Unlike some other Imams and public speakers, it was never my intention to become one, not remotely. Any form of public speaking used to terrify to me. I had great mentors, may Allah reward them, but I was learning just for myself. I started with Sunday schools, youth groups and MSAs; then was gradually invited to local events, always as a substitute speaker. I think for a couple of years I was the most common substitute speaker in the Orange County-Inland Empire area. I was gradually given some leadership role much faster than I could develop my own belief and character. People often think of me better than what I am, and the burden of expectations weighs heavily. What scares me the most is for people to see my sins and shortcomings and as a result, throw away whatever I had taught.

I’m thinking about Sh. Muhammad Al-Buti, someone much bigger and with incredibly more knowledge than myself. Yet, because of his stand regarding the Syrian revolution, people discredited all his knowledge, which is totally unfair. Firstly, God knows he might have an excuse (even if a weak one). Secondly and more importantly, his knowledge is not completely connected to his person or political opinion. It was derived from the divine and prophetic texts, as well as a very sharp mind that could derive and explain some important concepts. That’s why I still think his books are as valuable today as they were before he took that political stand. The same can be said about anyone else. We may hear of some famous da`wah figures taking a political stand different than our own, or even hear of someone deviating or going astray. It does not, and should not, change the value of what we learn from them. Of course, the wrong they did, remains wrong, but the good they offered also remains good. Their wrong doing neither defines them nor erases the good in them.

The companion Hatib bin Abi Balta-ah (R) committed a major act of treason, leaking important information concerning the Prophet’s plan to conquer Makkah. But having participated in Badr earlier, interceded for him and lead the Prophet to forgive him.

No one’s steadfastness is guaranteed permanently in this life, and anyone can be tempted and might go astray. It doesn’t mean what they contributed has to be destroyed. We need to continuously remind ourselves that we must follow principles, not individuals.