Assalamu 'Alaikum,
At the Iocal Masjid, which is the only masjid in the area, myself and
other brothers try to educate the members of the community by have lectures. Since we are
not extremely knowledgeable, we basicly read from the various works of the shaikhs.
The leadership(Imaam and President) do not do anything to educate the
muslims here, and when we try to hold our little classes, they get angry.
We basically read directly from the books with minimum comments. The
books are from those Shaikhs who adhere to the principles of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Juma'ah(Insh
Allaah).
My question is, are we wrong in our methods and What is your advice on
dealing with the situation where the leadership opposes Authentic Education of the
community?
Jazzakallaahu Khairun
May Allaah reward you for the efforts you are making to fulfil the duty of teaching your Muslim brothers. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Allaah and the angels, and even the ant in its nest and the whale in the sea will pray for the one who teaches people good things.
(Reported by al-Tabaraani from Abu Umaamah; see Saheeh al-Jaami, 1838). Your reading to the people from the books of the scholars is very good for you and for them, so keep doing that. What we advise is that a person should not speak about things of which he has no knowledge, either by commenting on the book or by answering questions. If he does not know something, he should say, Allaah knows best. He should also avoid speaking about topics he is unsure of, and should stick to things he is certain about. You are filling an important gap in the Muslim community, and for every good deed to which you call and guide others sincerely for the sake of Allaah you will receive a reward for dawah and teaching others, as well as a reward equivalent to that of those who act upon what they have learned from you, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Whoever calls others to right guidance will have a reward like the rewards of those who follow it, without it detracting in the least from their rewards. (Reported by Muslim, 4831). Remind your imaam of his duties as much as you can. We ask Allaah to help us and you to obey Him and to do that which pleases Him. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.