Need Reviews and Opinions

[Ershad]

:salam2:

Dear brothers and sisters,

I hope this post finds you all in good health. I have a concern which I want to share with you people and get your opinions. Since childhood, I loved reading. It was my only hobby. But, my problem was I really didn't have few preferences. I like to read everything I could get hold of. I loved books. So, I read a lot of books regarding Quran and Islam. Ofcourse, I only read the recommended ones by scholars who follow only Quran and sunnah. But, there are some books which have different opinion by different people. These books claim that they are interpretations from Qur'an. There are books which say the contemporary interpretation of the surah to show how relevant it is to present. I am not even sure if that is the case. Moreover I am torn between false scholars and Western media even squashing good scholars and their books. Since I am not a scholar, I can't even judge them. One thing I can do now is recognise false scholars. However, even among good scholars, they have created differentiation, which I don't know what it is. Like salafists etc. Salafi had a completely different meaning. It stands for the Prophet, his companions and followers of next three generations. But how come people call someone salafis now. I always have believed there is only one term, only one kind, that is muslim and they believe in Quran and sunnah.

Coming back to books, there are books like "In the Shade of the Quran" which has good organisation, but I don't know if it is recommended by scholars and it is true interpretation of Quran. Some say it is good, some say it is violent. I love to read lot of books. But I want to read the good ones and I don't want the list to end.

Please Advice.

Jazakallahu Khair.

 

[ahmed_indian]

yes of course brother..we are muslims.

eg. muslim living in usa is called american muslim or living in india as indian muslim....that doesnt change him/her as a muslim.

likewise... a muslim following imam abu hanifa maybe called hanafi or one following imam shafi called as shafi...but we remain muslims only.

though there are many deviated groups of which we have to be aware like shias, ahmadis, submitters,etc.

salafis in todays age are those muslims who dont follow a particular school...they take the strongest opinion frm Quran, sunnah and early scholars.

 

[Ershad]

Assalamu alaikkum wa rahamatullahi wa barakatuhu,

Why should someone follow the Imams? I don't mean disrespect. All Imams follow only Qur'an and Sunnah. We don't need a school. Everything required to follow and understand our religion has been give to us through Qur'an and life of Prophet SAW. I respect these Imams and I take the advice, interpretation, teachings of all of them. But finally the authenticity of their teachings is judged by Quran and Hadith. We need proofs from only that and not their teaching. So why should I label myself shafi or hanafi or salafi. Prophet SAW and his companions never called themselves as shafi or hanafi or salafi, they called themselves only muslims. So, it doesn't make sense to me to call a muslim as hanafi or shafi or salafi.

Jazakallahu khair for your response.

 

[thariq2005]

salafis in todays age are those muslims who dont follow a particular school...they take the strongest opinion frm Quran, sunnah and early scholars.

Sad to see such a misconception!

 

[thariq2005]

Assalamu alaikkum wa rahamatullahi wa barakatuhu,

Why should someone follow the Imams? I don't mean disrespect. All Imams follow only Qur'an and Sunnah. We don't need a school. Everything required to follow and understand our religion has been give to us through Qur'an and life of Prophet SAW. I respect these Imams and I take the advice, interpretation, teachings of all of them. But finally the authenticity of their teachings is judged by Quran and Hadith.

Wa `alaykum salaam wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh

Akhee, I think a lot of people have mis-understood this concept. I will see if I can post in detail later on, regarding this, inshaa'Allaah.

One question to think about though... according to whose understanding will you understand the Qur'aan and Sunnah?

How would you understand the religion when most of the people have not even mastered the Arabic Language (the language of the Qur'aan)? Most people have not even studied the basics of the sciences of Hadeeth, let alone master it- so how would you tell which hadeeth is authentic? One hadeeth scholar can authenticate a hadeeth, while at the same time another hadeeth scholar weakens the same hadeeth... how can you tell who is correct?

In brief- all of us are blind following some scholar at one point... whether we deny it or not this is the fact.

I will write more when I get a bit more time inshaa'Allaah.

 

[thariq2005]

salafis in todays age are those muslims who dont follow a particular school...they take the strongest opinion frm Quran, sunnah and early scholars.

Quite sadly these are the laymen who claim to be 'Salafi'.

Strongest opinion... according to who? Laymen?

