QUESTION:
When a person encounters differences in the views of Ulama and the paths that are followed by people, at certain times one has to take the middle path between two extreme views in order to remain on the Siratul Mustaqeem. This is because we are taught that Islaam is a moderate Deen, and Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam always followed the middle path in his life and was never extreme in any of his ways. However, at other times, if a person has to follow a middle path when there are differences amongst Ulama and certain groups that are involved in efforts of Deen, then a person will be considered to be a “fence-sitter”, and following a middle path in this situation results in compromising many aspects of Deen. Thus in these situations, one will have to follow one so-called “extreme path” and oppose those on the other path since it is a matter of Haqq and Baatil, so that one does not become guilty of being hypocritical. The challenge I have is that, many times in the current situation we live in, due to the differences amongst people in matters of Deen, one does not know whether the middle path between certain extreme views is the correct path to live our lives, or if following a so-called “extreme path” which is opposed to the other path, is the correct way to do things. Please advise how to differentiate between these two scenarios, and how do we choose the path that we need to follow in order to remain on the way of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum.
ANSWER:
Firstly, the laws of Shariah are explicit and clear without any form of ambiguity whatsoever. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Halaal is clear and Haraam is clear and between the two are doubtful things.” [Bukhari]
It is recorded in another narration of Musnad Ahmad and Ibn Majah that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam states, “I left you upon a clear path, its night is like its day, and none will be deviated from it except one that will be destroyed.”
عن العرباض بن سارية قال: “وعظنا رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم موعظة ذرفت منها العيون ووجلت منها القلوب، فقلنا يا رسول الله: إن هذه لموعظة مودع فماذا تعهد إلينا؟ قال: قد تركتكم على البيضاء ليلها كنهارها لا يزيغ عنها بعد إلا هالك …” الحديث. انظر المستدرك 1/96، ومسند أحمد 4/126، وابن ماجة في مقدمة سننه 1/4، وابن أبي عاصم في كتابه السنة
Another narration recorded in the Mustadrak of Hakim states, “I left with you O people, what if you hold onto then you will never be misguided; the Kitaab of Allah and the Sunnah of His Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam.”
أخرج هذا الحديث محمد بن نصر المروزي في كتابه السنة بلفظ: “… وقد تركت فيكم أيها الناس ما إن اعتصمتم به فلن تضلوا أبداً كتاب الله وسنة نبيه…“. انظر كتابه السنة ص20، 21، وهكذا أخرجه الحاكم في المستدرك 1/93 وصححه ووافقه الذهبي، وقال: وله أصل في الصحيح وذلك فيما أخرجه مسلم في كتاب الحج باب 19 ج2/190.
There is really no need for us to search for any moderate way, as the laws of Shariah have been clearly and categorically shown to us. The commentators of Quraan and Hadith have explained the Quraan and Hadith in a perfect manner, leaving no room for any form of doubt to the extent that, even the contradicting narrations and verses have been reconciled in the most perfect manner.
Now, if some present-day scholars decide to misinterpret the verses of the Quraan Sharif, the Ahaadith of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, the texts of the jurists and the statements of our pious predecessors to suite their whims and fancies, then it is to their loss and detriment as the matters of Deen are perfectly clear, as understood from the above narrations.
Yes, if there is a difference of opinion on any matter not mentioned in the Quraan and Ahaadith, then it is the duty of every man of sound opinion, who looks at the present situation and understands it, while bearing in mind the tenets of the Shariah, and to choose the path of that person whom he honestly and sincerely considers to be following the better path. As for him who is not well-versed in these matters, he should stay in the presence of these people for a couple of days. Thereafter, whomsoever of the two he feels himself drawn to most strongly, he should follow that person.
If one is sincere and makes Dua to Allah Ta’ala, then He will guide his decision. Our seniors have also advised that one holds firmly onto some pious and rightly-guided Alim in all matters who will guide him to the moderate or correct path when facing differences of the scholars. On the other hand, if one takes guidance from several individuals, then this will ultimately lead to confusion. [Al-I’tidaal Pg.3]
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date: – 08 Jumadal Ula 1445 / 22 November 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
