I Find Difficulty in Acting According to My Knowledge. What Can I Do?
Answered by Imam Yama Niazi
Question
I am listening and learning but finding it difficult to practice. How can I embody what I am learning and benefit from my studies?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate
Dear questioner, may Allah bless you and increase you in good.
Learning Sacred Knowledge
Know that learning sacred knowledge is from the greatest of all good deeds. Do not let the devil trick you from this great deed by making you think that the lack of embodiment of the teachings makes you unworthy.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whomever Allah wishes good for, He grants understanding of religion.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
Caution and Warning
There is no doubt that we should fear Allah and try our best to embody what we learn. However, when we fail, we need to be able to bounce back strong. Do not let the sin deter you from the good you were doing. Keep at it once again. Each time you fail and repent, try harder and harder until you get over that hurdle. That is the positive attitude you need. But realize that only Allah can help us, so only rely on Him for help.
Allah says in the Quran, “But We shall be sure to guide to Our ways those who strive hard for Our cause: God is with those who do good.” [Quran, 29:69]
The scholars of tafsir mention that one of the meanings related from Fudayl ibn Iyad interpreting this verse to mean, ‘those who strive to learn knowledge, Allah will ease for them the path to apply it.’ [Tafsir al-Baghawi]
If we strive and keep learning, we will get there, insha’Allah.
Dua/ Supplication
Implore Allah Most High for success in your learning and protection from going astray.
It was narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn Amr that:
“The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) used to seek refuge (with Allah) from four things:
- From knowledge that is of no benefit,
- from a heart that does not feel humble,
- from a supplication that is not heard, and
- a soul that is never satisfied.” [Nasai]
You can use the following dua:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لاَ يُسْمَعُ
“O Allah, I seek refuge with You from knowledge that is of no benefit, a heart that is not humble, a soul that is not satisfied, and a supplication that is not heard.” [Nasai]
Conclusion
Don’t give up on your hard work and studies! If you continue and apply as much as you can, you will by Allah’s help get there. The most important factor is company. Try to stay with the righteous and surround yourself with good Muslims.
And Allah knows best.
[Imam] Yama Niazi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Imam Yama Niazi has studied with local scholars in the USA for a number of years which culminated in him becoming an imam of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara for 8 years. He served the community by teaching and leading prayers. In 2015 he founded “ the blessed tree “ a nonprofit specifically for bridging gaps between the Muslim community and others. He has spoken on many Muslim platforms throughout the USA and Canada and conducted programs in local communities in North America. He is an instructor at SeekersGuidance.
