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Offline Reader Questions

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Need for Scholars?
« on: April 04, 2012, 12:00:32 PM »
Salam Brother
 
9:122 [Asad] With all this, it is not desirable that all of the believers take the field [in time of war]. From within every group in their midst, some shall refrain from going forth to war, and shall devote themselves [instead] to acquiring a deeper knowledge of the Faith. and [thus be able to] teach their home-coming brethren, so that these [too] might guard themselves against evil.

9:122 [Amatul] It is not possible for the believers to go forth (from their homes learning for religious learning) all together. Then, why should not a party from every section of them go forth, that they may (learn and) become well-versed in religion, and may warn their people when they return (home) to them, so that they too may guard against (unislamic ways of life).
 
Question: Does this suggests that there be a group of "scholars" among Muslims to teach Deen?

Thanks.
 

Offline Joseph Islam

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Re: Need for Scholars?
« Reply #1 on: April 04, 2012, 12:03:40 PM »
Salamun Alaikum,
 
The Quran talks much about the 'ulul albab' (those of knowledge / understanding), so yes, there should be / are always going to be, those that study their religion deeply and share their knowledge with others. This has also been a requirement from the People of the Book with whom God made a covenant.

003.187
"And remember God took a covenant from the People of the Book, to make it known and clear to mankind, and not to hide it; but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain! And vile was the bargain they made!"

However, this does not imply that all 'those of understanding' should be followed blindly. The Quran provides clear guidance.

  • No human individual / scholar is beyond reproach
  • Scholars / the learned should not be followed blindly so that they become God's themselves (9:31). Even the Prophet was to be followed in what was considered 'fi ma'rufun' (the right - 60:12). The final responsibility rests solely with the individual (17:36)
  • Discernment in matters of religion rests with the 'furqan' (Quran that does 'farq' - separation of right and wrong). Each individual has a responsibility for their own beliefs and actions. They are themselves to judge a religious view by the Quran. The Quran is the final authority, not a scholar.

Inevitably, not all those of learning will retain the same view, but their views should be present so that individuals can reason for themselves, decipher and rely on the best argument.

After all, even with the Quran, one is only expected to do their best (64:16) and to take the best meaning of what they hear (39:18). The most beautiful gift we have been granted is 'choice'. However, with choice comes responsibility which is accountable.
 
Also one needs to keep your quoted verse 9:122 in context. This was a new growing community of believers with somewhat limited resources. If one lost all their knowledgeable in war, who would pass on the message to others? This is just common sense. It can be equally argued that one should exercise a sensible, prudent approach to maintain one's resources (whatever they are) so they are not all consumed in any given situation.

Moderation remains the core message of the Quran.

Would one expect the leader of a country with its entire cabinet to travel together on an aircraft, or would they be better advised to travel in different aircrafts?
 
Would the companions have allowed the Prophet to stand in the front line of a battle? Is it conceivable that such an approach would be considered best use of resources to put a Prophet of God recklessly in the front row of a battle line where risks of death were the greatest?
 
It is relevant to note that even the Prophet had a responsibility to take care of his own health. Please note the following verse:
 
026:003
"Perhaps you will kill yourself with grief because they do not believe"
 
Could God not have saved the Prophet? Of course He could have. But the Prophet had a responsibility to his own health as well. Constant grief could have lead to any number of ailments which could be related to conditions of extreme stress, including death. There is much wisdom in this verse.
 
I hope that helps, God willing.
Joseph.
'During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act' 
George Orwell