By Alhassan Bala
Islam as described by Prophet Muhammad S.A.W is a complete religion that provides a solution to every issue, be it old or new.
The Quranic verse “Fas’aloo ahla zikri in kuntum la ta’alamoon,” teaches Muslims the fundamental concept that those people who cannot do an in-depth study of the Quran and the hadith should turn to those who know (the depths of the Quran and sunnah) and then follow them.
Thus, the basis of ‘Taqleed’ is only that those who do not know should act on the rules of Allah only after asking ‘how’ , from those who know.
No intelligent human can deny the importance of this concept and as such, there is no controversy on this in the Muslim ummah. The only issue which is debated is whether following only one scholar in all matters is permissible or not.
If one understands the basis of this matter dispassionately and without bias, it is not too difficult to understand it.
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There are many verses in the Quran as well as a number of ahadith that prohibit the total obedience of desires. Therefore, a consensus exists among the Muslim community as well as the scholars that this ‘itiba-e-hawa” is a haram act as per the rulings of the shariah.
After the demise of the prophet SAW, even the companions have had different opinions and views on so many things but had never insulted each other or described the other as an unbeliever or a person who deviate.
The story of Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (May Allah be pleased with him) is one of the most simple examples.
The coming of different schools of thought is another sign of how Muslims scholars view some issues from different angles with evidence and proof.
The Majority of Muslims in Africa go with Imam Malik School of Thought, while other Muslim communities go with other mazhabas like Shafi’ee, Hanafee or Hambali, who all tried in ensuring Muslims follow the teachings and sunnah of the prophet.
The most recent controversy that hit Muslims in Nigeria was the issue of whether or not POS business is Halal or Haram?
Scholars and even followers have been divided into three or four groups about POS.
- Those that see the business as prohibited (Haram)
- Those that say it is permissible (Halal), and
3. Those that say in a situation of desperate need or harsh situation one can do POS as (larurat) and there are still
4.Those that are in the middle.
Many students of knowledge (Islamic studies) kept mute for a moment, while many other young Muslims are debating on social media about POS to the extent some use that opportunity to insult some Islamic scholars for just expressing their understanding on Islamic point of view on the business.
When a particular issue is new,like the POS issue it often comes with controversy but that doesn’t mean there is no solution to it.
As a student of knowledge (Islamic studies), I listened to most of the scholars’ statements on the matter and ponder, in which I didn’t see any reason that will lead to abuse of Islamic scholars.
You are either Izala (JIBWIS) or any of the Dariqa (Tijjaniyya, Qadiriyya) it may be any other sect while others are Salaf.
On the issue of mazhaba you are either Maliki, Hanafee, Shafi’ee or Hambali anyone you follow, will you abuse the other for not agreeing with the person you are following his mazhaba?
My opinion on the matter is for our Muslim brothers and sisters to stop abusing scholars and go back to school and learn more about the religion.
Many young Muslims think the knowledge they acquire in Islamiyya or “makarantar allo” is ok for them, which I can say they have underestimated Islamic knowledge.
They should understand very well the history of Islam and the teaching of the prophet and how the sahabas and pious predecessors (Salafis salih) behave between one another in an event of any controversy over particular Islamic ruling.
In view of the foregoing, they need to understand that if you didn’t agree with a particular scholar due to personal or other reasons that do not make him wrong, it is now left for you to do what you believe is right or correct and pray to Allah to guide you with sincerity, by doing so Allah will definitely see you through by guiding you to the right path.
Since you follow a particular mazhaba so take the division as that and work with the one you believe without abuse or insult.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “Man kaana yu’minu billahi wal yawmil aakhiri fal yaqul khairan aw liyasmut – Whoever believes in Allah (swt) and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” Bukhari-Muslim
Allahu musta’an.
Alhassan Bala
Is president, National Association of Islamic Studies Students, University of Abuja. And an Abuja-based broadcast journalist.
Writes this from Abuja.
Can be reached via balahassan2007@gmail.com
