format_quote Originally Posted by
azc
Selamun aleykum my dear brother...I am sorry, I totally forgot about this topic.
I have read this article.
This is the personal view and opinion of the author himself. I do understand what he is saying and therefore share his concern. However, this article is about the great Imam Malik...not just any scholar. Malik was one of the greatest scholars. He walked in the footprints of our prophet sas. After our prophet sas was Malik one of the few top imams in the world...he knew he was going to be a role model to a large group of muslims. So if he would give one inaccurate answer because shaytaan managed to catch him unguarded for a second, this would have consequences not only for muslims living in that time period, but for all coming generations until the day of judgement. He had a huge responsibility.
I think we ordinary muslims wouldn't even be able to speak again for the rest of our lives if we had the same burden on our shoulders.
So of course he must answer to most questions with "i don't know".
On the other hand...what does this mean nowadays? which scholar, imam or sjeick is just as great as Imam Malik? So, does that mean that no one is good enough to be an Islaam scholar? If Malik could not answer most of the questions, then which scholars nowadays dares to say that he can?
So, my personal opinion on this is that knowledge is only valuable if it is passed on, teached, shared. you must share your knowledge with people who need it and who can benefit from it...but if you are not sure about something that you must admit it honoustly and not act as if you are sure. your intention is not to misguide anyone but to enlighten them.
I have a 2 year old daughter...she cannot speak so well yet...but soon enough, she will ask me about everything. It is my obligation to answer all her questions as accurate as possible...one day, she will learn everything that I know inshallah...and hopefully more.
If I am not sure about something, does that mean I have to stay silent and cannot answer her question? am I then not allowed to point her into a direction I think it is right but add to that that I am not certain about it?
I am not saying that we do not need to ask scholars or whatever. Of course there are enough cases one cannot answer because our knowledge is unsufficient...
What I am saying is you do not have to be afraid to share your knowledge.
So in short...I do agree with you about humility, and that one should be careful with the answers you give. you just have to find the right balance between humility and arrogance.