When I was younger, I didn't know you aren't suppose to give or answer the Salaam when you're in the bathroom/toilet. So I greeted this new Ustazah in the school bathroom. First she scowled. I thought she didn't hear me so I repeated myself. Then she said "Ish, apa ni bagi salaam dalam bilik air?" I was stunned. And embarassed.
Then, there was this one time when I was younger that I didn't know the names of the Islamic month where we have our fast and Eid. The Ustadz literally laughed in my face.
These two incidents discouraged me from learning anymore (back then) about my religion. The people who were supposed to teach me put me off and I shut myself off to it. I was always too afraid of being embarassed for not knowing that I never asked questions.
I believe that there are no "silly questions".
You can't be arrogant and think everyone knows what you know.
Not everyone knows what you or society say you are "supposed" to know.
Not everyone were/are exposed to the same things that you were exposed to.
Questions, no matter how silly you deem them to be, should be asked.
First to yourself, then you can search for the answer.
If that doesn't work, you should turn to the one who knows.
And to the one who knows, how you convey what you know shouldn't be in a way that makes the person who wants to know feel inferior.
Or feel bad for not knowing and asking in the first place.
We apply this at home, with our Son, Niece and Nephew.
Hopefully when they grow up, they can do the same.
After all, isn't that what Islam teaches us to be as a da'ie?
You spread the knowledge, in the best of ways, methods - never forcefully or arrogantly.
another not so mild obsession
1 week ago
