The Consequences of Ignorance

✒ Dr. Yasmin M. Abbas

3 October 2026, 0 22 Rabi al-Thani 1448 AH

Today, there is a large section of society that, under the appealing names of “women’s freedom” and “gender equality,” is leading society towards chaos and immorality. At the same time, there are those who spread the misconception that Islam is a religion that oppresses women and gives them no value or respect.

It is essential to understand the foundations of Islam from authentic sources in order to remain firm in one’s faith and convey the message of Islam in the face of those who seek to spread hatred against genuine Muslims who live by Islamic laws and portray Islam as a backward religion. At the same time, it is necessary to think objectively and understand why Islam is subjected to so much criticism, as well as to clearly know the accurate answers to the allegations raised by its opponents.

A Muslim or a non-Muslim can form well-informed views on such matters only by having a proper understanding of Islam, a clear awareness of the current circumstances, and a deep study of the issues that are the subject of controversy.

The majority of believers go through life relying only on the limited knowledge they acquired during their madrasa years. The first thing we need to realise is that religious learning does not end when our madrasa education comes to an end. It is through continuing our studies and carefully assessing the present social environment that we come to understand the need for da‘wah and recognise that it is one of the obligatory responsibilities passed down from the Prophets to the true believers.

Controversies surrounding religious matters often arise when isolated words or expressions are taken out of context and discussed on their own, or when people make disparaging remarks about the religion itself. In many cases, such discussions come from people who have little or no reliable knowledge of the subject or of the religion they are speaking about. This, in turn, can greatly contribute to the deliberate efforts to promote Islamophobia.

It is no surprise that such discussions can hurt Kerala’s secular fabric and create misconceptions among the public. Believers should be able to counter such hidden agendas and misconceptions through the way they live their own lives and through their mature approach to controversial issues.

Discussions and decisions in any field can be meaningful only when those involved speak from a position of sound and reliable knowledge of that field.