Imam Malik was one of the highest Islamic scholars in the history of Islam. One day a man who lived thousands of miles away went to visit him. In those times there were no Emirates or British Airlines. No 100 mph trains. This man journeyed for months to meet Imam Malik for one humble motive. He desired to ask queries and study more about his deen.
He lastly arrived and requested the honoured Imam’s 40 queries. And the Imam said “I don’t know” to 36 of them. He only replied to 4 queries. 4 queries out of 40.
Likewise, one day Abu Bakr RA requested a query about the Quran and he beautifully replied “Which sky will shelter me and which earth will hold me if I speak about a verse of the Qur’an without knowledge.”
The question is, are YOU an Islamic scholar in the true sense?
Yes you.
Islamic Teachings For An Islamic Scholar:
What Islamic teaching do you have? Are you skilled in interpreting Hadiths? Have you studied 8 hours a day for 5 years to understand Quran in detail? What teachers have you studied under? How many students do you teach? How many hours a week do you spend learning Islam?
If the responses to the above questions are typically in the negative then the answer to the first query is perhaps no.
So brothers and sisters, who are we?
Associated to such greats. And yet on Facebook, on Twitter, on email, in our homes, in our classrooms, in our debates, we declare Fatwas all day long. We say halal haram and we say haram halal. And we do it every day. We do it with comfort. The words slip out of our tongues like butter spreads on warm bread. We do it without affection. We’ve become specialists in Islamic fiqh.
Folks, we do it out of unawareness.
Sheikh Google is not a reliable Imam. Maulana Twitter is not a trustworthy Imam. Mufti Facebook is not a trustworthy Imam.
Real fatwas are delivered by scholars who have spent years learning Islam and often they answer with the same humbleness as Imam Malik and Abu Bakr RA did.
So from today be alert. Be alert to what you say. The angel on your left records all. Don’t keep him busy. Keep the angel on the right busier and learn how to just say
I don’t know.
Like the greats did.
In conclusion, acting like an Islamic scholar without the proper knowledge and qualifications can do more harm than good. True Islamic scholars dedicate their lives to studying and understanding the complexities of Islamic teachings.
Instead of attempting to assume this role, focus on seeking knowledge from authentic sources and trusting those who have the expertise to guide us. Embracing humility and a genuine desire to learn will not only strengthen your faith but also help foster a community built on respect, understanding, and authentic Islamic principles.
Taking on the mantle of an Islamic scholar without the necessary knowledge undermines the significance of the role and risks spreading misinformation about Islam. Islamic scholarship is a lifelong journey of rigorous study, deep reflection, and practical application of religious principles. When individuals assume this responsibility without the proper foundation, it can lead to confusion, misinterpretation of core teachings, and even harm to the Muslim community.
Instead of overstepping boundaries, strive to connect with qualified scholars, ask questions, and grow your understanding of Islam in an authentic way. By respecting the expertise of Islamic scholars and acknowledging the limits of your own knowledge, you contribute to preserving the integrity of the faith and ensure that accurate, meaningful guidance reaches those who need it.
