Approximately eight years ago, I authored an article entitled “The Gravity of Issuing Fatāwā (1).” The need to write a follow-up on the same subject has repeatedly presented itself due to the increasing prevalence of fitnahs and the growing number of unqualified “scholars” disseminating erroneous opinions on religious matters, particularly via social media platforms. However, due to time constraints and other commitments, the article was continually delayed. The previous article was primarily aimed at young graduates who, despite lacking the requisite knowledge, expertise, and training, are eager to issue fatāwā. In this article, I wish to advise the masses on whom they should trust and take their dīn from.
We are all acutely aware that we are living in unprecedented times. Scarcely a week passes without a new fitnah emerging. We are confronted with challenges on both micro and macro levels. Among these is the misrepresentation of the dīn by individuals who present themselves as defenders of the faith but seek to alter and dilute it. This behaviour mirrors that of the so-called “scholars” of Banū Isrāʾīl, who would manipulate their religion to suit their whims and desires.
As we draw closer to qiyāmah, we will witness the decrease of Allāh–conscious, authentic, and righteous scholars, while the number of unreliable and corrupt scholars will rise. The Prophet (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wasallam) has warned us of this in a Ḥadīth:
إنَّ اللَّهَ لا يَقْبِضُ العِلْمَ انْتِزَاعًا يَنْتَزِعُهُ مِنَ العِبَادِ، ولَكِنْ يَقْبِضُ العِلْمَ بقَبْضِ العُلَمَاءِ، حتَّى إذَا لَمْ يُبْقِ عَالِمًا اتَّخَذَ النَّاسُ رُؤُوسًا جُهَّالًا، فَسُئِلُوا فأفْتَوْا بغيرِ عِلْمٍ، فَضَلُّوا وأَضَلُّوا
“Allāh will not take away knowledge by removing it from the hearts of the people, but He will take it away through the death of the religious learned men. Until, when no scholar remains, people will take ignorant individuals as their leaders. When consulted, they will give verdicts without [correct] knowledge, leading themselves astray and causing others to go astray.” (al-Bukhārī)
Today, we witness the proliferation of inadequately qualified individuals masquerading as scholars. Students lacking the requisite knowledge and expertise are often erroneously awarded academic credentials. The esteemed ʿĀlimiyyah courses at certain institutions have, regrettably, been reduced to mockery. Many students attend Madāris for only two or three hours daily, or they study from the comfort of their homes by merely listening to online lessons. Furthermore, titles such as Mawlānā, Muftī, and Shaykh are frequently conferred upon individuals who have never attended classes in person or spent meaningful time in the company of qualified scholars. In some cases, attending a few hours of online sessions is deemed sufficient to obtain these titles. Such individuals then proceed to misinterpret the dīn, jeopardising their own spiritual well-being as well as that of their followers.
Nevertheless, we are fortunate to still have a number of of Allāh-conscious, upright, and reliable scholars who remain deeply concerned about their own dīn and the dīn of the Muslim community. However, due to their limited online presence, these scholars do not receive the recognition they so rightly deserve. Consequently, the masses gravitate towards problematic scholars who provide opinions tailored to the whims and desires of their audiences.
The advent of the internet and social media has provided a platform for individuals to express their opinions and contribute to discussions on a wide range of topics. Even those lacking extensive knowledge or expertise in specific subjects can amass a following by sharing their views on religious matters. These individuals often excel at appealing to the emotions of the masses, tailoring their statements to attract attention and increase their audience.
In our previous article, we highlighted examples of the caution exercised by scholars of the past when issuing fatāwā (religious verdicts). A fatwā is intended to guide individuals towards closeness to Allāh and should never be manipulated to render the dīn subservient to personal desires. However, with the increasing promotion of female scholarship, mixed-gender religious gatherings, and the intermingling of genders—both online and in person—the agenda of diluting the dīn has become alarmingly evident.
Alḥamdulillāh, many articles have been written by knowledgeable scholars addressing the various fitnahs propagated by the ʿUlamāʾ al-Sūʾ (scholars of misguidance). However, it is the responsibility of the layperson to take their dīn seriously and refrain from following individuals who manipulate the laws of Allāh for personal gain. I will once again conclude with this profound and highly relevant statement of Muḥammad ibn Sīrīn (raḥimahullāh):
“Verily, this knowledge is dīn, so be careful whom you take your dīn from.”
(Mufti) Bilal al-Mahmudi
