Questions About Islam's Views on Knowledge/Study

**snakelegs** · 08-13-2007

i have some questions, because i find this confusing.
muslims are supposed to learn - in fact, spend a lifetime learning. they are not supposed to blindly follow. their most important relationship is between themself and god. which is why there is equality among muslims and no "priesthood" or central authority figure - no middleman required.
so, on the one hand, i get the impression that a muslim is not supposed to let others do his thinking for him but (if at all possible) do his own research and weigh things for himself and to question. because, otherwise - if he is just going to accept what people claim to be the majority view - he doesn't really have to study - he can just pick a scholar or a school of thought, and read the rulings and automatically accept them.
i don't think this is islam's view of "knowledge" - am i wrong?
i want to be very clear that i am not speaking of some muslim who finds a religious requirement to be too much trouble and is seeking an easy way out, but a muslim who submits to god only and is motivated only by the desire to be a better muslim.
so here are my questions:
are islamic rulings always based on what the majority of scholars rule on a given subject? sometimes when someone raises the issue that there is not only one scholarly view on something but there are dissenting views - also by respected scholars - he is immediately put down and told, "well the majority of scholars say such and such."
is there no room for dissent within islam? are scholars who take a different position just to be dismissed?
how does anyone know that "the majority" is indeed the majority of all islamic scholars? who determines this?
are scholars who hold minority positions to be simply ignored on all issues?
is islam supposed to take a unanimous stance on every subject?
this is what i find confusing - because islam's respect for knowledge is one of the things i admire about islam.
if a sincere muslim (whose intent is not to find a clever way to avoid something required from god), after much research on his own, and reaches a conclusion that the majority are wrong on a given subject, is it permissible for him to follow the minority?
thanks in advance.

**Umm Yoosuf** · 08-13-2007

Hi Snakelegs

I was listening to a tape on Q & A with Shaykh Al-Albanai (May Allah have mercy on him) he said:

There is nothing in the shari’a which says we have to follow the majority. In fact, if you look at Allah and His Messenger’s saying they condemn the majority.

Allah says:
Indeed majority of mankind do not know.

The Messenger of Allah says:
Indeed, the people of the Book before you split-up into seventy-two sects. And this nation will split-up into seventy-three sects, seventy two are in the Fire and one is in Paradise.

We do not follow the majority’s opinion if there is another opinion with sound, clear and strong evidence. If the majority opinions contradicts the minority opinions we do not follow, we follow the evidence not the majority

**^..sTr!vEr..^** · 08-13-2007

Im stunned at snakeleg's Qs and some of his ideas!!! amazzingg!!!

**NoName55** · 08-14-2007

salaam alaikum

I was asked to post an opinion here but I can't do any better than post# 2 by Sr. Al-Mu'minah

wa salaam

I'll repeat from above post:

"We do not follow the majority’s opinion if there is another opinion (better one) with sound, clear and strong evidence". (we are alway ready to change our opinion in light of better evidence)

**InToTheRain** · 08-14-2007

Originally Posted by Al-Mu'minah

I was listening to a tape on Q & A with Shaykh Al-Albanai (May Allah have mercy on him) ]

Ameen

Originally Posted by Al-Mu'minah

Allah says:
Indeed majority of mankind do not know.

Is Allah(SWT) not talking about mankind in general and not the Ummah? can you confirm the Tafseer please and provide reference to it.

Originally Posted by Al-Mu'minah

The Messenger of Allah says:
Indeed, the people of the Book before you split-up into seventy-two sects. And this nation will split-up into seventy-three sects, seventy two are in the Fire and one is in Paradise.

We do not follow the majority’s opinion if there is another opinion with sound, clear and strong evidence. If the majority opinions contradicts the minority opinions we do not follow, we follow the evidence not the majority

To Complete the Hadith you mention:

The Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) said " There was disagreement amongst Jews and they split into 72 groups. In exactly the same way, there will be disagreement and divisions in my Ummah. It will split into 73 groups. Apart from one of those groups, all the remaining 72 will be thrown into Hell."

When asked which group will be on the right path, the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) replied, "The group on the right path, which will enter Paradise, will be the group which follows my Sunna and that of my Sahaba and this will be the largest group of Muslims." [Tirmidhi, Imam Ahmad, Abu Daud, Mishkat]

Of course we do follow the evidence, and the Ulema always have evidence for what they say.