 

[Ershad]

Wa `alaykum salaam wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh

Akhee, I think a lot of people have mis-understood this concept. I will see if I can post in detail later on, regarding this, inshaa'Allaah.

One question to think about though... according to whose understanding will you understand the Qur'aan and Sunnah?

How would you understand the religion when most of the people have not even mastered the Arabic Language (the language of the Qur'aan)? Most people have not even studied the basics of the sciences of Hadeeth, let alone master it- so how would you tell which hadeeth is authentic? One hadeeth scholar can authenticate a hadeeth, while at the same time another hadeeth scholar weakens the same hadeeth... how can you tell who is correct?

In brief- all of us are blind following some scholar at one point... whether we deny it or not this is the fact.

I will write more when I get a bit more time inshaa'Allaah.

I did not mean don't listen to the scholars. Why follow only one scholar believing his words can never be wrong? We know only Allah knows the truth. I am saying if you don't understand Arabic, listen to all scholars, cross check one against other, if they differ, there are good tafseers and translations of Qur'an which we could use. But, that is not the case nowadays. People stick to one scholar and take their words to be infallible and sometimes even label themselves as followers of a particular scholar. I don't think blindly following is the only option for the people who can't understand Arabic. Maybe they need to put in a little more effort but it is worth.

I hope you understand.

 

[thariq2005]

I did not mean don't listen to the scholars. Why follow only one scholar believing his words can never be wrong? We know only Allah knows the truth. I am saying if you don't understand Arabic, listen to all scholars, cross check one against other, if they differ, there are good tafseers and translations of Qur'an which we could use. But, that is not the case nowadays. People stick to one scholar and take their words to be infallible and sometimes even label themselves as followers of a particular scholar. I don't think blindly following is the only option for the people who can't understand Arabic. Maybe they need to put in a little more effort but it is worth.

I hope you understand.

Okay, a layman CAN NOT listen to all the scholars- not at all possible for a layman. Even if one was to listen or read the works of ALL scholars- he will still not be able to understand it without learning the required terminology for that specific science, or knowledge of Usool etc. In fact all the works of the scholars are in the Arabic Language.

Can you give me one example of where YOU read all the works of the scholars in just one Mas'alah (issue)? In actual fact you won't be to, 'cos all the works of the scholars are in the Arabic Language.

As I mentioned earlier... the point I am trying to make is: Whether you admit it or not, you are blind following a scholar and this is the reality. And I can prove this to you by asking you just ONE question :- )

Wassalaamu `alaykum

 

[Aapa]

Assalaam walaikum,

Earlier I was watching a scholar whose videos were linked on TTI. What struck me like a ton of bricks was this: He stated and I am being emphatic. He stated that understanding of a hadeeth was still coming to him and he would need to wait until he had complete understanding before he could continue to comment.

 

[Ershad]

Assalaam walaikum,

Earlier I was watching a scholar whose videos were linked on TTI. What struck me like a ton of bricks was this: He stated and I am being emphatic. He stated that understanding of a hadeeth was still coming to him and he would need to wait until he had complete understanding before he could continue to comment.

:salam2:

Yes, indeed. Some scholars do not dare to penetrate the hadeeths relating to Akhira and the signs of judgement day since we do not have the full knowledge about them. And we cannot predict things before they happen.

Br. Thariq, ignorance is not an excuse when you have umpteen resource for authentic knowledge. I listen to lectures of Nouman Ali Khan, Bilal Philips, Abdur Raheem Green, Zakir Naik and many more. And all of them have talked about some common issues in world and Islamic standing on them. They quote from Qur'an and Hadeeth. It is not blind following. I am not blindly following the scholars. I am following the words of Quran and Hadeeth. And also I think about it. Because Allah asks us to think about it. And that is what the scholars do too. And our duty is to take this authentic knowledge to "laymen". These people have books in English not just Arabic. There is a programme by Al Azhar university which provides free books in almost all major languages ( http://www.islamic-message.net/cims/default.aspx). There are means to learn the religion even if you are not so fluent in Arabic.

And our duty is obstructed by many people including the fake scholars. The other day I saw a scholar claiming that one should make wudu compulsorily before touching Qur'an. And he said Prophet doesn't even take Allah's name before making wudu. Then what about the supplication that Prophet makes before wudu? These things are illogical and obvious things that our minds will not accept. One cannot blindly follow these people.

