What is Islamic knowledge?

There is much to learn and explore in Islam. It is a wide area where you encounter different things. Islam deals with matters of worship, way of life, sciences, family and so much more.

As a result, it may not be immediately possible to know exactly where to start. It is often not very clear how to research the various Islamic topics and what to pay attention to when acquiring knowledge.

You do not have to be a student of an institute to gain Islamic knowledge. With the available information you are already well on your way. You do have to be careful what you do and do not accept, because the internet is also full of untruths.

Where to start in gaining Islamic knowledge

You have decided to gain Islamic knowledge but do not know where to start. This is a common problem. Islam deals with different topics, so where should one start?

Because Islam consists of two main parts (Aqeedah and Fiqh), it is easier to start the research. Do you want to know more about the essence of Islam? Then you may want to dive into the subject of Aqeedah. If you want to know more about jurispudence and lifestyle, then Fiqh is the subject you should learn more about.

Basic Foundations of Islam (Aqeedah)

As a beginner it is advised to start with the basics of Islam. What Islam essentially entails and what the basic foundations are. There are several basic foundations in Islam. For example, consider Tawheed, the six pillars of Iman and the five pillars of Islam.

It is important to fully master these basic foundations. These issues are also essential to be able to call yourself a Muslim. Check yourself if you fully apply and master these matters.

So as a beginner you first look at the matters of Aqeedah (creed). This is essential to know.

Regulations and way of life (Fiqh)

After acquiring Aqeedah knowledge, the beginner can commit himself to gain Fiqh (jurisprudence) knowledge.

Within Fiqh you learn the rulings and regulations of different matters including worship, ablution and others. It also deals with the lifestyle of a Muslim.

You will learn in it how to perform the prayer, what makes ablution invalid, how to perform Hajj and much more. It also concerns information about what is allowed (halal) and forbidden (haram) in Islam.

Fiqh is taught through the schools of jurispudence (madhabs). These include schools of scholars such as Malik ibn Anas, Muhammad ibn Idris Al-Shafi'i, Sufyan al-Thawri, Awza'ee, and Ahmad ibn Hanbal.

How best to acquire Islamic knowledge

Now the question is how to acquire Islamic knowledge. Where do you go for information about Islam? Is the internet a good resource?

Unfortunately, there are not many English websites where you can go to gain knowledge. It is useful to read several books about Islam, but one should remain critical.

Our website shares about different topics that you can get a lot out of. For example, think of things like where Allah is, or if the Niqab is obligatory or how the Muslim deals with the leader.

View Islamic Articles

The internet is full of articles spreading Islamic knowledge. However, it is important to remain critical when using the internet.

There are plenty of claims that are often not substantiated with evidences. You should always follow the Islamic sources, for that is the truth.

We share various Islamic topics on our website that you can get a lot out of. The articles we write are always substantiated with verses from the Quran and sayings of the Prophet (ﷺ), according to the interpretation of the pious predecessors.

Books of the pious predecessors

Islamic knowledge stems from the Quran, the authentic Ahadith and the interpretations of the Salaf Saliheen.

So it is important that when you want to acquire knowledge, you refer it back to the first Muslim scholars.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The best people are of my generation, and then those who will come after them (the next generation), and then those who will come after them (ie, the next generation).” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6429]

Nowadays you can find a book for almost every subject. In order to gain correct Islamic knowledge, you must take it from pious predecessors.

The downside is that the books of pious predecessors (Salaf Saliheen) are not translated enough. So you need to understand Arabic in order for these books to be useful to you.

Gradually, translated versions of books written by Salaf Saliheen are emerging. For example, books by Ibn Abi Dunyah, Abdullah Ibn Ahmad and others are being translated today.

It is also possible to read books by others, but we advise you to look for the evidence. Books have been written about marriage, what the Hijab is about, what the code of conduct is and more.

Ask questions

One of the best ways to gain Islamic knowledge is to ask questions. You can now turn to people who will answer your question. Be careful where you take this from, because there is plenty of misinformation.

We are open to various questions about Islam. For example, you can reach us via our live chat, but also via our contact page.

What you should pay attention to when acquiring Islamic knowledge

It is important to focus on information that is correct. However, it is difficult to know exactly where you can always find this. Unfortunately, such resources do not exist, because everyone makes mistakes. It is therefore important to focus on the verses of the Quran and the Sunnah, according to the understanding of the Salaf Saliheen.

During your path to knowledge you will find several obstacles. The sources will not always be given. You deal with this by holding back from accepting information that you do not know the evidences about.

Avoid the pitfalls:
  • Stay critical about the information you get and do not believe everything you read or hear
  • Do not look at the statuses of certain people, but look at their argument and evidence
  • No one is perfect, including the various articles that share about Islam. Make sure you always search for the sources yourself when they are not given
  • Beware of beautiful promises and sweet words. Follow the correct interpretation of Islam, which can only be found through the understanding of the Salaf Saliheen (pious predecessors)
  • Follow the Fitrah that Allah has created in every human being. The basic foundation of Tawheed is closely related to the Fitrah, so do not ignore it
  • Do not look where the majority of people are on as the number is not an indication of truth

Who is reliable?

To gain knowledge about Islam you need to know who is trustworthy. There are plenty of people who claim to be on the correct path and have the correct interpretation. So how do you deal with that?

The reality today is that there are many sects that all have something to say. So it is advised to stick to how it was originally and not to occupy yourself with what the people of today are saying.

You will find the original way of Islam in the early Muslim scholars, because they have the correct creed, interpretation and understanding.

The first Muslim scholars lived during the first three generations of Islam, also known as the golden ages of Islam. They are the companions, the students of the companions and the direct followers of those students.

Trusted Scholars:
  • All Companions (Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman, 'Ali, Mu'awiyyah, Ibn 'Abbas, Ibn Mas'oud and many others, radiyAllahu 'anhuma)
  • All Tabi'un (Hasan Al-Basri, Mujahid, Qatada, Al-Zuhri, Muhammad ibn Sirin, Al-Sha'bi and many others)
  • All Atba Tabi'un (Malik ibn Anas, Layth ibn Sa'd, Awza'ee, Sufyan al-Thawri, Sufyan ibn 'Uyaynah, Muhammad ibn Idris Al-Shafi'i, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Muhammad ibn Isma'il al- Bukhari, Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj and many others)
Abu Athari

Abu Athari writes about basic principles within Islam. He uses his critical and well-researched way to spread knowledge of the first three Muslim generations.

Questions about Islam?

Do you have questions that came to mind while reading our pages? Or do you have general questions that you would like an answer to? We answer you within 48 hours.

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