Al Wasillah (In The Footsteps Of The Prophet PBUH)

Importance Of Saying 'I Dont Know'

"Oh Abu Dharr! When you are asked of some knowledge you know not of say, "I do not know!" You will be saved of its consequences. Don't make judgment of that which you haven't knowledge."

In an age where information is available at the fingertips, from the trusted Sheikh Google, it is easy to fall into the trap of regarding ourselves as scholars in every field, even if all our knowledge is only from a few Wikipedia searches! This quote advises us to save ourselves from embarrassment by admitting ignorance in such situations.

I was once invited to a faraway place to an Islamic event as a keynote speaker. At the end of the event someone came up to me and asked a religion based question. I cheerfully replied to them and said: "That is a really good question, ma shaa Allah. But my apologies as I do not know the answer. I would like to know the answer too. I would recommend that you ask your local scholar."

At that point I could tell the person was shocked by their facial expressions and then they verbalized their shock by saying: "You seriously don't know the answer to this question! You traveled all the way here and you end up saying I do not know!" (I believe the person thought I was a scholar) So I smiled back and said: "I am sorry. But I really do not know the answer. You are better off having me say "I do not know" than giving you an incorrect answer and ruining things for you and me."

Generally speaking, being put in such situation and not knowing an answer to a question which people expect you to know may be a bit embarrassing to the one being asked. It has happened, countless times, where people guessed answers just so they can avoid such "embarrassment".

Allahu akbar people!

By Allah, this raises his status in our eyes even more! There was NO hesitation! NO "but umm... but I think...." It was a simple plain "I do not know".  

Now surely, Allah, Al-Aleem (The All-Knowledgeable) knew the answer. But my intention for writing this article isn't for you to focus on the response since it is a lengthy topic that requires another article to explain. The point that I wanted to share is the fact that Prophet Muhammad and Angel Jibreel (May Allah's peace and blessings be upon them) didn't hesitate to say: "I do not know". They knew really well the severe punishment that falls on those who speak without knowledge and the honor brought forth to those who know their limits and remain humble.

So when you are asked a question and don't know the answer ESPECIALLY if it was a religious matter then don't hesitate to say: "I do not know" and follow it with another statement if you wish such as "I will ask for you" as long as you will actually do it though.

Brothers and sisters, we are better off being embarrassed in front of people for not knowing an answer to their question than being embarrassed in front of Allah for giving them an answer without knowledge.

May Allah bless you and me and increase us in beneficial knowledge. Ameen.