How Do I Achieve Fiqh (understanding) of the Deen?

Source: How do I Achieve FIQH (understanding) of the Deen? – From the lectures of Shaikh Saleh ibn Fawzan al-Fawzaan

Translated by Shawana A. Aziz

Question: What is your advice O Shaikh, to the students of knowledge and the youth – in the present times – concerning what is widespread of ideological confusion and confusion in Manhaj. What is the role of a student of knowledge towards these situations?

Reply by Shaikh Saleh ibn Fawzan al-Fawzaan (pg. 879):

I pointed in my talk that the youth, especially in these times, when there is an increase in ideas, Manaahij (pl. of Manhaj), groups and divisions;

• I advise them, first and before all, with the Taqwa (piety) of Allah and Khashyah (fear) of Him.
• I advise them to mind their tongues from talk which could bring bad consequences for them.
• I also advise them to seek IslaaH (rectification) and unity amongst the people, Allah says, “There is no good in most of their secret talks except (in) him who orders Sadaqah, Ma’roof, or conciliation between mankind. And he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward.” [Soorah an-Nisa (4): 114]

I also advise them to seek knowledge from its sources upon the hands of the people of Ilm (i.e., the scholars) and the people of Baseerah.

This is the only way to seek Ilm from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger —i.e., upon the hands of the scholars —this is the only way to know the truth.

It is not knowledge what some claim —i.e., learning al-Fiqh al-Waqee which is engaging oneself in the politics of the country, the issues of the world and their solutions —this is keeping busy away from the beneficial Ilm, and it does not reap any benefits.

When the Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasallam) informed about division amongst ummah, he said,

“My Ummah will split into 73 sects —all of them in the fire except one.” They asked, “Which sect is that, O Allah’s Messenger?” He (salallahu alaihi wasallam) replied, “(Those who follow) that which I and my companions follow.” [(hasan) Saheeh at-Tirmidhee]

So, there is no salvation except through following what the Prophet was upon – and how do we know that?

We will not know that except if we were to seek Ilm upon the hands of the scholars.

Everyone claims to be upon the Manhaj of the Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasallam) and his Sahabah – everyone makes this claim, and only the reality (of their actions) can decide (who is upon the correct Manhaj).

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