{"id":12774,"date":"2018-10-08T07:02:06","date_gmt":"2018-10-08T05:02:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ihyaauddeen.co.za\/?p=12774"},"modified":"2019-10-07T07:29:33","modified_gmt":"2019-10-07T05:29:33","slug":"acquiring-deeni-knowledge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ihyaauddeen.co.za\/?p=12774","title":{"rendered":"Acquiring Deeni Knowledge"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>The purpose for acquiring Islamic knowledge<\/strong><\/p>\n

The purpose for acquiring Islamic knowledge is in order for one to find the correct path to reach Allah Ta\u2018ala. Knowledge in itself is not the goal\u037e rather it is a medium that leads one to the goal. The goal is to practise the laws of Shari\u2019ah in accordance to the manner prescribed by Allah Ta\u2018ala and His Rasul (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) and hence earn the eternal pleasure of Allah \u00a0Ta\u2018ala. If the knowledge that one acquires does not lead one to the goal, then it is not worthy of being called ‘Islamic knowledge’. Perhaps it could be called ‘information’. Hence, the crucial question is, “What is Islamic knowledge and how should one go about acquiring this knowledge?” In order for the knowledge which one acquires to be acceptable in the sight of Allah Ta\u2018ala and sanctioned by Shari’ah, it is necessary that certain aspects be adhered to:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Authenticity and Reliability<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first aspect is authenticity and reliability. Extreme caution should be exercised in sourcing Deeni knowledge. One should ensure that one refers to reliable, qualified Ulama in the pursuit of seeking Islamic knowledge. Similarly, the material one exposes oneself to in the course of seeking education should be acquired from authentic and reliable sources.<\/p>\n

If one acquires his knowledge from unauthentic sources, or unreliable personalities, or from authentic sources but adopts a selfstudy approach, then in all these cases one is bound to reach the incorrect conclusion. The understanding of Deen which one will obtain will undoubtedly fail to conform to the pure and pristine brand of Islam. Innovations, extremism and distortions will be noticed in various aspects of such a person’s Deen. This will primarily be on account of him not sourcing his knowledge from the authentic, reliable sources which have been approved by Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam). The disastrous outcome of acquiring knowledge through such channels is that Islam will be reduced to customs and rituals which will change with the fashions and norms of the time. The illustrious Taabi\u2019ee, Muhammed bin Seereen (rahimahullah), has said: Certainly, this knowledge that you are<\/em> acquiring is your Deen, hence you should ensure that you acquire<\/em> your Deen from authentic and reliable people. (Shamaail Tirmizi #415)<\/em><\/p>\n

The Divine system of Allah \u00a0Ta\u2018ala\u00a0 is that Deen will have to be learnt and acquired from those who have been blessed with Deen. Allah \u00a0Ta\u2018ala says, \u201c<\/em>Ask the people of knowledge if you do not know<\/em>\u201d<\/em>. <\/em>(Surah 21:7)<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>In his Mubaarak Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) has commanded the ummah to refer to the Ulama and acquire the knowledge of Deen from them. Hazrat Mu\u2019aawiyah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) reports that he heard Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) saying:<\/p>\n

O people! Ilm (the knowledge of Deen) is only that which is acquired through ta<\/em>\u2019<\/em>allum (studying under the guidance of the rightly guided Ulama) and Fiqh (the true understanding of Deen) is only that which is acquired through tafaqquh (studying under the guidance of a person who is blessed with Fiqh). Whoever Allah <\/em>Ta\u2018ala<\/em> wishes good for, He blesses him with the true understanding of Deen, and indeed only those of His servant truly fear Allah <\/em>\u00a0Ta\u2018ala<\/em>, who possess (the) knowledge (of Deen). <\/em>(Mu<\/em>\u2019<\/em>jamul Kabeer #929)<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adopting Permissible Means<\/strong><\/p>\n

The second aspect is the means through which the knowledge of Deen is acquired. It is incumbent that one adopts permissible means to acquire Islamic knowledge. The method one adopts should conform to the method adopted during the Mubaarak era of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam), the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhum) and the Khairul Quroon (era of the Taabi’een and TabeTaabi’een rahimahumullah). If one adopts a haraam means to acquire Islamic knowledge, he will earn the displeasure of Allah Ta\u2018ala and such information will be bereft of the true noor of Deen. Thus, such knowledge will not lead one to the pleasure of Allah Ta\u2018ala and enable one to uphold the pillars of Islam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adopting the Sunnah Approach<\/strong><\/p>\n

