Have you ever watched someone struggle to do something you find easy? Perhaps a person was learning how to recite the Qur’an, perform salah correctly, speak in public, or understand an Islamic teaching.
Instead of helping them, someone laughed, made a hurtful comment, or treated them as if they were less important.
Sadly, this happens in many places, including Muslim communities. Sometimes, people who have gained knowledge or developed certain skills begin to look down on those who are still learning.
But *being ahead of someone in knowledge does not make you more valuable as a human being.*
Islam encourages us to seek knowledge, but it also teaches humility, mercy, and respect for others.
EVERYONE STARTS SOMEWHERE
Nobody is born knowing everything.
The person who now recites the Qur’an beautifully may once have struggled to pronounce its letters. The student who answers questions confidently may once have been afraid to speak. The Muslim who understands a religious ruling today may once have needed someone to explain its basics.
Learning is a journey, and people progress at different speeds.
Some people grow up in homes where Islamic knowledge is taught from childhood. Others may have little access to religious education. Some may be returning to Islam after years of distance, while others may be trying to correct mistakes they were never taught to recognize.
You cannot always see the circumstances behind someone’s level of knowledge.
Instead of mocking people who are still learning, become the kind of person who makes learning easier for them.
WHAT DOES THE QUR’AN SAY ABOUT LOOKING DOWN ON OTHERS?
Allah warns believers against mocking and ridiculing one another.
He says:
“Let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them.”— Qur’an 49:11
This verse gives us an important reminder: the person we look down on may be better than us in the sight of Allah.
You may know more Qur’an than someone else, but you do not know the full condition of their heart. You may understand certain Islamic rulings, but you do not know every sincere effort they make privately.
Knowledge should make us more conscious of our responsibilities, not more convinced of our superiority.
The more we learn about Islam, the more we should recognize the importance of humility, good character, and treating people with dignity.
KNOWLEDGE SHOULD MAKE YOU HUMBLE
Imagine a new Muslim who is trying to learn how to pray. They make mistakes while performing the movements or struggle to remember what to recite.
If you laugh at them, you may discourage them from learning. They might become embarrassed, avoid praying in public, or feel unwelcome in the Muslim community.
Now imagine responding differently.
You patiently explain what they need to know, demonstrate the steps, and encourage them to continue learning.
Which response is more likely to help them grow?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was sent as a mercy to the worlds. His example reminds us that teaching people should not be separated from compassion and good character.
The Prophet also said:
*“Allah is gentle and loves gentleness.”*
— Sahih Muslim 2593
Gentleness does not mean ignoring the truth or pretending that mistakes do not matter. It means correcting people in a way that considers their dignity and helps them understand.
When someone makes a mistake, the goal should be to help them improve, not to humiliate them.
CORRECT PEOPLE WITHOUT DESTROYING THEIR CONFIDENCE
There may be times when you need to correct another person’s misunderstanding, especially when it concerns an important Islamic teaching.
However, there is a difference between correcting someone and embarrassing them.
Consider these two responses:
*Hurtful response:* “How can you not know this? Are you even a Muslim?”
*Helpful response:* “It’s okay to ask questions. Let me explain what I know, and we can verify the details together.”
The first response attacks the person. The second creates an opportunity to learn.
If the matter is complicated or you are unsure of the correct ruling, do not pretend to know everything. Consult a qualified scholar or a reliable source.
Remember that you can be firm about the truth without being cruel to the person who needs guidance.
DO NOT TURN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE INTO A COMPETITION
Islamic knowledge is not a trophy to display so that others will admire you.
Knowing many surahs, memorizing hadith, attending classes, or understanding Arabic can be valuable achievements. However, these achievements should encourage you to practice what you learn and serve others.
Ask yourself:
* Do I use my knowledge to help people or embarrass them?
* Am I patient when someone asks a basic question?
* Do I admit when I do not know something?
* Am I willing to learn from someone younger or less experienced than me?
* Does my knowledge improve my character?
These questions can help you examine your intentions.
You should be proud of your progress in the sense of being grateful for the opportunity to learn, but never allow that progress to become an excuse for arrogance.
HOW CAN WE SUPPORT PEOPLE WHO ARE STILL LEARNING?
*1. Encourage their efforts.* Acknowledge the courage it takes to ask questions or begin learning something new.
*2. Explain without mocking.* If someone misunderstands something, correct the misunderstanding respectfully.
*3. Be patient with repeated questions.* People do not all understand things at the same speed. Repetition may be part of their learning process.
*4. Recommend reliable learning resources.* Help them find trustworthy teachers, Islamic classes, or authentic educational materials.
*5. Remember your own journey.* Think about the people who helped you learn and the mistakes you made along the way. Let that memory make you more compassionate.
*6. Avoid acting as if you know everything.* It is perfectly acceptable to say, “I don’t know the answer, but let’s find out from someone qualified.”
YOUR CHARACTER CAN HELP SOMEONE STAY ON THE RIGHT PATH
Sometimes, people remember how they were treated when they first tried to learn about Islam.
A kind teacher, a patient friend, or a welcoming Muslim community can make a person feel encouraged to continue. On the other hand, humiliation can make learning feel frightening.
You may never know how much your patience means to someone who is struggling.
You do not need to know everything to help another person. Sometimes, listening, offering encouragement, or guiding them toward the right teacher is enough.
HEART CHECK
Never forget that you were once a beginner at something.
If Allah has blessed you with knowledge, use it to benefit others. If you see someone struggling, help them instead of making them feel small. If you discover that you have been arrogant, acknowledge it and work on changing your attitude.
The goal is not to be the Muslim who makes others feel ignorant. The goal is to become a Muslim whose knowledge, humility, and character encourage others to grow closer to Allah.
May Allah increase us in beneficial knowledge, protect our hearts from arrogance, and make us a source of encouragement for those who are still learning. Ameen.
3SIXTYISLAM
At 3SixtyIslam, we believe Islamic knowledge should reach every generation. From Hajj and Umrah guidance to practical Islamic lessons for everyday life, our goal is to help Muslims learn, grow and strengthen their connection with Islam.
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