Why Do Some Muslims Fear Questions?

Recently, I replied to a post that asked, “What would you do if everything was halal?” I responded with a lighthearted reflection that, to me, revealed something deeper: areas in our faith that we might find difficult. Instead of people seeing it as a chance for self-awareness, I was met with accusations of bid‘ah and causing fitnah. It made me ask — why are so many Muslims quick to attack sincere reflection?

Many of us were raised with a version of Islam that discourages thinking. We were told things like “don’t question,” “just follow the scholars,” and “you’ll go astray if you think too much.” But this is not what Allah teaches us. The Quran is full of commands to reflect, to reason, and to use the intellect He gave us. In Surah An-Nisa (4:82), Allah says: “Do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.” And in Surah Muhammad (47:24), He says: “Will they not then ponder on the Quran? Or are there locks upon their hearts?” These verses make it clear: tadabbur — deep reflection — is not optional. It’s expected. It’s commanded.

But here’s the key: Tadabbur is not the same as tafsir. Tafsir is the science of explaining the Quran with proper context, linguistic knowledge, hadith, and scholarly tools. It requires training and depth, and it's something that should be left to the people of knowledge. Self-reflection, however — thinking about how a verse applies to your life, how it humbles you, or what it stirs inside you — no one has the right to stop you from doing that. Reflection is personal, and it is part of our growth.

In my own life, I’ve had moments where I doubted things. I questioned, I reflected, and I wrestled with uncomfortable thoughts. But I never did it to disprove Allah — I did it because I wanted to understand. And every time, my sincere questioning led me back to Him. That’s the difference. Intention matters. Questioning from a place of arrogance or mockery can misguide. But questioning from a place of sincerity and humility is often what brings you closer to the truth.

So when people throw around terms like bid‘ah at any different thought or question, they’re misusing a serious term. Bid‘ah isn’t about having a unique thought or expressing internal struggle. It’s about inventing new religious practices without basis in the Qur’an or Sunnah. Reflecting on the deen, identifying your weak points, or even asking “Why is this haram?” — that’s not innovation. That’s growth.

I don’t believe in blind obedience to any imam, scholar, or madhhab. I respect knowledge and scholarship, but Allah gave us reasoning for a reason. Scholars help guide us, but our faith is not meant to be outsourced. We are each accountable for our own beliefs and choices. And yes, questioning can become dangerous when it’s rooted in arrogance or the desire to argue — but when it comes from sincerity, it leads to truth. Allah doesn't punish sincere seekers. He guides them.

People who say “just accept without questioning” are contradicting the very foundation of our faith. The Quran constantly pushes us to think, reflect, and understand. Islam is not a religion built on silence and obedience — it's a path built on reflection and conviction. Real faith isn't blind. It comes from looking at the truth, questioning your own heart, and then submitting fully once you've understood.

So no, I won’t stop asking questions. And if someone finds that threatening, maybe the issue isn’t with the question — it’s with the insecurity of their answers.