Between The Two Extremes Of ‘Blind Following’ And ‘Boycotting’, By Ibn Al-Qayyim

[TheAuthenticBase]

Ibn Al-Qayyim mentions in I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een:

“Knowing the excellence of the Imaams of Islaam, their rights, and rankings; and knowing that their excellence, knowledge, and sincerity to Allaah and His Messenger does not necessitate that everything they say be accepted (this being the first extreme).

What judgements they passed, the truth of which was hidden from them, such that they spoke based upon their knowledge but said that which opposed the truth, does not necessitate that all of their opinions be discarded, or that they be demeaned or abused (this being the second extreme).

These are two extremes that are far from the balanced path (i.e, [1] complete blind following and [2] complete rejection and boycotting), for that lies between the two: we do not declare him to be a sinner and neither do we declare him to be free from error…

Whoever has knowledge of the Sharee’ah and reality will know with certainty that a great man, who has a righteous place and effect in Islaam, could slip and err, but he is excused for this, even rewarded for his ijtihaad. In this case it is not permissible to follow the error nor to invalidate his ranking, being an Imaam, and the status he holds in the hearts of the Muslims.”​

[Quoted in Rifqan Ahle Sunnah Bi Ahle Sunnah, By Shaykh 'Abdul Muhsin Al-'Abbaad, p. 41]

 

[sachin4islam]

Assalam Alaikum:

For me Muhammad (SAW) is the ideal and ultimate source of Knowledge (other than Quran). Deen was complete,for it was the mission with which He (SAW) was sent and He (SAW) surely did not depart from the material world with mission uncompleted. He (SAW) left everything with practical exemplification

Deen beyond Quran is not a science (physical/chemical/biological) which needs an illustrator or teacher (Imam). It is a way of life and completely open.

Regards.