Is it sufficient to learn the Deen through questions and answers (Q&A) only?
Quran
Hadith
Islamic Text
It is not sufficient to learn Islam through Q&A only.
فَسْئَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ لا تَعْلَمُونَ
Ask the people of remembrance if you do not know. (Surah al-Nahl, 43).
Although asking questions is a significant means of learning, it is important to understand that it is considered to be supplementary learning and cannot replace formal studies.
It is very useful for those who engage in studying the Islamic sciences, because it clarifies issues they have learned and also helps them contextualise learning.
However, people who have not studied, may misunderstand answers because they do not understand the framework in which the answer is given. They may have limited knowledge of related issues which contextualise the answer. They may be unaware of conditions and restrictions applied to the answer.
Such individuals need to understand that Q&A can be a useful insight into religious issues but it cannot replace formal learning. Alhamdulillah, there are many opportunities to learn in our time, every Muslim should engage in some means of studying the Islamic sciences. Whether it is online or in person, it is of fundamental importance to one’s religious well being to complete a study of the obligatory sciences in Islam.
طَلَبُ الْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ
The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.’ (Ibn Maja 224, Hasan).
– Answered by Shaykh Noor ud-deen (04.01.2021)
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