Who Has the Right to Speak on Islam?

Aap kis madarsa se faarigh hain? 

By:Khurshid Imam

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The Problem:

In many Muslim communities, a troubling trend exists: whenever someone who hasn’t studied in a traditional Islamic seminary (madarsa) attempts to speak about Islam, especially to address misconceptions, reform blind traditions, or correct misinterpretations, they are immediately shut down with questions like:

“Are you an Alim?”
“Did you study in a Madarsa?”
“Who gave you the right to talk about Islam?”

This often happens not because the speaker said something wrong, but because they’re challenging entrenched narratives—some of which even misrepresent Islam. The religious elite (clergy) then confuse the masses into believing that unless someone holds a formal degree from a religious institution, they are not qualified to speak about Islam—even if they are speaking with evidence from the Quran.

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The Reality:

Let’s be clear: Islam is not the monopoly of madarsa or any religious class.

• The Quran addresses all Muslims:
  "This is a Book We have sent down to you, full of blessing, so that they may ponder its verses and that those of understanding may take heed." (Surah Sad 38:29)

• The Prophet ﷺ said:
  “Convey from me, even if it is one verse.” (Bukhari)

This Hadith does not say: "Only convey if you are an Alim or from a Madarsa." The responsibility to understand and share Islam, with sincerity and accuracy, is upon every Muslim.

• If someone is sharing with evidence, in a humble and respectful tone, and not inventing or twisting the religion—then they have every right to speak.

• Yes, Islam discourages speaking without knowledge, but this applies equally to those with degrees who mislead others for fame, sectarianism, or rigid traditionalism.

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What needs to be questioned:

1. Is the person speaking with reference to Quran?

2. Is the message accurate, or just emotional rhetoric?

3. Are they inviting toward reflection and understanding, or toward blind following and hate?

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Moving Forward:

• Let us respect those who sincerely study Islam, whether in madarsas or outside.

• Let us challenge religious monopoly that seeks to silence others by credentials rather than by truth.

• Let us reclaim our right to connect with the Quran directly—with honesty, humility, and a commitment to learning from authentic sources.

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Islam doesn’t require a certificate to stand for truth. It requires sincerity, understanding, and courage.