The Role of Scholars as Mediums of Divine Wisdom: A Believer’s Responsibility

Anchoring Faith in Love and Wisdom

Your love for Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) is the cornerstone of your faith. It is this love that defines your relationship with your Creator and shapes the way you perceive the teachings of Islam. However, to ensure that this sacred bond remains pure and untainted, it is crucial to assess your understanding and actions. There should be no room for flaws or misconceptions when it comes to your connection with Allah and His Messenger.

Recognizing Human Diversity: Personal Preferences vs. Religious Truth

It is entirely natural that you might not resonate with the personality or speech of a particular scholar. Humans have diverse preferences, perspectives, and personal experiences, which shape how they perceive others. Not liking someone or disagreeing with their views does not automatically indicate a lack of faith or sincerity. However, it is essential to differentiate between personal preferences and matters of faith.

Personal Dislike Must Not Lead to Spiritual Rejection

When you dislike a scholar, you might find yourself distancing from their words or teachings. While it is your right to choose who you listen to, this should not lead you to disregard the core principles of Islam or the divine messages conveyed by the Qur’an and Hadith. The distinction here is significant—disliking a person must not translate into rejecting the truth if they are faithfully conveying the words of Allah and His Messenger.

When the Scholar Becomes a Medium of Revelation

If someone speaks from their own understanding or personal opinions, you have the right to question, analyze, or even disregard their views if they do not align with your reasoning or beliefs. However, when someone quotes the Qur’an, the Hadith, or provides authentic explanations of Islamic principles, they are not speaking for themselves but serving as a conduit for divine guidance. In such cases, their personal identity becomes secondary. Your focus should be on the truth they present rather than the person delivering it.

Scholars Are Not Divine, But Their Message Can Be

A scholar is merely a medium—a servant of knowledge who seeks to spread the light of Islam. They are not infallible, nor are they above criticism when they err. However, when they convey the truth grounded in the Qur’an and Hadith, it is not their words you are hearing but the eternal message of Allah. To reject this truth due to personal biases against the scholar would be a significant mistake.

The Intellectual Trust: Use of Reason in Assessing Truth

Allah has blessed every individual with the ability to discern right from wrong. This gift of intellect and reasoning is a trust, and it is our duty to use it responsibly. Before forming opinions or making decisions, it is necessary to engage in careful analysis and reflection. Prejudice or emotion-driven judgments often lead to errors that can harm your faith and understanding. By grounding your decisions in wisdom and knowledge, you pave the way for a life aligned with the teachings of Islam.

Dealing with Errors: The Balanced Approach to Scholars

Remember, all human beings are prone to mistakes, and scholars are no exception. However, when their work aligns with divine teachings and is rooted in authentic sources, your responsibility is to assess the message rather than judge the messenger. Holding onto personal grievances should never overshadow your commitment to truth and the principles of Islam.

Correcting With Compassion, Not Condemnation

Islam teaches us to advise one another with wisdom and kindness. If a scholar errs, it is the duty of the learned and the sincere to correct them respectfully and constructively—not with public humiliation or condemnation. This preserves unity and upholds the sanctity of knowledge.

Seeking Forgiveness and Guidance: The Mark of True Humility

If you find yourself unknowingly making mistakes in these matters, seek Allah’s guidance and forgiveness. Reflect deeply on your actions, ask for clarity, and pray for the ability to recognize and correct your errors. True humility lies in acknowledging our flaws and striving to overcome them. In doing so, you not only strengthen your relationship with Allah but also embody the wisdom and compassion that Islam teaches.

Prioritize Truth Over Personality

The teachings of Islam are sacred, and those who convey them bear a heavy responsibility. Yet, the responsibility to listen with sincerity and humility also rests with the believer. Let not your dislike for a person veil you from accepting the truth they convey. Anchor yourself in love for Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), guided by reason, humility, and a deep commitment to truth.