Fleeing From Fitnah
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Identifier: http://www.quraan.com/index.aspx?&tabid=31&artid=38
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Subject: character
Title: Fleeing From Fitnah
Created on: Thu Nov 08 09:40:14 -0500 2007
Updated on: Thu Nov 08 09:40:14 -0500 2007
Version: 1
Abstract: ... k to the Messenger sallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam , and to the people in authority; those who possess knowledge, understanding, sound advice, intellect, maturity and composure; those who understand the affairs and have knowledge of the associated benefits and harms. If they see that in broadcasting it there is a benefit and a cause of happiness for the Believers, and a means of protection from their enemies, then they should do so. This is why Allaah said: "Then the proper people would have investigated and evaluated the matter from them." Meaning: That they would evaluate it with their sound understanding and their firm and correct knowledge. So in this is an evidence for an important principle which is: If there arises a need to investigate a particular issue, then it is obligatory that it is left to those who are qualified for it, and no one should precede them in this - and this is close to what is correct, and safer from error. And in this is also a prohibition of being hasty and impatient in spreading the news as soon as they hear it. Likewise there is a command to reflect and consider before speaking, so he looks into it to see if there is a benefit in doing so, if so he embarks upon it, and if not, he abstains from it."3 THE SCHOLARS AND THE AFFAIRS OF THE UMMAHIn the issues of fitnah and other detailed issues, and issues connected to matters of public welfare of the Ummah - such as affairs related to siyaasatush-shar'iyyah (politics of the Sharee'ah ), and the wide-spread evils, and their like - people are in need of having sound knowledge and understanding of the maslahah and mafsadah (related benefits and harms). Since these issues, most of the time, are the cause for fitnahs to occur, and they are not like the issues related to purification, Prayer, Hajj and their like; which it is possible for a young student of knowledge - or in some cases, even the layman - to speak about, and to prefer one saying over another. And this is because: "Understanding the objectives and goals of the Sharee'ah (Islaamic Law) is not possible, except by thoroughly studying the texts and studying the detailed workings of the Sharee'ah . Since fiqhul-maqaasid (the science of understanding the objectives and goals of the Sharee'ah ) is indeed a great and mighty science which cannot be gained by just anyone. Rather, it can only be gained by one who has reached a high level of knowledge, has examined the state of affairs and is well acquainted with them, and who has looked into the various possible outcomes that may occur. And weighing between the benefits and harms is dependant upon understanding the Sharee'ah and its objectives, and having understanding of the state of affairs, and the various degrees of benefits and harms. So none of this is possible, except for the Scholars."4 Imaam an-Nawawee (d.676H) - rahimahullaah - said:"The one ordering the good or forbidding the evil must be knowledgeable about what is being ordered or prohibited. And the level of knowledge required for this will vary in accordance with what is being ordered or prohibited. This, if it is an issue concerning clear-cut obligations and well known prohibitions - such as Prayer, Fasting, fornication or drinking intoxicants - then every Muslim is a scholar with regards to such issues. However, if the issue involves detailed matters, or matters connected to ijtihaad (the Science of extracting rulings from the Revelation), then the general body of Muslims cannot enter into it, nor is it for them to order or prohibit. Rather, this is only for the Scholars."5 And the subjects that we have mentioned (i.e. that which is related to affairs of public benefit and interest of the Ummah; such as matters connected to Sharee'ah politics, weighing the affairs, correcting the widespread evil, takfeer (declaring Muslims to be unbelievers) and rebelling against the rulers) are from the most important subjects which have touched the Islaamic awakening in these days, and about which there is plenty of discussion, controversy and argumentation between those Muslim youths who are form in clinging to the Religion and who earnestly desire good. So these subjects are of an extremely important nature, and likewise, deviating from the correct path with regards to them is extremely dangerous! Due to this, I wanted to gather some of the statements from our noble contemporary scholars on this subject - may Allaah protect them and look after th... [Full Article...]
