Tabraze Azam

FREE SABILILLAH PLEAS VS FEE SABILILLAH PLEASE Sometimes people behave as if they are always entitled to religious assistance as and when they need it and at the drop of a hat, so to speak, and without any strings attached whatsoever. They like to appeal to the idea of free sabilillah, a concept which basically means that they should not be charged for accessing knowledge. I guess we have to remind them that it is FEE sabilillah! On a more serious note, we have to respect our scholars and community leaders who work night and day to serve without always being very adequately compensated, and sometimes living on very modest and meagre wages. People often don’t appreciate what they receive on a silver platter, and a lack of willingness to pay or even support religious efforts is really just a sign that a person does not respect religious knowledge and those who work to uphold the tradition. Scholars have every right to charge for almost anything but a basic verbal answer. Let’s strive to truly appreciate them.