Should a Layman Feel Shy or Hesitant to Ask Questions in Islam?
Question
Should a layman feel shy when he asks questions?
Sometimes I refrain from asking questions because I think they are stupid or pointless.
Other times the matter is somewhat prude.
And finally, sometimes I refrain from asking questions because I feel as if I would be bothering the imam or mufti as I had already asked them many questions.
Are these concerns valid? How should we approach them?
JazakAllahu khayran.
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala rasulillah, wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in.
1. The Virtue of Asking Questions
Seeking knowledge and clarification in religion is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of sincerity and humility.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The cure for ignorance is to ask.”
(Narrated by Abu Dawud and others)
And Allah says:
فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
“So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.”
(Surat al-Anbiya 21:7)
This verse establishes a duty for the Muslim not merely permission to ask scholars when unsure. It is part of preserving one’s faith and acting upon sound knowledge.
2. Shyness in Seeking Knowledge
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Verily, knowledge will not be attained by one who is shy or arrogant.”
(Bayhaqi, Shu‘ab al-Iman)
Here, the Prophet ﷺ defined false shyness the kind that prevents someone from asking as an obstacle to understanding.
True modesty (haya’) is a virtue, but when it leads to ignorance or error, it becomes blameworthy.
Even the female companions known for their modesty asked the Prophet ﷺ detailed and sensitive questions. ʿAʾishah (ra) praised them, saying:
“How excellent are the women of the Ansar; their shyness did not prevent them from seeking understanding in religion.”
(Bukhari)
Thus, questions about private or delicate topics are permitted and even praiseworthy when asked with proper etiquette.
3. Fearing to Burden the Scholar
It is praiseworthy to show respect and consideration for a scholar’s time. However, one should not abandon necessary questions for fear of “bothering” the imam.
Scholars are inheritors of the Prophets their duty is to teach and guide.
The usul principle here applies:
ما لا يتم الواجب إلا به فهو واجب
“Whatever is necessary to fulfill an obligation becomes itself obligatory.”
Understanding your religion correctly is an obligation, and asking questions is often the only way to achieve that. Therefore, it is a duty when knowledge cannot be reached otherwise.
And Allah knows best.