❀ Is It Permissible to Preach Islam Without Knowledge of Asma al-Rijal? ❀
Source: Fatawa Rashidiyyah, Page 116
❖ Question:
A person who is connected to Islam, studies the Qur’an, its translation and commentary, Sihah Sitta, and other Islamic literature, but does not have knowledge of Arabic grammar (Sarf and Nahw) or the science of Asma al-Rijal, and has an interest in Da‘wah and Tabligh — can such a person invite towards Islam in the light of Tafsir Ibn Kathir and the Sihah Sitta?
Some people argue that a person who does not know the science of Asma al-Rijal may fall under the Hadith:
((من كذب على متعمدا فليتبوا مقعده من النار.))
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
Is this claim correct?
❖ Answer:
Alhamdulillah, was-salatu was-salamu ‘ala Rasulillah, amma ba‘d!
According to the situation described in the question:
◈ Such a person can perform Da‘wah and Tabligh, as knowledge of Asma al-Rijal is not a prerequisite for this.
◈ Neither the Qur’an nor the Hadith has set such a condition for calling towards Islam.
◈ Even a person with limited knowledge may convey the message of Islam.
✿ Evidence from the Qur’an
Allah ﷻ says:
﴿كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ ۗ وَلَوْ ءَامَنَ أَهْلُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ لَكَانَ خَيْرًۭا لَّهُم ۚ مِّنْهُمُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَأَكْثَرُهُمُ ٱلْفَـٰسِقُونَ﴾
(Aal ‘Imran: 110)
Explanation:
◈ Allah ﷻ has declared the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ as the best of nations because it enjoins good and forbids evil.
◈ This excellence was granted due to the presence of Da‘wah and Tabligh in this Ummah.
◈ It is a clear fact that not all members of the Ummah can be scholars.
◈ Most people do not have complete knowledge; rather, many are in ignorance.
◈ The true meaning of Tabligh is to command good and forbid evil.
◈ This responsibility lies on every Muslim, regardless of whether they are a scholar or not.
✿ Evidence from Hadith
Hadith 1:
((عن عبدالله بن عمررضی اللہ عنه ان النبی صلی الله عليه وسلم قال بلغواعنى ولوآية——الخ))
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Ahadith al-Anbiya, Hadith no. 3461)
“Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: Convey from me, even if it is a single verse.”
Hadith 2:
((الاليبلغ الشاهد الغائب اوكماقال عليه السلام.))
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, Hadith no. 4406)
During the Farewell Hajj, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Those present should convey my words to those who are absent.”
Explanation:
◈ Through the great efforts of the Sahabah (RA), Islam spread across the world.
◈ Whenever the Sahabah heard something from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, they would immediately convey it to others without delay.
◈ In today’s time, one of the main reasons for the downfall of Muslims is their negligence in the duty of Da‘wah.
◈ Sadly, those who make even a small effort in Da‘wah are often mocked, which is highly regretful.
✿ Another Qur’anic Evidence
Allah ﷻ says:
﴿وَلْتَكُن مِّنكُمْ أُمَّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى الْخَيْرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ ۚ وَأُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ﴾
(Aal ‘Imran: 104)
“Let there be among you a group who call towards goodness, enjoin good, and forbid evil. They are the successful ones.”
Summary & Conclusion
◈ Knowledge of Asma al-Rijal is not a condition for Da‘wah and Tabligh.
◈ According to the Qur’an and Hadith, even a person with limited knowledge may preach.
◈ Conveying good to others is the responsibility of every Muslim, as clearly mentioned in authentic narrations.
◈ The warning of ((من كذب علی متعمداً…)) applies to those who lie upon the Prophet ﷺ deliberately. One who conveys the truth in accordance with his knowledge does not fall under this warning, as he is spreading truth, not falsehood.
ھذا ما عندی واللہ اعلم بالصواب
