How Can We Know Which Scholars Are Reliable to Follow?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
How can we know which scholars are reliable to follow, and what should we do if we are unsure?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Knowing Truth Before Knowing People
Imam Ghazali states in The Book of Knowledge from Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din:
“Whoever determines the truth by what people say will remain lost in the plains of confusion. Rather, know the truth, and you will know its people.”
This principle establishes that one should not assess truth based on personalities. Instead, one must recognize the way of truth itself, and through that, recognize those who truly represent it.
The Need for Religious Literacy
Knowing the truth requires a certain level of religious literacy. A believer should be able to recognize the characteristics of sound religious understanding.
In matters of religious practice, the mainstream of Islamic scholarship is represented by the four schools of Sunni Islam.
Who Is Considered a Scholar?
A scholar is someone who follows one of the four schools of Sunni Islam. This is how they studied and were trained themselves.
A scholar is not merely someone who enrolled in a university program or obtained credentials in isolation. Instead, a scholar is someone who studied with actual scholars, completed a full and recognized program of study, and was authorized to teach through learning.
Their teaching and legal guidance align with a recognized school of Islamic scholarship.
Respect Does Not Mean Following
Islam teaches respect for all people. If anyone were to pass by, they would be treated with dignity and courtesy. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught respect for all.
However, respect does not mean following. We are selective about whom we take our religion from.
This was the way of the early Muslims. They would say:
“Truly, this matter is your religion, your life transaction with Allah. So look carefully as to whom you take your religion from.”
Characteristics of Reliable Scholars
Reliable scholars are those who:
- Have studied with scholars;
- Follow one of the four schools of Sunni Islam;
- Are upright in their religious practice;
- Uphold good character consistently.
These qualities together indicate sound and trustworthy religious guidance.
Seeking Structured Guidance
There are structured resources that explain the characteristics of mainstream Islamic understanding. Among them is the course How Islam Works, which is part of the Islamic Studies curriculum at SeekersGuidance. This course outlines the foundations of sound religious understanding.
There is also a reader on madhhabs, A Reader on Following Schools of Thought, following qualified scholarship, which provides further clarity on this topic.
By Allah’s permission, these resources can be of great benefit.
And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.
Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.
In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.
Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.
Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.
His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
