Assalaamu alaikum,
Mmm… I think this thread has some bearing on this conversation, and could be useful for future readers.
http://www.islamicboard.com/general/134325076-question-evidence.html
On another point: (smile) Thank you Fasih. But no, my knowledge is not anywhere near what I consider as a level for a scholar. (sigh) Unfortunately, there are too many people out there with minor pieces of paper who feel themselves to be scholars and issue fatawa with little thought, and based on little knowledge of both the thing they are discussing and the sources of Islamic knowledge. And this lowers the bar.
Furthermore, I find that people mistake false self-confidence for knowledge. (smile) Personally, I look for
humility as a pointer towards true expertise. Because no matter what the field of knowledge, anyone who studies it in any depth realizes just how much there is left to be known. And, in fact,
no one can know everything, or even anywhere near everything, even in a narrow field of knowledge. So, even the most knowledgeable can make mistakes. It's just they are more likely to be aware of this fact than one with little knowledge. And they are the most likely to inform you of this possibility, and they are also the most likely to be happy if you (respectfully) question their conclusions, or offer considered thought. (smile) Indeed, they are likely to thank you, and be genuinely pleased that you seek to know. And if you can add to their store of knowledge or understanding, they are happy.
But if the person tries to humiliate you, or make you feel stupid, or damage your character or reputation… these are signs of incompetence.
I remember reading a discussion about the question of a person of (Islamic) knowledge who has bad manners. And a famous scholar (whose name I cannot recall- I've been trying to find this quote, but I haven't been able to as yet) replied:
a person who has bad manners cannot be learned. And there is a great deal of wisdom in this view. And so, when I am evaluating a source of Islamic knowledge, I look at this person's behaviour.
May Allah, the
only One Who truly Knows, Guide us.