A Call to Knowledge, Beyond Identity and Culture
Islam is not a religion of ethnicity.
It is not bound to a race, tribe, or language. Islam is not something you simply inherit by birth or register your name into. One is not a true Muslim just because they are born into a Muslim family, bear a Muslim name, or dress a certain way.
Islam is submission to Allah — with heart, knowledge, and action.
To be Muslim is not just to say “La ilaha illallah” with the tongue, but to live its meaning through understanding, practice, and obedience. And that requires learning. Because without knowledge, we cannot follow the right path. And without following the right path, we cannot hope for salvation or Paradise.
A Muslim By Name — or a Muslim By Deeds?
Dear brothers and sisters,
We all know that simply calling ourselves Muslims, greeting others with Assalamu Alaikum, having names like Abdul Kareem or Ayesha, wearing Islamic clothing, growing a beard, or fasting in Ramadan — these alone do not make us true believers.
A real Muslim is one who knows what Allah wants from them — and acts accordingly. A Muslim who lives by the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, not just in worship, but in all aspects of life.
This cannot happen without seeking knowledge. And seeking knowledge is not optional — it is an obligation.
The Prophet ﷺ Made It Clear
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”
(Ibn Majah)
“Whoever walks a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise.”
(Muslim)
“Whoever sets out to seek knowledge, he is in the path of Allah until he returns.”
(Tirmidhi)
What Knowledge Must Every Muslim Learn?
Every Muslim — man or woman, young or old — must learn the necessary knowledge to live as a Muslim. This includes:
- How to pray correctly and with sincerity
- How to purify oneself (wudu, ghusl, etc.)
- What is halal and haram in daily life
- How to earn and spend wealth lawfully
- How to fulfill one’s obligations to others
- How to interact justly with non-Muslims and the wider society
- How to behave on the internet — using it for good, avoiding haram, protecting one’s modesty, and not harming others
- How to raise children in faith and character
- How to treat one’s parents with respect, care, and service
- How to maintain a marriage and family with justice, love, and mercy
- How to give rights to neighbors, coworkers, and society
- How to stay away from major sins like lying, backbiting, cheating, envy, and arrogance
- How to build a relationship with Allah — through salah, du‘a, Qur’an, dhikr, and taqwa
Islam is not just a religion of rituals — it is a complete way of life. To live it, we must know it. And to know it, we must seek knowledge intentionally.
Neglecting Knowledge is Not an Excuse
A person who lives their life without learning the basics of Islam is not just lazy — they are putting their soul at risk. And parents who neglect their children’s Islamic upbringing are held accountable before Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ warned:
“Whoever is asked something of religious knowledge and conceals it will be bridled with a bridle of fire on the Day of Judgment.”
(Tirmidhi)
Just like earning money or learning skills is necessary for worldly survival, learning deen is essential for eternal survival.
What Should We Do?
Here’s what every Muslim must begin doing:
✅ Make time to study the basics of Islam — even a few minutes a day
✅ Read simple, authentic Islamic books or attend classes in your area or online
✅ Teach your family what you learn
✅ Be conscious of what you consume online, and align your digital habits with Islamic values
✅ Start with yourself, but don’t stop there — raise a home where Islam is lived, not just named
In Conclusion
Being born in a Muslim family is a blessing — but it is not a guarantee of success in the Hereafter. Only those who live Islam and die upon it will succeed.
The path to Paradise is not walked by names or appearances. It is walked by seeking knowledge, acting upon it, and staying sincere.
Let us rise — not just as Muslims by name, but Muslims by heart, mind, and practice. Let us become the Ummah that learns, lives, and shares Islam — as Allah intended.
“And say, My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”
(Surah Ta-Ha, 20:114)