Throughout Islamic history, scholars have been the guardians and transmitters of sacred knowledge, guiding the ummah through every generation. Yet in today’s digital age—where information is abundant and instantly available—the dynamic between everyday Muslims and scholars is evolving, sometimes in ways that create confusion or imbalance.
Some argue that we lean too heavily on scholars, relying on them for even the most basic aspects of our faith without engaging personally. Others suggest we undervalue their role, bypassing centuries of scholarship in favor of trending social media opinions or quick online searches. So, where should we draw the line?
When Reliance Becomes Excessive
At times, Muslims may shy away from engaging with the Qur’an and Hadith directly, assuming that religious knowledge is too complex to grasp without scholarly mediation. This over-reliance can lead to:
- Blind adherence (taqlid) – Following rulings without understanding the reasoning behind them.
- Unquestioning obedience – Placing scholars on a pedestal where their opinions are seen as beyond critique, which goes against the spirit of inquiry present in Islamic tradition.
- Passive religiosity – Turning faith into a checklist of fatwas rather than a journey of active reflection, learning, and spiritual growth.
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