Choose teachers by faith, not fame
“Good, eloquent speech is not a role model.”
Because eloquence, popularity, and follower counts can conceal misguidance, Muslims must evaluate the teachers and influencers they follow against sound Qur'an and Sunnah and take the Prophet Muhammad as their primary role model.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Warns that impressive but misguided leaders can lead communities astray, using Saint Paul as an example.
- Cites prophetic and Qur'anic warnings about eloquent hypocrites and followers' regret on Judgment Day.
- Provides a screening test for online teachers: their teachers, scholarly recommendations, aqidah, conduct, and spiritual effect.
- Contrasts devotion and moral conduct with entertainment-centered leadership involving dancing, music, and mixed-gender events.
- Closes by urging listeners to change course and follow the Prophet as their example.
In the khateeb's words
“Good, eloquent speech is not a role model. Good English language is not the way that we should judge. Right and wrong.”
“So do, after watching his videos, I have more love for Allah, more love for Deen, more love for Sahaba, more love for our Prophet.”
“So we need to now ask, who are my stars? Who are my leaders? Who am I following? Who am I impressed by?”
For the dinner table
Today the khateeb asked us a simple but serious question: who are we following? He explained that many earlier nations went astray because they followed leaders who were clever and impressive with words but were misguided themselves, and he gave the example of how one persuasive man changed the message of Prophet Isa (alayhi salam). Our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) warned us about eloquent leaders who lead people away from the truth, and the Qur'an describes how, on the Day of Judgment, followers will blame the leaders who misled them, when regret will no longer help. The khateeb reminded us that lots of followers, views, humor or good speaking do not make someone a good role model. Instead, we should ask who taught them, whether trustworthy scholars recommend them, whether their beliefs and actions are sound, and most of all whether listening to them makes us love Allah, the Prophet and our deen more. Our best example is always the Prophet (SAW), so we should choose the people we watch and listen to carefully.
- Who is someone you look up to, and does following them bring you closer to Allah?
- If a YouTuber or influencer has millions of followers, does that mean they are right? Why or why not?
- After you watch or listen to someone, how can you tell if it made your faith stronger or weaker?
More on Seeking knowledge
IMAN Center · Kirkland, WA · Sep 19, 2026Knowledge matters only when it changes us“Sometimes the problem is knowledge without action.”
Daar-Ul-Islam · Ballwin, MO · Oct 3, 2026The first revelation calls us to learn and serve“Before any type of great transformation occurs outwardly, there must be deep reflection inwardly.”
CCIL-KBW · Laval, QC · Sep 26, 2026Protect your heart from information overload“Faire confiance à Allah ne signifie pas rester sans rien faire.”