Omar Suleiman - Being Sincere on the path of Knowledge

About this lecture

In this heartfelt advice session hosted by the Islamic Online University (IOU), Sheikh Omar Suleiman addresses students of Islamic knowledge on the crucial topic of sincerity in the pursuit of learning. Drawing on a hadith of Ibn Mas'ud about three destructive ways of seeking knowledge, Sheikh Omar warns against riya' (showing off), kibr (arrogance), and hasad (envy), and offers practical steps for purifying one's intentions — including studying without seeking recognition, applying knowledge before preaching it, and avoiding argumentation for its own sake. The session concludes with an extended Q&A covering procrastination, finding a righteous teacher, the effect of sins on memory, and how to move forward after years on the wrong path.