My message in this article is: do not be a source of fitna, but be a support for faith and belief, and be an inspiring example for a humanitarian message. As you know, with the advent of the blessed month of Ramadan, spirituality is renewed and the spirits of the worshipers rise in obedience and devotion. Scholars and sheikhs take the lead in calling, guiding, and instructing people. However, with the great responsibility placed upon them, the question remains: does a scholar only suffice with advice and guidance? Or should he be a practical example of truthfulness, justice, generosity, and righteous deeds?

Scholars in Ramadan.. A responsibility that transcends the pulpit

No one can deny the pivotal role of scholars in guiding people, but this role is not limited to delivering lessons and sermons; it extends to the practical application of what they call for. Scholars are the measure of truth, and they are the reference upon which people rely to distinguish right from wrong.

Therefore, it is not permissible for a scholar to be just a preacher; rather, he should be a model of true commitment. People today need scholars who live among them, share their pains, and stand by them in their needs, instead of having the relationship between them and the scholars confined to the pulpits of mosques and screens.

Do not legitimize what is forbidden out of flattery or ignorance… and do not make religion a worldly trade!

The responsibility of scholars is not only to spread knowledge, but also to preserve the religion from distortion and manipulation. It is not permissible to distort Islamic rulings or conceal the truth to please people, to maintain social standing, or to seek the approval of influential figures. Allah, the Most High, warned against those who mix truth with falsehood, saying:
“AND DO NOT CONCEAL THE TRUTH WHILE YOU KNEW [IT]” (Al-Baqarah: 42).

A scholar who takes into account people's desires and flatters them at the expense of religion, or uses his knowledge to achieve material gains, exposes himself to severe accountability on the Day of Resurrection. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever hides knowledge, Allah will bridle him with a bridle of fire on the Day of Resurrection” (Narrated by Ibn Majah).

Therefore, religion should not be a means of livelihood or achieving social status; rather, it should be a message dedicated solely to the face of Allah. A true scholar does not compromise on principles, does not sell his religion for the worldly gains of others, and speaks only what pleases Allah, not what pleases those with interests.

The practical example.. The greatest lesson presented to people

The Prophet ﷺ and the noble companions were the greatest example of applying knowledge before teaching it. The Prophet ﷺ was not just a preacher in words, but lived among the people, enduring the hardships of life like them, being hungry with them, giving charity from the little he had, and embodying justice in every situation. Likewise, the righteous scholars throughout history lived their knowledge before spreading it.

How much more powerful would a scholar's impact be if he were the first to check on the poor, the first to participate in communal iftar meals, the first to visit hospitals, and the first to address the social issues of people? Then, knowledge would shine as a light guiding hearts rather than just words said and forgotten.

The call to action begins with the scholars themselves

Therefore, if scholars are calling people to generosity and giving, they themselves should be the first to practice that. If they urge ethics, they should be a living model of it. And if they advocate for justice, they should be the first to uphold it in their situations and principles. It is not wise for advice to be great, but actions do not reflect it.

A scholar who lives among the people, feels their suffering, and works for their needs will have a greater impact than hundreds of lectures and lessons. Religion is not just words spoken in mosques but actions that build and elevate the community.

Ramadan.. An opportunity for scholars to lead change

As you know, Ramadan is not just a season for sermons, speeches, and prayers, and stirring people's emotions to collect as many donations as possible, with no one knowing where they go or how they are spent. It is an opportunity for scholars and sheikhs to reconsider their roles in society. Instead of discussing asceticism, they should embody it. Alongside reminding others of the virtue of charity, they should all prioritize being the first to give. And instead of theorizing about ethics, they should be the first to embody it.

The true scholar is the one who embodies the teachings of Islam before speaking them, making his behavior in both public and private a model to follow before directing people towards it. People are more affected by actions than by words.

In conclusion, and my affair is to Allah, I say as I started this article: O noble sheikhs and scholars, and I do not praise anyone among you, blessed Ramadan to you, may Allah make it a month of goodness and blessing for you and for the entire Arab and Islamic nation. But remember that Ramadan is not just a season for sermons, advice, and collecting donations, some of which become a sword in unethical conflicts, but rather an opportunity for you to be a model to follow and a true compass for facing challenges in the diaspora, a light that illuminates the path for people, and an action that translates knowledge into reality.

Do not legitimize what is forbidden to please people, nor make religion a worldly trade within the framework of competing and conflicting group interests at the expense of the essence of belief, human spirit, and lenient doctrinal principles. Be a role model through virtuous action before words. As Imam Malik said: “Knowledge is not through the abundance of narration, but rather it is a light that Allah casts into the heart.” May this Ramadan be the beginning of a new model of scholars who fear Allah in themselves and in their communities, scholars who believe that they are servants of the humanitarian, divine, and doctrinal message, inspiring people through their actions before their words, leaving an indelible impact on their hearts and lives.