying remotely or part-time, that can produce good teachers. However, it is important to note that all those who complete a degree, alimiyyah program, course have a good understanding of Islamic principles. This is similar to western academia, where some students may not have a strong base in their degree, despite studying the subject for several years. The quality of teachers produced can fluctuate wildly, despite the availability of more opportunities or routes. Anyone who is exclusively self-taught should be ignored and not approached. Another important question to ask is how well learnt are they in non-Islamic sciences? Are they well-read on the world viewpoints, systems, philosophies of the modern world that are amongst the country one is living in. Consider this as a relatively brief indicator.
• It is vital to consider the teacher’s level of Arabic. I appreciate that this indicator may be difficult for some students to distinguish, so I have included 3 pointers to look out for:
  • How long have you been studying Arabic?
  • Are you able to navigate through contemporary and classical texts?
  • Are you familiar with pre-Islamic poetry? (A good grasp of this indicates someone who is well versed in the language)

It is important to note in a non-Arabic environment, it is unfair to demand a native level of speaking and comprehension, given that this can only be attained except living in such environments for long periods or studying to a mastery level in the subject. Instead, look for those teachers that respect the language and use it regularly in their speech and their teachings.

• A growing trend among internet influencers & ‘sheikhs’ is the lack of referencing when presenting an argument. The absence of a reference can indicates a lack of authority in their explanation. Has the argument made by an authority of the religion before? If so, there is a precedent for what is being taught. If not, take this as a red flag – for only those who have dedicated and studied the sciences for decades are able to present their own unique thoughts on arguments with a consistent use of the sharia as their methodology. Referencing demonstrates the ability to identify and use texts. However, be cautious, as some may translate inaccurately from other languages or deliberately deceive by presenting only a portion of the text. This highlights the importance of the previous point on the level of the teacher’s Arabic being competent.
• The final point to consider is whether the teacher in question is active within the community. Do they engage with all levels of the community, from youngsters to elders? This can be presented in the form of structured classes, written books, regular talks or teaching in the community. An engaged teacher demonstrates the ability to deal with real issues and apply their learnings to solve community problems. Note that this indicator may lead towards someone of a higher calibre as a teacher. Any individual who is heavily involved or in the early stages of actively engaging with the community is a good sign of their ability.

Trait-Based

• How does the community and their students receive them? Do their teachers and peers agree to their ability and competence? If so, this is a good indicator of the teacher’s ability to understand and teach. It can also be used to advocate for their character. A neglected area is the spiritual impact the individual has on the area. Does the individual remind you of Allah, encourage personal character development, and provide remedies for the heart? Coupled with scholastic knowledge, these traits allow for one to develop a well-rounded education.
• While potentially polemic for some, it’s important to consider whether the individual respects traditional scholarship. In these difficult times, the ability to respect the consensus of traditional scholars, their methodology, and ethos is increasingly important. Unfortunately, there is a rise in pseudo-intellectuals who may speak in traditional terms but are in reality dismantling methods developed by authorities over centuries. These individuals should be avoided.
• The manners of the teacher should be immaculate. They should conduct themselves upon the prophetic methodology in public and maintain a level of dignity. When faced with trails and tests, they should remain calm and collected rather than emotionally driven. A good sign of their adab is the ability to critique those they disagree with based on the arguments presented rather than making personal attacks. There is honesty in their understanding and engagement, leaving those in their company feeling stronger than when they entered. Someone who consistently demonstrates these traits is valuable and rare.
• The final indicator is that despite their achievements and central role in the community, they rarely self-promote their accomplishments. Instead, their students will speak about the benefits of their work and activity within the community. This demonstrates one of the central aims of a teacher to empower their students to improve upon their work with the hope of elevating their community. Teachers like this are few and far between and should be latched onto if they are within your vicinity.

In conclusion, the above are just a few indicators to consider when searching for knowledge. While there is potential for abuse and misuse for each indictor mentioned by individuals, be aware that there are far more genuine and good teachers and institutes from which one can benefit.