**Thatan Nitaqayn** · 08-14-2007

Hello,

""I am leaving you with two things. As long as you stick to them you shall never be misguided. They are the Qur'an and my Sunnah." (Sahih Muslim 1/397) "

This qote is from the prophet's Last Sermon (Speech/Talk) to the Believers.

Also taken from His (S.A.W.) Sunna (legal ways) by (Sahih Al-Bukhari) The following:

3. The Book of Knowledge
Chptr.6

**Umm Yoosuf** · 08-14-2007

Wa Alaikumussalaam Wa Rahmatulaahi Wa Barakatuh Br WnbSlveOfAllah

Is Allah(SWT) not talking about mankind in general and not the Ummah? can you confirm the Tafseer please and provide reference to it.

Na'am Mankind in general. I think the reason the Ayah was used is to show that majority of mankind/people do not know.

Insha Allah I will try and find the Ayaah.

**Thatan Nitaqayn** · 08-14-2007

Hello,

[COLOR="Blue"]""I am leaving you with two things. As long as you stick to them you shall never be misguided. They are the Qur'an and my Sunnah." (Sahih Muslim 1/397) "[COLOR="blue"] This quote is from the Prophet's Last Sermon (Speech/Talk) to the Believers,shortly before He (S.A.W.) died.

Also taken from His (S.A.W.) Sunna (legal ways) by (Sahih Al-Bukhari) The following:

3. The Book of Knowledge

[B]Chptr.7 If Allah (Azza Wa Jal) wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion. (The understanding of the Qur'an and the Sunna (legal ways) of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).

64. Narrted Mu'awiya (RA), in a Khutba (religious talk): I heard Allah's Mesenger(S.A.W.) saying, " If Allah (S.W.T.) wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion (the understaning of the Qur'an and the Sunna (legal ways)of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)

I am just a distributor, but the grant is from Allah (S.W.T.) [/B](And remember) that this nation (true Muslims, real followers of Islamic Monotheism) will remain obedient to Allah's (SWT) Orders(i.e. following strickly Allah's Book (the Qur'an) and the Prophet's (S.A.W.) Sunna (legal ways) and they will not be harmed by anyone who will oppose them (going on a different path) till Allah's (S.W.T.)Order (Day of Judgement) is established." (1:71-O.B>)

And lastly..... Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet(S.A.W.) said, “Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the nights.” (See Fath-ul-Bari, Page 102, Vol 1).

{Volume 1, Book 2, Number 38: Sahih Bukari}

So.... if there is slight disagreement among Muslims, Scholars on anything that is unclear, refer it to the Qur'an first, then Sunna for absolute guidance...and leave all to Allah (SWT). Allahu Alam (Allah knows best) . This is better way for Muslim, this is Hikma (wisdom).

Before there were any Scholars, there was Allah's (SWT) Book(His Qur'an) and His Messenger Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).

Our'an is "Allah's Mercy" for His believers, Alhamdulillah, it was written to be understood by all whom Allah(SWT) calls to Islam, Alhamdulillah.

Most of the Sahabah(PBUT) (first three generations) were illiterate and had to master the language, many were up in years of age but with Allah's Mercy they "heard and obeyed" without question or argument among themselves. The first three generations were THE BEST and role models for all future Muslims to copy, Insha'allah.

Islam (Allah's religion for His true believers) regarding knowledge/ study for Muslims can be found between the pages of these two Books: 1.Allah's Qur'an, 2.Sunna of Allah's Messenger (Prophet) Muhammad (S.A.W.)

Thank you for the opportunity to share my knowledge and hopefully to answer your question or at least give you bettter understanding.

**snakelegs** · 08-14-2007

thanks to all those who have replied.

Al-Mu'minah, your answer makes sense. by evidence i assume you mean that the muslim is studying different scholars opinions and weighing them and on that basis deciding what answer is the most logical and the most loyal to the qur'an and the sunnah. is that right?

NoName,

Largest group from those who are alive at any one time or largest group from those who lived at any time for past 1400 years?

this is an interesting question - what are your thoughts?

wnbslv

Of course we do follow the evidence, and the Ulema always have evidence for what they say

if you are a person who has time to devote to study, do you rely on what the ulema say is evidence, even if you have arrived at a different conclusion?