I am talking about scholars like this, who take hadeeth, and misinterpret them.

 

[Ershad]

Assalamu Alaikkum warahamatullahi wa barakatuhu,

To remind brothers and sisters again, one of my questions was if it is advisable to read books of Sayyid Qutb? I have read that his books are based on Qur'an and deeper understanding of it. It was used in Islamic universities for some time. But, some say it gave birth to the "extremist" ideologies. If someone who has read it before would recommend it, It will be a comfortable feeling for me while reading. I hate delusions.

Jazakallahu Khair!

EDIT: I got the answers from this thread: http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57483

 

[thariq2005]

:salam2:

I listen to lectures of Nouman Ali Khan, Bilal Philips, Abdur Raheem Green, Zakir Naik and many more. And all of them have talked about some common issues in world and Islamic standing on them. They quote from Qur'an and Hadeeth. It is not blind following. I am not blindly following the scholars. I am following the words of Quran and Hadeeth.

Wa `alaykum salaam wa rahmatullaah

Firstly, the people you mentioned- they are not scholars nor are they close to one. We consider them as students of knowledge.

Secondly, Can I ask you what is the 'authentic' place of placing your hands in Salaah? And what is your evidence? Whatever evidence you may bring, can you please tell me if they are authentic and who authenticated the hadeeth? [After you answer this question, I will show you what I meant from the start]

And our duty is obstructed by many people including the fake scholars. The other day I saw a scholar claiming that one should make wudu compulsorily before touching Qur'an. And he said Prophet doesn't even take Allah's name before making wudu. Then what about the supplication that Prophet makes before wudu? These things are illogical and obvious things that our minds will not accept. One cannot blindly follow these people.

I am talking about scholars like this, who take hadeeth, and misinterpret them.

Okay, one should be careful with what we say. How can someone become a fake scholar because you do not agree with him?

There is a major difference of opinion amongst the Scholars of Islaam regarding the permissibility of a person without Wudoo' touching the Qur'aan.

The person who is in major ritual impurity (i.e. it is that impurity which is removed by Ghusl only)- it is haraam for him to touch the Mushaf (copy of the Qur'aan) and this is the consensus of all the scholars as mentioned by Ibn Taymiyyah and others.

As for the person in a state of minor ritual impurity (i.e. it is that impurity that is removed by doing Wudoo')- then the scholars differed over this and the majority of the scholars mentioned that is not permissible for him to touch it.

This was also mentioned by many of the Sahaabah (who learnt their religion from the Prophet :saw2. Also we have the narration of the Prophet :saw2: as reported by Sunan al-Daarimi, where he :saw2: said: “No one should touch the Qur’aan except one who is taahir (pure)”. This was authenticated by scholars due to the supporting narrations.

We should be very careful of what we say about halaal & haraam, especially when we have no knowledge.

Wassalaamu `alaykum

 

[Ershad]

Wa `alaykum salaam wa rahmatullaah

Firstly, the people you mentioned- they are not scholars nor are they close to one. We consider them as students of knowledge.

Secondly, Can I ask you what is the 'authentic' place of placing your hands in Salaah? And what is your evidence? Whatever evidence you may bring, can you please tell me if they are authentic and who authenticated the hadeeth? [After you answer this question, I will show you what I meant from the start]

Okay, one should be careful with what we say. How can someone become a fake scholar because you do not agree with him?

There is a major difference of opinion amongst the Scholars of Islaam regarding the permissibility of a person without Wudoo' touching the Qur'aan.

The person who is in major ritual impurity (i.e. it is that impurity which is removed by Ghusl only)- it is haraam for him to touch the Mushaf (copy of the Qur'aan) and this is the consensus of all the scholars as mentioned by Ibn Taymiyyah and others.

As for the person in a state of minor ritual impurity (i.e. it is that impurity that is removed by doing Wudoo')- then the scholars differed over this and the majority of the scholars mentioned that is not permissible for him to touch it.

This was also mentioned by many of the Sahaabah (who learnt their religion from the Prophet :saw2. Also we have the narration of the Prophet :saw2: as reported by Sunan al-Daarimi, where he :saw2: said: “No one should touch the Qur’aan except one who is taahir (pure)”. This was authenticated by scholars due to the supporting narrations.