The third aspect is adopting the Sunnah approach when acquiring the knowledge of Deen. The Sunnah approach is to adopt the highest level of respect and honour for everything related to Deen (viz. the Qur\u2019aan, the Ahaadith, the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam), the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhum), the Ulama, the symbols of Islam, etc.) as well as conforming to all the aadaab (etiquettes) of Deen.<\/p>\n

When Islamic knowledge is acquired in this manner, by adhering to the way shown to us by Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) and adopting the etiquettes of Islam, one will witness the true spirit of Deen being revived in the lives of the believers. The books of Hadith are replete with many glaring examples which illustrate the Sunnah method adopted by the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhum) and the Taabi’een (rahimahumullah) in the pursuit of acquiring the knowledge of Deen.<\/p>\n

When the knowledge of Deen is in reality the knowledge of Nubuwwat, and those who tread the path of acquiring it are honoured with the title of \u201cThe heirs of the Ambiyaa\u201d, one could well imagine the great need for one to adopt the outer as well as inner qualities of the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam). In other words, one should not confine knowledge to words or actions\u037e instead one should endeavour to cultivate the very spirit and noor of the knowledge in all respects. Acquiring such knowledge under the guidance of the true men of Allah \u00a0Ta\u2018ala, who acquired this knowledge from their seniors, with an unbroken chain linking up to Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam), creates an indelible impression on the hearts of people, thereby sparking the true love within them to emulate the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) in all facets of life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Acquiring Deeni Knowledge through TV, Youtube, etc.?<\/strong><\/p>\n

After closely examining the issue of acquiring Islamic knowledge through watching YouTube, \u201cIslamic TV programs\u201d, etc., one will realize that these means of acquiring Islamic knowledge do not conform to the abovementioned Islamic method of acquiring Islamic knowledge.<\/p>\n

The television is one of the main tools of Shaitaan in misleading man. The one who views the television is not committing one sin\u037e rather he is perpetrating a conglomeration of sins and a host of evil deeds. Some of the wrongs associated with the television are: 1) viewing pictures of animate objects, 2) viewing nonmahram women, 3) listening to music, 4) viewing obscene scenes, 5) admiring things of other religions and cultures, etc. All these things have been severely condemned and prohibited in Shari\u2019ah. Involvement in these activities destroys the very fabric of Islamic culture and causes the degeneration of hayaa and shame in the ummah.<\/p>\n

In order for one to propagate Islam via the television, one is required to appear on the television. This demands that one allow himself to be videoed, whereas this has been prohibited by Allah Ta\u2018ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) . All the four mazhabs are unanimous upon the fact that picture making of animate objects is forbidden in Islam. Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) said: \u201c<\/em>Those involved in picture making will be subjected to the worst forms of punishment on the Day of Qiyaamah.<\/em>\u201d<\/em> (Bukhari 2\/880)<\/em><\/p>\n

Even if one argues that the Islamic channel does not contain music and obscenities, it still is an undeniable fact that at times women will be viewing non-mahram men and men will be viewing non-mahram women on screen. This contravenes the law of purdah between non-mahram males and females which is the command of the Qur\u2019aan and Hadith. This also leads to lustful glances and incites illicit feelings of attraction in the hearts of men and women, thereby leading to fitnah.<\/p>\n

Apart from this, many people feel that they will only view Islamic programs on the television. However the chances are very slim that they will not occasionally be tempted to switch to another program. Even if they do not switch to other programs, it is possible that their children and family will watch other programs containing music, obscenities, etc. Hence, this method of propagating Islam and acquiring the knowledge of Deen directly opposes the command of Allah Ta\u2018ala and His Rasul (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam).<\/p>\n

