✿ Addressing Classmates’ Biases and Aversion to Religion ✿
What should one do if a classmate starts perceiving them as “religious” merely because they try to practice or speak about Islamic teachings, and as a result, forms a negative opinion about religion due to our personal weaknesses or immaturity? Furthermore, how should one advise someone who becomes completely averse to religion due to religious differences or social prejudices—to the extent that they begin to doubt the truth of Allah and Islam—especially when they are unwilling to listen to anything we say?
First and foremost, it is essential to clearly explain to such individuals that we are not scholars, but only striving to act according to the limited knowledge we possess. We should not be regarded as role models, for the only true role model is Muḥammad Rasūlullāh ﷺ.
Such individuals should also be advised to act with wisdom and caution, and not evaluate the religion based on people's behaviors. A common issue in our society is that people attempt to understand and practice Islam based on their own interpretations, and when they encounter challenges or contradictions, they begin to seek excuses to distance themselves from religion.
Allah Ta‘ala states:
وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنۡ يَّعۡبُدُ اللّٰهَ عَلٰى حَرۡفٍ
(Surah Al-Ḥajj: 11)
"And among people is he who worships Allah on the edge [i.e., with doubt or hesitation]."
In this verse, Allah Ta‘ala speaks of the hypocrites who worship Allah with conditional commitment, standing at the edge—always ready to turn away at the first difficulty. This is exactly the state of those who use religious issues as excuses and begin to distance themselves from religion. In the end, they only harm themselves.
✔ It is incumbent upon us to present Islam correctly and sincerely.
✔ We must improve our character and behavior so that no one forms a negative perception of Islam due to our personal shortcomings.
✔ However, it is equally important to understand that guidance is not in our hands—it is solely in the Will of Allah Ta‘ala.
❀ Our duty is to make sincere efforts, but the reality is that placing guidance in someone's heart is beyond our control.
Rather than reacting to people's biases or despairing over their aversion, we must remain firm, sincere, and humble in our religious efforts. We must exemplify the teachings of Islam with dignity—without claiming authority or perfection—and continue to convey the message with wisdom, patience, and respect.
❖ Question:
What should one do if a classmate starts perceiving them as “religious” merely because they try to practice or speak about Islamic teachings, and as a result, forms a negative opinion about religion due to our personal weaknesses or immaturity? Furthermore, how should one advise someone who becomes completely averse to religion due to religious differences or social prejudices—to the extent that they begin to doubt the truth of Allah and Islam—especially when they are unwilling to listen to anything we say?
❖ Answer by Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakeel Nasir حفظه الله:
① Clarify One’s Position with Humility
First and foremost, it is essential to clearly explain to such individuals that we are not scholars, but only striving to act according to the limited knowledge we possess. We should not be regarded as role models, for the only true role model is Muḥammad Rasūlullāh ﷺ.
② Evaluating Religion Based on People is Misguided
Such individuals should also be advised to act with wisdom and caution, and not evaluate the religion based on people's behaviors. A common issue in our society is that people attempt to understand and practice Islam based on their own interpretations, and when they encounter challenges or contradictions, they begin to seek excuses to distance themselves from religion.
❖ In Light of the Qur'an
Allah Ta‘ala states:
وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنۡ يَّعۡبُدُ اللّٰهَ عَلٰى حَرۡفٍ
(Surah Al-Ḥajj: 11)
"And among people is he who worships Allah on the edge [i.e., with doubt or hesitation]."
In this verse, Allah Ta‘ala speaks of the hypocrites who worship Allah with conditional commitment, standing at the edge—always ready to turn away at the first difficulty. This is exactly the state of those who use religious issues as excuses and begin to distance themselves from religion. In the end, they only harm themselves.
❖ Our Responsibility and Conduct
✔ It is incumbent upon us to present Islam correctly and sincerely.
✔ We must improve our character and behavior so that no one forms a negative perception of Islam due to our personal shortcomings.
✔ However, it is equally important to understand that guidance is not in our hands—it is solely in the Will of Allah Ta‘ala.
❀ Our duty is to make sincere efforts, but the reality is that placing guidance in someone's heart is beyond our control.
✦ Conclusion:
Rather than reacting to people's biases or despairing over their aversion, we must remain firm, sincere, and humble in our religious efforts. We must exemplify the teachings of Islam with dignity—without claiming authority or perfection—and continue to convey the message with wisdom, patience, and respect.