We should be very careful of what we say about halaal & haraam, especially when we have no knowledge.

Wassalaamu `alaykum

:salam2:

Dear brother,

First thing you have to know is I don't mean disrespect to any scholars. That is not my intention. It is true that I have been reading to their teachings and listening to their lectures and may Allah be pleased with them. As for your question, the answer can be found here. As you see, they give references to hadeeth. That is why I believe them. Not because a particular scholar said.

Secondly, I didn't call the scholar fake because of that wudu before touching the Qur'an thing. I said it because of what he said about the prophet which was not reasonable or logical at all. (Please refer this video and the description. I was referring to this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KSzDu0eAbk. The part I mentioned is around 6:30.) Agreed I shouldn't have gone too far to call him "fake". Some of the things, parts of the whole lecture is true. But, again, such interpretation makes me sad.

I personally believe I can't really answer with confidence to all the fiqh questions nor can I take a lecture of a particular scholar and give to you as the final answer. I am just saying lets read and listen to all of them and make our own judgement from Qur'an and Hadeeth.

It will Allah who will decide for the scholars, not me. And the scholars don't decide for me. They are not going to be my saviours in the Judgement day. So I have to be careful that I don't follow one completely blind but use my reasoning and do some research to find it out until I am convinced.

And a question, because I don't know, what makes one a scholar? The names I mentioned, some of them have done years of study in Islamic Research. People call them Shaykh, Ustads, some have doctorates. I am just a normal person with exterme interest to know more about Islam, most knowledge I get is from Internet since I don't live in a country which provides Islamic education. But, Alhamdulilah, I get lot of resources through books and Internet. So tell me.

And Allah knows the best and knows my intention.

Jazakallahu Khair for your response.

 

[thariq2005]

:salam2:

Dear brother,

First thing you have to know is I don't mean disrespect to any scholars. That is not my intention. It is true that I have been reading to their teachings and listening to their lectures and may Allah be pleased with them. As for your question, the answer can be found here. As you see, they give references to hadeeth. That is why I believe them. Not because a particular scholar said.

Wa `alaykum salaam wa rahmatullaah

The fatwa does not answer my question to you. I asked you, 'where' to place the hands, not how :- ). I.e. On the chest, above the navel, below the navel etc.

Secondly, I didn't call the scholar fake because of that wudu before touching the Qur'an thing. I said it because of what he said about the prophet which was not reasonable or logical at all.

What did he say about the Prophet :saw2: that is not reasonable? Please elaborate.

I personally believe I can't really answer with confidence to all the fiqh questions nor can I take a lecture of a particular scholar and give to you as the final answer. I am just saying lets read and listen to all of them and make our own judgement from Qur'an and Hadeeth.

As I previously mentioned- a layman CAN NOT listen to or read all the works of the scholars, because we don't have the tools. And we cannot and are not allowed to make our own judgement from the Qur'aan and Hadeeth, because we do not even have the most basic tools of the religion- like Arabic Language (to understand the Qur'aan and hadeeth), the sciences of Hadeeth (whether a hadeeth is authentic or not), Knowledge of Naskh (Abrogation of rulings), the knowledge of Usool al-Fiqh (Principles of Fiqh) and the list goes on.

It will Allah who will decide for the scholars, not me. And the scholars don't decide for me. They are not going to be my saviours in the Judgement day. So I have to be careful that I don't follow one completely blind but use my reasoning and do some research to find it out until I am convinced.

If you come across two scholarly opinions, and you feel that scholar A's evidence is stronger than scholar B's evidence because you trust Scholar A in his knowledge of the religion and piety- then there is nothing wrong in you taking Scholar A's opinion (but bare in mind that you will in actual fact be 'blind following' him).

We have two things: Blind following (Taqleed) or Striving to derive Rulings (Ijtihaad). Taqleed (blind following) is what the laymen generally do off the scholars (may not necessarily be blind following a madh-hab, could be blind following a specific scholar, or a group of scholars). Ijtihaad is what the scholars do, where they take the evidences and use necessary tools to derive a ruling from the text (Qur'aan and hadeeth)

And a question, because I don't know, what makes one a scholar? The names I mentioned, some of them have done years of study in Islamic Research. People call them Shaykh, Ustads, some have doctorates. I am just a normal person with exterme interest to know more about Islam, most knowledge I get is from Internet since I don't live in a country which provides Islamic education. But, Alhamdulilah, I get lot of resources through books and Internet. So tell me.

