Introduction
Islam is not a religion where blind following is encouraged. It is a faith that thrives on knowledge, reasoning, and deep understanding. Every Muslim has the responsibility to seek knowledge and ask questions to gain clarity in their faith. When we stop questioning and thinking critically, the essence of Islam can be lost, leading future generations to follow Islam merely as a tradition rather than a deeply understood belief system.
The Right to Ask Questions
If something in Islam doesn’t make sense to you, it’s not only your right but also your responsibility to ask questions. Seek out those with more knowledge and, if their answer is unsatisfactory, ask again until you understand fully. This approach ensures that your connection to Islam is based on comprehension and belief, not mere cultural adherence.
Asking questions was exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) when he asked Allah how He brings the dead back to life (Qur’an 2:260). Even though he already believed, he asked the question to satisfy his heart. This teaches us that Islam encourages asking questions until our hearts are at peace.
The Dangers of Blind Faith in the Next Generation
One of the worst things that can happen to the Muslim community is when the next generation follows Islam only because their parents did. We see this in many religions, where children drift away from their faith once they are independent of their parents. When children are not taught to understand and think for themselves about Islam, they may practice the faith superficially.
When parents take their children to Jumu’ah, the children go because of parental influence. But when they go to college or move away, they often stop attending because their connection to Islam was never personal or intellectual. This disconnection can lead to religious indifference or even atheism.
Encouraging Critical Thinking in Islamic Education
Islamic education today often focuses on rituals and memorization, but this approach is not enough. Simply learning how to pray, make wudu, or recite the Qur’an without understanding the meanings behind these practices misses the point. We must go beyond teaching children to memorize without thinking.
For example, a child may memorize the Qur’an and lead Taraweeh prayers, but if they haven’t understood the meaning of the verses, they have missed the true value of the Qur’an. They could be reciting verses asking, “Why don’t you think?” while never having thought about those words themselves. This disconnect between memorization and understanding is a tragedy that must be addressed.
The Appeal of Atheism and Science
A significant number of young people are drawn away from religion because they feel other disciplines like science, philosophy, and even atheism encourage critical thinking, while religion does not. This perception is not true for Islam, as the faith is rooted in contemplation and reasoning.
Many Muslims are not taught to engage with their religion intellectually, leaving a vacuum that other ideologies fill. Islam is a religion that demands we think, explore, and question, and this tradition must be revived, especially in today’s world where intellectual curiosity is highly valued.
Conclusion
Islam makes sense, but only when we engage with it intellectually. The responsibility to think, ask questions, and seek knowledge is at the core of the faith. Parents and educators must ensure that the next generation understands why they are Muslim, why they believe in Allah, and why they follow the Qur’an. Blind following is not the way of Islam—critical thinking and understanding are essential to truly living the faith.