What Is the Ruling on Protesting against Ideologies Contrary to Islam in Western Countries?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught us to stand up for justice and the truth and not become contented with prevalent evil. He (Allah bless him and give him peace) also taught the use of wisdom in proselytising Islam.

Therefore, we (Muslim men and women) should exhaust all peaceful means, especially in Western countries, to counter evil and spread the truth while observing the rules and decorum of Islam, and Allah knows best.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand [physically take action – peacefully]; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue [speak out against it]; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart [feel discontented about the situation] — and that is the weakest of faith.” [Muslim]

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.

[Mawlana] Irshaad Sedick

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar, Shaykh Taha Karaan. 

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.