Islam does not require Muslims to use haraam means and kuffaar methods to spread the message of Islam. Islam will only spread through the mubaarak way of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) mentioned, \u201cWe were the most disgraced of people. Allah \u00a0Ta\u2018ala then gave us honour through Islam. If we ever seek honour in something besides that through which Allah \u00a0Ta\u2018ala \u00a0has honoured us (Islam), Allah Ta\u2018ala will disgrace us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Utilizing impermissible means to propagate Deen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Faqeehul Ummah, Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi (rahimahullah), the Mufti A\u2019zam of India, was once asked about participating in Deeni programs wherein certain laws of Shari\u2019ah are violated, with the intention of gradually winning people over to Deen and rectifying the wrongs at a later time. He explained: \u201c\u2026Listen attentively, there are two aspects that are required in Deen: 1) Hifaazatud Deen (making an effort to preserve Deen), 2) Ishaa\u2019atud Deen (making an effort to propagate Deen).<\/p>\n

Both these aspects are of great significance and importance in Deen. However, from the two aspects, Hifaazatud Deen (making an effort to preserve Deen) will be given preference over Ishaa\u2019atud Deen (making an effort to propagate Deen). Therefore, propagating Deen through an impermissible means, which leads to the destruction of Deen is actually against Deen and certainly not in keeping to the demands of intelligence. (Fataawa Mahmoodiyah 5\/229)<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An Important Principle of Deen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shortly before his demise, Allaamah Yusuf Binnori (rahimahullah) strongly opposed the suggestion of appearing on TV. Hazrat Mufti Taqi Usmaani Saheb (Hafizahullah) explains:<\/p>\n

During the last meeting of the Pakistan Islamic Council that Allaamah Yusuf Binnori (rahimahullah) attended, Hazrat was asked to appear on television. He declined. Later Hazrat was asked whether films could be used for the propagation of Deen, provided that all immorality and factors that destroy character are removed. Upon this, Hazrat Moulana (rahimahullah) expounded on a principle of Deen, the gist of which is:<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish to share with you a principle issue. We have not been obligated by Allah Ta\u2018ala to use every possible means, whether permissible or impermissible, for the tableegh of Deen. Instead, we are required to use all our energies and resources to propagate Deen only using permissible means and methods. Together with the injunction of tableegh, Islam has also laid down guidelines and principles for tableegh. We are thus obligated to conduct our tableegh within this framework.<\/p>\n

If we are successful in our efforts after following the guidelines and principles, then indeed, we have achieved our ultimate goal and objective. If our efforts were unfruitful, but we had adopted the permissible methods and means, we will not be compelled to further our tableegh by using every possible and available means, be it permissible or impermissible.<\/p>\n

If even one person is blessed with guidance after using the permissible means, then undoubtedly our tableegh was successful. However, if on the other hand, scores and droves of people embrace Islam on account of us adopting impermissible methods and means, then this holds no value in the sight of Allah \u00a0Ta\u2018ala. How can success ever be achieved when we have transgressed the bounds of Shari\u2018ah? Rather than it being the tableegh of Deen, it would be the tableegh of something else.<\/p>\n

Photography inherently contradicts the injunctions of Islam. Therefore, we will not be compelled to utilise it as a tool for tableegh. If a person is prepared to accept Islam through our invitation via permissible methods and means, then we will definitely be grateful and pleased. However, for those who are not prepared to do so and wish to accept our invitation only by means of the television, then we regret that we will have to be excused.<\/p>\n

If this stance is not adopted today, then the television will be a tool for tableegh now, but in time to come, behijaab (unveiled) women would be used for this purpose, and an effort will be made to use immoral gatherings of music and dancing, etc, to invite people to Deen. In this way, in the name of tableegh we will be guilty of gradually violating the laws of Islam.\u201d (Nuqooshe Raftagaa, Pg. 104)<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The Fitnah of the Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

The fitnah of television and photography is undoubtedly the fitnah of the time. Our Akaabir, the likes of Hazrat Anwar Shah Kashmeeri, Allaamah Binnori, Mufti Shafee\u2019 Saheb (rahimahumullah) and many others have all strongly condemned the major sin of photography. They did not consider digital photography to be any different from the photography prohibited in the Mubaarak Ahaadith. Hence, till the end of their lives, they continued to vehemently prohibit people from all types of photography. Allaamah Binnori (rahimahullah) has mentioned, \u201cThe Ahaadith which contain severe warnings for those involved in picture making apply to every picture of animate objects (whether digital or not). Furthermore, the entire ummah is unanimous that pictures of all animate objects are haraam. However, the surge of westernization has begun to make this haraam action, which was previously accepted by all as being haraam, seem to be permissible.\u201d (Basaair wa Ibar Pg. 323)<\/em><\/p>\n