When it comes to interpreting hadiths, I leave the thinking to the scholars

well, i assume that this is what most people would have to do because few have time or inclination to study deeply themselves. do you follow a madhav?

i mean, do you choose a specific scholar and then follow his rulings on everything?

[Edit]

here is a muslim who does devote himself to study (but is not recognized as "a scholar" specifically - no title). he questions his motives and intents constantly, and he is sure he is only motivated by his desire to submit to god.
after much study, he comes to the conclusion that even though some prominent scholars have ruled such and such, the evidence points to such and thus. what does he do? can there be a conflict between serving the scholars and serving god only? would it ever be possible that he would be committing shirk by following a scholar even though he has concluded that the evidence does not support the scholar's ruling?
obviously, it is only going to be a small minority that have this kind of time or inclination to devote to study.

**snakelegs** · 08-14-2007

there were 2 more replies that came while i was typing my last post.

Thatan Nitaqayn,
thanks for your very clear reply!

Al-Mu'minah,
oooops - i assumed you meant majority of scholars - not just any old people!
no, i was referring to scholars as in "majority opinion."
even i don't follow the majority of mankind on most stuff and i'm not even talking about religion here.

**Umm Yoosuf** · 08-14-2007

Snakelegs I was reffering to the majority of scholars, that is what you asked about right?

In Islaam we do not follow the majoritys opinion we follow the evidence and that evidence has to be based on Quran and Sunnah.

Is that clear?

**snakelegs** · 08-14-2007

thanks for clearing that up. that makes a whole lot more sense.
i was confused by

Na'am Mankind in general. I think the reason the Ayah was used is to show that majority of mankind/people do not know.

got it!

**Umm Yoosuf** · 08-14-2007

Ah! I see sorry I didn't mean to confuse you. The shaikh was speaking in a general sense at first than he went into the main point. It makes sense when you listen to it, unfortunately the problem is from my part due to my lacking of explaining it well. So my apologies.

**InToTheRain** · 08-14-2007

Peace Snakelegs,

if you are a person who has time to devote to study, do you rely on what the ulema say is evidence, even if you have arrived at a different conclusion?

If I have the time to study and have the intelligence to be qualified at the same level as the scholars I currently follow then ofcourse I will have the right to make my own decision. A mutjahid who is Qualified to make such rulings has 2 rewards if his opinion is right and 1 reward for the effort he put in to deduce a rule even if it is wrong. Therefore regardless of my opinion, once I have reached that level I have every right to make my own ruling and opinion.

[Edit]

ASsalamua laikum wa rahmutullahi wa baraka tuhu sr Mumina,

Jazak Allah Khair for your efforts

Is it possible please to give me Reference to why you say we do not follow the majority of the scholars? can you provide reference to Shekh Albani regarding this if he did say this.
Do you think we have enough knowledge to deduce our own conclusions from reading the Qur'an and hadiths or do you think the Ulema is needed to guide us towards the Qur'an and sunnah as they are qualified to grasp the meaning of the Ayat or Hadith after looking at it's entirety? Is there a scholar that doesn't base their evidence on Qur'an and Sunnah?

Correct me If I am wrong and apologise in advance if I have misundestood something.

**snakelegs** · 08-14-2007

i am excellent in confusing myself!

happens all the time.

**Umm Yoosuf** · 08-14-2007

ASsalamua laikum wa rahmutullahi wa baraka tuhu sr Mumina,

Jazak Allah Khair for your efforts

Wa Alaikumussalaam Wa Warhmatulaahi Wa Barakatuh

Is it possible please to give me Reference to why you say we do not follow the majority of the scholars? can you provide reference to Shekh Albani regarding this if he did say this.

I didn't say Akhi, I was simply listening to a Q and a tape by Shaikh Al-Albani and I was sharing with everyone what he (may Allah have mercy on him) said. It’s a bit impossible for me to provide you with reference, forgive me.

Do you think we have enough knowledge to deduce our own conclusions from reading the Qur'an and hadiths or do you think the Ulema is needed to guide us towards the Qur'an and sunnah as they are qualified to grasp the meaning of the Ayat or Hadith after looking at it's entirety? Is there a scholar that doesn't base their evidence on Qur'an and Sunnah?

Correct me If I am wrong and apologise in advance if I have misundestood something.

Of course Akhi the 'ulimah deduce the rulings and conculsion for us, our knowledge compared to them is nothing. Here we are not talking about the 'Ulimah not using evidence from Qur'an and Sunnah, we are simply saying take the strongest evidence.