And Allah knows the best and knows my intention.

Jazakallahu Khair for your response.

The scholar, depending in his field, would have mastered specific sciences related to his field. He should be a master of the Arabic language and should have deep knowledge about the evidences etc.

Wa baraakAllaahu feek
Wassalaamu `alaykum

 

[sabina isa]

Assalamu Alaikkum warahamatullahi wa barakatuhu,

To remind brothers and sisters again, one of my questions was if it is advisable to read books of Sayyid Qutb? I have read that his books are based on Qur'an and deeper understanding of it. It was used in Islamic universities for some time. But, some say it gave birth to the "extremist" ideologies. If someone who has read it before would recommend it, It will be a comfortable feeling for me while reading. I hate delusions.

Jazakallahu Khair!

EDIT: I got the answers from this thread: http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57483

As salam alaikum,

I have read his books, and if I have three wonderfull years of faith in my life, big part is because of his books. I have been much inspired in my deen. Th very boks that made me live for Allah alone. This is my humble experience, but every one has unique experience in the path of faith.

As salam alaikum

 

[Ershad]

Wa `alaykum salaam wa rahmatullaah

The fatwa does not answer my question to you. I asked you, 'where' to place the hands, not how :- ). I.e. On the chest, above the navel, below the navel etc.

Okay, I give up I place it on the chest. That is how I was taught. You tell me ( with evidences ).

And regarding the what he said about Prophet , I have edited the post before and added a link to the video. Actually he misinterpreted what the Prophet had said. Or his interpretation is not correct according to logic or arabic language. You tell me if you are able to say exactly if his interpretation is right or wrong.

Jazakallahu Khair for all your responses.

 

[Ershad]

As salam alaikum,

I have read his books, and if I have three wonderfull years of faith in my life, big part is because of his books. I have been much inspired in my deen. Th very boks that made me live for Allah alone. This is my humble experience, but every one has unique experience in the path of faith.

As salam alaikum

Jazakallahu Khair for the recommendation sister.

 

[thariq2005]

Okay, I give up I place it on the chest. That is how I was taught. You tell me ( with evidences ).

Alhamdulillaah, this is easier than I thought. So, do you agree that you blind followed a scholar (whom you trust in his knowledge and peity) in the issue of placing the hands on the chest? 'Cos you don't even know the evidence for it :- )

Do you see the point I am trying to make. We are all blind followers at one point- even if don't admit it... unless one of us is a scholar.

And regarding the what he said about Prophet , I have edited the post before and added a link to the video. Actually he misinterpreted what the Prophet had said. Or his interpretation is not correct according to logic or arabic language. You tell me if you are able to say exactly if his interpretation is right or wrong.

Jazakallahu Khair for all your responses.

As I mentioned before, the permissibility of touching the Qur'aan without Wudoo' is something that the scholars differed over and the vast majority of the scholars opined that it is NOT permissible. This is due to the evidences from the Sahaabah and the Prophet :saw2: regarding it.

As for the person in the video- then he is not a scholar. He bashes Sh. Al-Albaanee when he has no right to do so.

Wassalaamu `alaykum

 

[Seeking Allah's Mercy]

Asalamoalaikom wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh,

I think I understand what you are saying. I believe you simply mean: People should try their level best to make sure what they are following is authentic and correct. Right?

If yes, then I agree. We may not be scholars or around a scholar, that doesn't exempt us from following whatever crosses our way. I mean you will not accept a prescription from me without consulting your doctor or someone who knows about medicine. Because you fear for your health and life. But its really amazing how people usually go for taking "religious Prescriptions" without utilizing the sources they have around them to see if it's good for their Imaan and Akhira!

As far as the blind following thing is concerned, I think following a trusted scholar is fine, liking him is even better. But when someone else's proof has more strength, then one shouldn't make it an ego problem and accept it.

I absolutely love Sh. Albaanee and Sh. Uthaymin. And there's a good chance I'll get into an emotional argument if someone bad mouths them. But I don't follow "ALL" of their opinions because I find the some other opinion more satisfying. Then there are others like Maududi that I respect, but don't really follow them.

 

[ahmed_indian]

Sad to see such a misconception!

:salam2:

can u pls explain in detail...