Are lectures beneficial today?
When we examine the Islamic history, we notice that Prophet Muhammad (sawa), never gave long lectures to his community. It was mainly short reminders with questions that led to discussions, which enriched the thoughts of the nation with practical tips to follow in their lives.
The educational method adopted by the Prophet of Islam (sawa), was based on learning by observation and demonstration, which raised a group of educated activists and brave Muslims around him (sawa).
The concept of delivering long lectures, was introduced to the nation after the demise of the holy Prophet (sawa). Take for example, Ka'b AlAhbar, a Jewish scholar who converted to Islam and was given the position of delivering lectures. He adopted the method of narrating stories to the crowd, which was mostly based on Jewish thoughts. This created what is known as the "Israeliyyat" in the knowledge of Hadith, that are usually false or can be viewed as fairytales.
The Arab mentality was based on long stories and fairytales before Islam, so having a similar method delivered to them with an "Islamic coat" attracted many to someone like Ka'b AlAhbar, and made them fall into a deep sleep away from true knowledge and the correct Islamic educational system.
Sometimes, the choice of topics delivered in long lectures, can be a political tactic by the arrogant powers to keep people busy away from the important affairs of the nation. They want from the nation to spend its energy debating about historical incidents instead of being aware of what is happening around them in the world.
Lectures are only beneficial, if they guide the listener to becoming an activist Muslim. We study the Islamic history and creed, to secure ourselves from the wolves of our time, and to make a change in our lives and the lives of others.
If lectures are based on fairytales and irrelevant topics, they would definitely turn the listener to a passive weak believer, who can easily be manipulated in becoming a "house Muslim" for the arrogant powers of the time.
Take some time to reflect on the lectures you attend or Listen to. Are they inline with the educational method of our great Prophet Muhammad (sawa), or are they inline with the satanic method of the evil powers ? Don't judge based on the length of the lecture, but rather, concentrate on the content delivered!