**snakelegs** · 08-14-2007

Originally Posted by WnbSlveOfAllah

Peace Snakelegs,

If I have the time to study and have the intelligence to be qualified at the same level as the scholars I currently follow then ofcourse I will have the right to make my own decision. A mutjahid who is Qualified to make such rulings has 2 rewards if his opinion is right and 1 reward for the effort he put in to deduce a rule even if it is wrong. Therefore regardless of my opinion, once I have reached that level I have every right to make my own ruling and opinion.

[Edit]

ASsalamua laikum wa rahmutullahi wa baraka tuhu sr Mumina,

Jazak Allah Khair for your efforts

Is it possible please to give me Reference to why you say we do not follow the majority of the scholars? can you provide reference to Shekh Albani regarding this if he did say this.
Do you think we have enough knowledge to deduce our own conclusions from reading the Qur'an and hadiths or do you think the Ulema is needed to guide us towards the Qur'an and sunnah as they are qualified to grasp the meaning of the Ayat or Hadith after looking at it's entirety? Is there a scholar that doesn't base their evidence on Qur'an and Sunnah?

Correct me If I am wrong and apologise in advance if I have misundestood something.

the links don't work for me, but i admit i am looking for some fairly clear and simple answers - not to read a book or listen to a lot of lectures.
this may be my mistake - i am looking for a fairly concise answer to some very complex questions?
what you have said above makes sense if a person has little time. but is he just to read what so and so say or is he supposed to think about it, possibly even question it and see how it relates to other things he has read?
at some point, isn't he responsible for himself and his actions? or is he just to give that responsibility to someone else? (again,for this purpose, we must assume that he is capable.)
my basic question could be summed up this way:
in islam, is a person supposed to question or just follow? (always being clear about his intent). what is his responsibility before his creator?

**InToTheRain** · 08-14-2007

Originally Posted by Al-Mu'minah

Wa Alaikumussalaam Wa Warhmatulaahi Wa Barakatuh

I didn't say Akhi, I was simply listening to a Q and a tape by Shaikh Al-Albani and I was sharing with everyone what he (may Allah have mercy on him) said. It’s a bit impossible for me to provide you with reference, forgive me.

Of course Akhi the 'ulimah deduce the rulings and conculsion for us, our knowledge compared to us is nothing. Here we are not talking about the 'Ulimah not using evidence from Qur'an and Sunnah, we are simply saying take the strongest evidence.

I think you mean "Them" ukhti LOL.

Insha'allah can provide the link to the Q & A tape, I would like to study it myself as I have much to learn. I agree that we should take the strongest opinion.
When you say we do not follow the Majority of scholars but we follow the evidence provided in Qur'an and Sunnah it implies that the majority of the scholars is not using the the Qur'an and Sunnah. This is why I put forward the questions I did. And I have reasons to disagree because the Majority is upon Qur'an and sunnah.

Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
May Allah(SWT) guide upon the Seeratul Mustaqeem.

Originally Posted by snakelegs

this may be my mistake - i am looking for a fairly concise answer to some very complex questions??

I believe so LOL

Originally Posted by snakelegs

what you have said above makes sense if a person has little time. but is he just to read what so and so say or is he supposed to think about it, possibly even question it and see how it relates to other things he has read?
at some point, isn't he responsible for himself and his actions? or is he just to give that responsibility to someone else? (again,for this purpose, we must assume that he is capable.)
my basic question could be summed up this way:
in islam, is a person supposed to question or just follow? (always being clear about his intent). what is his responsibility before his creator?

You are supposed to question to a limit. For example once you verified and confirmed that a doctor specialises in a certain field you who is unqualified and uneducated will accept his opinion and prescriptions. Even if he explained it to you, due to you lack of understanding of his fields entirety, you will not understand why he has reached the conclusion he has.

**snakelegs** · 08-14-2007

late last night i began to read ullama iqbal and i think i will have more
questions. i don't know if any here are familiar with his thought....

**snakelegs** · 08-15-2007

Last edited by Al-Mu'minah : 5 Hours Ago at 02:50 PM. Reason: Please do not start up a madhab discussion

may i ask why we can't discuss this?
i promise in advance that i will not argue, as i didn't start this thread to argue, but to learn.
but curiousity is getting the better of me.
thanks.