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least be equal. When deen is the real object, the real aim of our lives, then all that is
essential to its well-being also becomes part of the object, and falls in its category. In
Durr Manthoor, it is quoted from the Ulema of fiqah that the seeking of so much of
knowledge is obligatory upon a person wherewith he can safeguard his deen.
Allama Shami has said that together with the obligatory duties of Islam, it is also
compulsory to acquire that much knowledge which is required for the protection and
continuance of his deen. Hence, after learning the principles of deen, it is also necessary
for every Muslim to learn the commands and details of practice of wudu, ghusl, Salaah,
Fasting, the rules regarding Zakaat for him who has wealth and the rules regarding Haj
for him who has a little more. Similarly, for him whose occupation is business, it is
necessary to study the rules and regulations regarding buying and selling. Similarly, for
every person engaged in any specific profession it is necessary to learn the Shari’ rules
and regulations regarding that particular field.
In the book Tab-yeen-ul-Mahaarim it is stated: “There is absolutely no doubt therein that
it is necessary for every man to learn the five pillars of Islam. So also is it necessary to
learn SINCERITY because the correctness (and acceptance by Allah) of deeds depend
upon it. Similarly it is necessary to learn what is lawful and what is unlawful. One must
also learn what it means to perform deeds “for show” because one’s deeds are deprived
of reward due to hypocrisy. Then one must also learn what jealousy and egotism is
because these devour good deeds just as fire consumes fuel. Similarly it is necessary to
learn the regulations of buying, selling, marriage and divorce for those perSons involved
in these matters. A man must also learn those words, the use and uttering of which is
unlawful, leading to the brink of KUFR. And I swear by Allah that in these times these
things are even more necessary to learn because the masses quite often utter such
blasphemous words unconsciously and unknowingly.” (Shaami)
It stands to reason that when the learning of all these things are necessary, there is only
one out of two ways out. First of all one should either learn them oneself, which is best. If
however this cannot be done (for some reason or other) one should seek the help of a
reliable, dependable and Allah fearing AIim. Such a person’s advice should be sought,
and should be followed. However if anyone refuses to take any of these two paths the
rsult will only be too obvious. Ignorance of the law generally is no excuse, so how can it
be an excuse in matters of the Law of Shariat. If expressing opinions without knowledge
is not a path leading to the path of those who are astray, then what else is it?
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
“Allah will not take away knowledge in such manner that He removes it from the breasts
of men. But knowledge will be lifted in this manner that the Ulema will pass away (while
others will not seek knowledge). When no Ulema will remain, people will make the
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