Hazrat Anwar Shah Kashmeeri (rahimahullah), who was known to be a walking library and a rock of steadfastness in following and preaching the Sunnah, strove till the end of his life to save people from the television and prevent them from getting involved in photography. When he perceived that this will become a future fitnah, he instructed his student, Hazrat Mufti Shafee\u2019 Saheb (rahimahullah), to prepare a kitaab explaining the proofs which establish that television and digital photography are haraam.<\/p>\n

Hazrat Mufti Shafee\u2019 Saheb (rahimahullah), the grand Mufti of Pakistan, throughout his life, never spoke out against any mukhtalaf fee mas\u2019alah (i.e. any mas\u2019alah wherein there is a difference of opinion which has a valid basis in Shari\u2019ah). However, on account of television and photography being accepted as impermissible according to all the four mazhabs, he spoke out against it and even prepared an entire book proving its impermissibility.<\/p>\n

We all agree to the greatness of these personalities in \u2018ilm and \u2018amal, and that they were far greater than the Ulama of this era in all respects. Their research in Deen was of a higher level and their understanding of the Sunnah was far superior to any Aalim of this age. Hence, if they unanimously agreed on this being impermissible and did not change their views and retract till the end of their lives, then it is safer to follow them in Deen. For one to claim, without shar\u2019ee proof, that these personalities changed their views in this mas\u2019alah is totally wrong and deceiving, and tantamount to falsely attributing to them that which is not true.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Method of Education in The Era of Rasulullah<\/strong> (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam)<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the era of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhum), the method of education was that people acquired the knowledge of Deen (the Qur\u2019aan and Hadith) under the guidance of those who were learned in the various branches of Deen. Despite the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhum) being fully conversant in the Arabic language, they never adopted the approach of selfstudy in matters of Deen and did not refer directly to the Qur\u2019aan and Hadith. They were well aware of the grave warnings that have been sounded by Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) in his Mubaarak Ahaadith for the one who treads on such a perilous path of selfstudy, as well as the serious consequences of adopting such an approach. In one Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said:<\/p>\n

\u201c<\/em>The one who fabricates or concocts something in Deen and incorrectly attributes it to me, he has prepared his abode in the fire of Jahannum.<\/em>\u201d<\/em> (Saheeh Muslim #3)<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Generally people studying the Qur\u2019aan and Hadith on their own reach incorrect conclusions and misinterpret the Qur\u2019aan and Hadith. The outcome of this is that they present the wrong message of Deen to the ummah and then attribute this wrong conclusion to Allah Ta\u2018ala and His Rasul (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam). Hence there is great fear of them entering under the purview of the abovementioned warning of Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam).<\/p>\n

Apart from this, Rasulullah (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) foretold that a time will come before Qiyaamah where the true spirit of Deen which existed in the beginning of Islam will no longer remain. The caution that was exercised by the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhum) in Deeni matters will no longer be seen. People will refer directly to the Qur\u2019aan and Hadith in sourcing out solutions for their Deeni problems. Nabi (sallallahu \u2018alaihi wasallam) said:<\/p>\n

\u201c<\/em>I particularly fear three problems in my Ummah. Firstly, due to the abundance of wealth and possessions, jealousy for one another will spread among them. Secondly, they will begin to freely discuss the Holy Qur<\/em>\u2019<\/em>aan (without referring to the Ulama and the learned), whereas many meanings in the Qur<\/em>\u2019<\/em>aan are such that they cannot be understood by anyone except Allah <\/em>\u00a0Ta<\/em>\u2018<\/em>ala <\/em>. (In regard to such verses), the wellversed scholars of the Book say: <\/em>\u201c<\/em>We fully believe in it, and that it has come from Allah <\/em>\u00a0Ta\u2018ala.<\/em>\u201d<\/em> Thirdly, the religious scholars will be neglected and ignored and people will not see the need to refer to them (i.e. people will adopt the approach of selfstudy in Deen and refer to the Qur<\/em>\u2019<\/em>aan and Hadith directly).<\/em>\u201d<\/em> (At-Targeeb Wat-Tarheeb<\/em> #176)<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Referring Directly to The Qur\u2019aan and Hadith<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once a person came to Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) for some work. During the conversation, Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) asked him regarding the condition of the people in the land from which he had come. The person replied: \u201cO Ameerul Mu\u2019mineen, there is a great awakening among the people and people are learning the Qur\u2019aan and referring to the Qur\u2019aan directly in Deeni matters (i.e. without the guidance of the Ulama).\u201d Hadhrat Ibnu Abbaas (radhiyallahu \u2018anhuma) was present in this gathering and upon hearing the statement of this person, he said: \u201cI take an oath by Allah \u00a0Ta\u2018ala, I do not like that people begin learning and studying the Qur\u2019aan by themselves.\u201d Upon this, Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) immediately reprimanded him and disapproved of the objection which he raised against the approach of the people.<\/p>\n

