Question:-
Is it permissible to listen to lectures by Dr Yasir Qadhi, Omar Sulaiman, Mufti Menk, Mohammed Hoblos, Nouman Ali Khan and Zakir Naik?
Answer:-
Most of the speakers listed in your query are modernists who enjoy a very liberal outlook on life. Perhaps, all of them have pictures and videos on the internet, which is against the teachings of Shariah, whilst many of them do not even dress in Sunnah attire. It is narrated from Muhammad Bin Sireen Rahimahullah, “Verily this knowledge is Deen, thus you should see from whom you are taking your Deen.” [Saheeh Muslim]
The objective of listening to lectures is to be inspired and ultimately become connected to Allah Ta’ala. We are truly blessed to have a number of righteous, pious Ulama and Mashaaikh, who strictly adhere to the Sunnah of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Through attending and sitting in their gatherings, many have become practicing Muslims. They themselves refrain, and further prohibit their followers, from all such actions that are contrary to Shariah hence, they are worthy of being followed. We, therefore suggest that one listens to the discourses of such luminaries, which are accessible on their websites. If, for some reason, one is unable to listen to their lectures, then reading the books of the pious will also have a positive effect on one. Hadrat Thanvi Rahimahullah states that, if one is unable to do this, then sit in the company of the Muazzin of your locality, from whom you will benefit.
In conclusion, the objective is not to listen to orators whose eloquence you will be entertained by, but to listen to the discourses of the friends of Allah Ta’ala due to which you, too, will become connected to Allah Ta’ala, which is the actual purpose of life.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 06 Dhul Hijjah 1443 / 06 July 2022
