Is blind following of a scholar allowed?

Question

Dear Respected Mufti Saab, as I am not a scholar so must I follow my scholar in everything or only in things which do not contradict BIG issues which is commonly known in Islam. Do I get sin if I follow the ruling of a local Mufti and he is wrong in the issue. JazakAllah

Mufti Ebrahim Desai · Accepted Answer

Allah Ta'ala states in the Qur'aan, 'Hence, ask those with (knowledge) of the Divine Book if you know not.'

The above Aayat is clear that one should refer to the Ulama (learned scholars) in matters of Deen (religion). When a person requires advise on a worldly matter, he refers to an expert on that matter. Similarly, in religious matters, one should refer to an expert in religion.

Whenever a person is faced with medical problem, he continues to consult with a reliable practitioner in his locality as long as he is satisfied with his services. Sometimes the need arises to consult with another expert in order to gain satisfaction. Similarly, we should refer our Deeni (religious) problems to such an Aalim (scholar) with whose piety and Faqaahat (jurisprudence) we are satisfied. However, if the need arises to consult with another Aalim to gain satisfaction, that is not inconsistent with the dictates of the aforementioned Aayat.

One should be cautious that in pursuit of gaining satisfaction, he/she does not become disrespectful to the learned scholars of Deen. In the medical field, practitioners adopt different methods in treating the same disease, yet the opinion of each one is respected.

In worldly affairs, derogating the opinion of any expert may not cause any serious repercussions beyond the earthly existence but to lose respect of the learned scholars of Deen is extremely hazardous to one's faith. It is stated in one Hadith, 'Whomsoever shows no mercy to our youngsters, does not respect the elders among us, and exalts not our Ulama (learned scholars) is not of us.'

Therefore, a person should follow such an Aalim with whom he is satisfied and is certain of his reliability, who is sanctioned by the Ulama of his time in all Deeni (religious) matters as long as he is consistent upon the Sunnah (way of Nabiy (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). If any doubt arises in his piety or motives, then without losing respect of the first, another Aalim may be consulted.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.

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