Obligation of Learning the Religion (3/3)

As for the students of knowledge, then the scholar should teach them so as to increase them in knowledge and understanding of the ‘fiqh’ issues, rulings and legislations related to the religion. So that these students will graduate from studying underneath these great scholars and become proficient and well versed judges, guides, and leaders for all the Muslims.

Furthermore, the ‘fiqh’ principals and fundamentals that the Muslims were upon in the time of the Prophet, the companions and the era of the great ‘fiqh’ scholars, are as follows:

Imam An-Nisaa’ee narrated with an authentic chain of narration:

On the authority of Abdullah ibn Mas’ud who said: Abdurahman ibn Yazeed said: ‘The people were numerous and frequently asking Abdullah ibn Mas’ud questions that day, so Abdullah ibn Mas’ud said: ‘Verily much time has passed us by, and we cannot judge between the people[1], and we don’t possess the status nor ability to judge between the people. Furthermore, Allah has placed us in the position which we have reached as is apparent to all of you. So after today, whoever is presented with an issue which needs a religious verdict or ruling; then let him give his verdict with what is in the Book of Allah (Qur’an) and if an issue presents itself which is not mentioned in the Qur’an, then let him give his verdict with what the Prophet Muhammad judged [2]in the issue. If an issue presents itself, which is not mentioned in the Qur’an nor did the Prophet Muhammad pass judgment in the issue than let him give his verdict in agreement with what the righteous people [3]judged. If an issue presents itself which is not mentioned in the Qur’an, nor did the Prophet Muhammad clarify it, nor did the righteous people make a judgment in the issue, then let him exert his ‘ijtihaad’ in the issue. [4]And he should not say: “I’m scared or I’m worried, for verily the permissible things have been made clear and the impermissible things have also been made clear, and between the them are doubtful things, so leave off that which causes you doubt for that which does not cause you doubt.”

An-Nisaa’ee said: ‘This narration is ‘jayed jayed’ [5]Also ibn Abee Khaythamah [6]narrated this with an authentic chain which contains the wording:

 ‘If he is not good at this than let him get up and leave, and not be shy or timid about it.’ [7]Also ad Daramee [8]narrated with his chain of narration:

On the authority of Ali ibn Mushir, from Abee Ishaaq, from ash Sha’bee, from Shurayh, that Umar ibnul Khattab wrote to him saying: ‘If your presented with any issue which (the ruling) is in the Qur’an than make your judgment with it and pay no attention to what the people say or think, and if your presented with any issue which is not mentioned in the Qur’an then look in the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger and make your judgment with it. And if you are presented with any issue which is not mentioned in the Qur’an, nor the Sunnah and no one who preceded you spoke about the issue; then choose one of these two choices. If you want to exert your efforts with your personal opinion and become one who gives verdicts then do so, if you want to leave it, then leave it. And I see that leaving this off is better for you.” [9]