After being reprimanded by Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu), Hadhrat Ibnu Abbaas (radhiyallahu \u2018anhuma) says: \u201cI then went home extremely grieved and worried and said to myself: It seems that on account of my statement, I have fallen in the sight of Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu).\u201d He further said: \u201cAfter returning home, I rested on my bed, until the womenfolk of the house became concerned regarding my condition. It was not due to any ailment that I had fallen ill, but rather due to what had occurred in the conversation with Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu). While I was in that condition, a person came to me and said: \u2018The Ameerul Mu\u2019mineen has sent me to call you.\u2019 I then came out of my home and found Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) there, waiting for me. He took hold of my hand until we were in seclusion. He then asked: \u2018What was it that you disapproved regarding the statement made by that man earlier?\u2019\u00a0 I replied: \u2018O Ameerul Mu\u2019mineen, if I have erred, then I seek the forgiveness of Allah Ta\u2018ala and repent, and I am prepared to correct my stance according to what you advise me.\u2019 Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) said: \u2018No, rather tell me the reason for your disapproval.\u2019 I replied: \u2018O Ameerul Mu\u2019mineen, the reason for my disapproval of people referring to the Qur\u2019aan directly is that they will begin to reach their own conclusions and formulate their own opinions in Deen.<\/p>\n

The outcome of this will be that each person will have his own version of Deen and confine the truth to what he feels. This will then lead to differences and dissension breaking out in the ranks of the Muslims (based on ignorance). The dissension will then lead to arguments and disputes and ultimately Muslims will be at logger heads with each other.\u2019\u201d Hadhrat Umar (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) was greatly pleased with what Hadhrat Ibnu Abbaas (radhiyallahu \u2018anhuma) said and told him that he also felt the same way, though he had not expressed this to anyone till the time that Hadhrat Ibnu Abbaas (radhiyallahu \u2018anhuma) had mentioned it to him. (Musannaf<\/em> Abdur Razzaaq #20368) <\/em><\/p>\n

From this incident we conclude that the Sunnah method upheld by the illustrious Sahaabah (radhiyallahu \u2018anhu) in regard to acquiring the knowledge of Deen is for one to learn Deen under the guidance of the rightly guided Ulama and not to independently refer to the Qur’aan and Hadith.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Influence of TV by Hadhrat Moulana Yunus Patel (rahimahullah)<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the many Sunnats of the Ambiyaa (\u2018alaihimus salaam) is that of hayaa \u2013 shame and modesty: a quality which is sorely missing in the lives of the majority of Muslims today and which should otherwise be an outstanding characteristic and feature of all Muslims, whether married or unmarried.<\/p>\n

Television is such an evil that if our society only understood its reality, then they would find no excuse to watch. Its spiritual harm is that it takes away the hayaa and shame of our men, women and children.<\/p>\n

The content of most television programmes is nothing but immodesty and indecency, which invites nothing but immodesty and indecency \u2013 into our homes, into our lives and the lives of our children. However, this truth and reality seems to just pass over the understanding of even those Muslims who have some link with Deen. Many are regular with Salaah, they are seen in the Musjid, they are wearing the garb of the pious and yet they will be the ones to present flimsy and feeble excuses to view television programmes.<\/p>\n

Let us consider this situation of sin from the following view \u2013 which Alhamdulillah, has been a means of many getting rid of the television.<\/p>\n