Knowledge, Competence and Responsibility Needed on Waz Mahfil Stages

Waz mahfils, or Islamic preaching gatherings, are an important means of religious education, moral guidance and spiritual purification in our society. A qualified Islamic preacher has an important responsibility to explain the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah in simple language and encourage people to pray, fast, practise piety, develop good character and show humanity. However, as waz mahfils become more widespread, an important question arises: should anyone who feels ready to preach Islam be allowed to address the public, or should there be minimum qualification standards for this responsibility?

Waz Is a Religious Trust, Not Just a Speech

When a preacher stands on a pulpit or a mahfil stage and says, “Allah (SWT) the Almighty has said” or “The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has said,” listeners generally accept his words as religious teachings. Therefore, every statement carries a serious responsibility.

Allah (SWT) the Almighty says in the Quran: “So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:43). Therefore, knowledge and competence cannot be overlooked when speaking about religious matters.

Special Care Needed When Quoting the Quran and Hadith

Discussions of Quranic verses and hadith are important parts of waz mahfils. However, misinterpreting a Quranic verse, presenting a weak or fabricated hadith as authentic, or quoting a hadith out of context can mislead listeners.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever tells a lie against me intentionally, then surely let him occupy his seat in Hell-fire.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 110; Sahih Muslim: 3). A preacher should therefore have at least enough knowledge to assess the reliability of hadith and avoid attributing statements to the Prophet (PBUH) without verification.

Basic Knowledge of Arabic and Islamic Studies Is Essential

A basic understanding of Arabic is important for understanding the Quran and hadith. Preachers should also have the necessary knowledge of Islamic beliefs (Aqeedah), jurisprudence (Fiqh), Quranic interpretation (Tafsir), hadith, hadith methodology (Usul al-Hadith), the Prophet’s (PBUH)  biography (Seerah) and Islamic history. No one expects a preacher to be an expert in every subject. However, he must have sufficient knowledge of the topics he discusses and be familiar with reliable sources.

Issuing Fatwas Is Different from Preaching

Questions requiring fatwas or specific rulings under Sharia are sometimes answered from waz mahfil stages. However, issuing fatwas requires specialised knowledge, training and responsibility. A clear guideline could be established: preachers should provide general religious education, while complex Islamic legal questions and fatwas should be referred to recognised muftis or qualified Islamic scholars.

Verification Should Become a Standard Practice

Responsible preachers should follow a proper process when preparing their speeches. They should verify the meanings and interpretations of Quranic verses, check the sources and authenticity of hadith, and consult reliable books before recounting historical events. The claim that “someone said it at a mahfil” cannot be accepted as proof that the information is reliable.

Decorum and Good Manners Are Essential

The purpose of waz is to guide people towards the right path. Preachers should therefore avoid indecent language, personal attacks, mockery, insulting words, unverified allegations and unnecessary provocation. Allah (SWT) the Almighty says: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:125). This verse highlights the importance of wisdom and good manners in religious preaching.

Preachers Should Not Exaggerate to Attract Audiences

The purpose of waz should not be limited to making people laugh, bringing them to tears or stirring up emotions. Emotional appeals can affect people’s hearts, but without sound knowledge, they may cause harm in the long run. A qualified preacher should combine knowledge, evidence, wisdom, good manners, balance and encouragement to practise what Islam teaches.

Ten Proposed Minimum Qualification Standards

With advice from leading Islamic scholars, madrasa education experts and relevant institutions, a set of minimum standards could be introduced. These could include:

1. Acquiring the necessary Islamic education from a recognised institution.
2. Having basic knowledge of the Quran and hadith.
3. Possessing the necessary skills in Arabic.
4. Having basic knowledge of Aqeedah and Fiqh.
5. Understanding the basics of hadith authenticity and sources.
6. Being familiar with reliable books on Tafsir and Seerah.
7. Developing the habit of citing sources when quoting the Quran and hadith.
8. Committing to avoiding fabricated, false and unverified accounts.
9. Being able to use decent, respectful and responsible language.
10. Being willing to consult qualified scholars on complex Islamic legal matters.

The most important consideration is that these standards must not target any particular individual, institution, school of Islamic jurisprudence or ideology. They should be based on knowledge, skills, trustworthiness and the quality of religious discourse.

Consultation and consensus among scholars from different Islamic traditions are also necessary to develop such a system. It should improve the quality of religious preaching rather than create divisions.

Both Freedom and Responsibility in Preaching Must Be Protected

Waz is an important means of conveying Islamic teachings to the public. Unnecessary restrictions on preaching are undesirable, but completely ignoring the need for competence and responsibility is equally inappropriate.

The goal should be not more preaching, but sound and beneficial preaching; not more speakers, but qualified and responsible ones; and not more emotion alone, but emotion combined with knowledge and practice.