In this episode of The Deen Show, Shaykh Zia — a hafiz of the Quran, graduate of a 12-year Islamic studies program, former imam in Manchester, and holder of a PhD from the Graduate Theological Foundation — discusses his book “Silencing the Critics,” written in response to the widespread misinformation and deliberate distortions about Islam propagated by self-proclaimed “experts” on television and the internet.
Why the Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword
Born in Azad Kashmir and raised in England before moving to the United States in 1995, Shaykh Zia channeled his frustration at anti-Islamic rhetoric into a productive, scholarly response. Rather than reacting with anger, he sat down and within six months produced a comprehensive book addressing the most common misconceptions and deliberate misrepresentations of Islam. His approach embodies the Islamic principle that knowledge and wisdom are the most powerful tools for defending the truth.
“Out of sheer frustration at hearing so-called experts running their mouths about Islam on various talk shows, I just sat down one day and decided to do it. Within six months, I had the book ready and published. The pen is mightier than the sword.”
Addressing the Critics with Knowledge
- The book was adopted as part of the curriculum at Mishkat University and used by scholars like Shaykh Omar Suleiman in courses refuting misconceptions about Islam
- Shaykh Zia is qualified to address these critics because he has dedicated his entire life to studying Islam — memorizing the Quran, completing the Alim course, and earning advanced degrees in theology
- He emphasizes that anyone confused by anti-Islamic rhetoric should seek out a knowledgeable Muslim scholar who can answer their questions one by one — all doubts can be eliminated through proper knowledge
- A second edition of the book was in preparation at the time of recording, with additional content addressing newer critics and updated responses to evolving misconceptions
“My advice for anyone confused by what they hear about Islam: go to somebody knowledgeable who can answer every single question you have, one by one. Any doubts you have will be eliminated by a person who has the true knowledge.”
Shaykh Zia’s work demonstrates the Islamic response to hostility and misinformation: not with violence or anger, but with scholarship, patience, and clear articulation of the truth. Every Muslim household should be equipped with resources like this to address the inevitable questions and challenges that arise in a media environment often hostile to Islam.
