The Obligation of the Ulema
Written by: Mufti Hamas Inqiadi
Allama Suyuti, may Allah have mercy on him, stated:
لولا العلماء لکان الناس کالبهائم
Translation:
“If there were no scholars, people would be like animals,” meaning that people’s lives would resemble animals.
Scholars are the beacons of the community and hold the status of backbone. Any community lacking a scholar or lacking a connection with scholars is not considered a good society.
It is incumbent upon everyone to seek companionship with scholars to construct the hereafter and lead their lives in accordance with the true guidance of scholars.
The responsibility of scholars is to call people to religion and prohibit them from evil deeds; Amr-bil-Ma’ruf (ordering acknowledged virtues) and nahi anil munkar (forbidding from sin) are societal responsibilities of the ulema.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
«الدِّينُ النَّصِيحَةُ» [بخاري او مسلم]
Translation:
“The deen (religion) is naseehah (advice, sincerity).”
The scholars should invite individuals to religion with a gentle and respectful tone, displaying leniency during the invitation without being harsh. Invitations should be extended in a manner similar to the way the Messenger of Allah ﷺ invited individuals.
It is essential for scholars to avoid contentious issues that can divide society and foster animosity and envy. Every tenet of religion should be conveyed to all members of society. If there are unlawful acts within society, they should be prohibited in a wise and gracious manner.
Extremism must be avoided, as it has no place in Sharia.
If society remains devoid of religion and Daʿwah, the responsibility falls upon the scholars.
It is the obligation of scholars to follow in the footsteps of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and remain unwavering in religious matters, unswayed by external influences.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stated:
أَلاَ لاَ يَمْنَعَنَّ أَحَدَكُمْ هَيْبَةُ النَّاسِ أَنْ يَقُولَ بِحَقٍ إِذَا رَآهُ أَوْ شَهِدَهُ، فَإِنَّهُ لاَ يُقَرِّبُ مِنْ أَجَلٍ وَلاَ يُبَاعِدُ مِنْ رِزْقٍ أَنْ يَقُولَ بِحَقٍّ أَوْ يُذَكِّرَ بِعَظِيمٍ
Translation:
Let not fear of the people stop one of you from speaking the truth, if he knows it, as it won’t shorten lifespan or decrease your livelihood if you tell the truth or remind people about something great”. (Musnad Ahmad).
Additionally, it has been narrated that:
أَفْضَلُ الْجِهَادِ كَلِمَةُ عَدْلٍ عِنْدَ سُلْطَانٍ جَائِرٍ أَوْ أَمِيرٍ جَائِرٍ»
Translation:
“The greatest sacred struggle (jihad) is to speak the truth in front of a tyrannical ruler.” [Abu Dawood, Ahmad].
It is crucial for a scholar’s perspective on matters to remain inclusive and free from national, ethnic, and linguistic biases.
In modern times, the responsibility of ensuring that the youth adhere to the correct ideological methodology and defending the Islamic system rests with the Ulema. Each scholar must consider the defense and preservation of the Islamic system as a personal obligation.
A scholar must remain vigilant against worldly temptations, seeking not positions of power or prestige, but the fulfillment of their divine duty and service. If a scholar’s intentions are driven by worldly desires, they may become a curse rather than a blessing.
If ignorance among the general populace obstructs the path to the Islamic System, it is the duty of the Ulema to dispel this ignorance. They must fervently encourage the population to embrace the blessings of the Islamic System wholeheartedly and steadfastly defend and protect it, regardless of the sacrifice.
