SET YOUR PRIORITIES!

In our conversation, I expressed to a brother that my youngest sibling, who is 12 years old and significantly younger than me, possesses knowledge in Islamic jurisprudence, basic fiqh, tajweed, and has memorized 20 chapters of the Quran, along with a rudimentary understanding of seerah and Quranic history. In contrast, I pointed out that there are individuals of my age or older who prioritize Islamic history to the exclusion of basic Islamic knowledge.

I argued that if, hypothetically, my brother and these individuals were to relocate to another part of the world, my brother would be capable of teaching the Quran with tajweed, navigating daily life fiqh without confusion, and leading Salah. On the other hand, those solely focused on history might only boast about their historical knowledge.

I further asserted that even if my brother remains in his current state (and may he improve, insha Allah), he would not be considered sinful. However, the latter group, despite extensive reading on their preferred subject, would be held accountable in the sight of Allah on the Day of Judgment for neglecting obligatory knowledge for every adult man.

Hazrat Qari Tayyib, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

"It is not necessary for everyone to become a scholar, but it is essential for everyone to become a devout person. To become devout, one needs sufficient knowledge to correct our daily actions."

Source: Khutbat Hakim al-Islam, Volume 1, Page 187