Who to Follow?

A few points from today's after Fajr Tafseer by Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb

1. There are two different categories of commands in the Qur'aan. 

a) Clear commands- These are those commands that have no ambiguity in them. When one reads such a command in the Qur'aan, one knows immediately what is required and will need no further explanation eg. salaah, fasting.

b) Unclear commands- These are those commands that have a degree of ambiguity in them. It is unclear what one in required to do in such a situation. This is when one must refer to those who are in charge of the Islamic affairs and Muslims as they have better understanding as they have sacrificed their whole lives for this purpose, like the Khulafa-ur-Raashideen (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali Radhiya Allahu Ta'aala Anhum Ajma'een).

2. If there are disputes in the carrying out of commands, first refer to Allah Ta'aala and His Rasul Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam. If there is no clear injunction as what to do, refer to those who are in charge. They will see into the essense of Shari'ah and tell us what to do. An example of this would be women going to the masjid for salaah. During the time of Umar Radhiya Allahu Anhu, both he and Aisha Radhiya Allahu Anha agreed that if Rasulullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam was alive at that time, he would not have permitted women to come to the masjid.

3. If one believes in Allah Ta'aala and the Last day, follow the teachings of Nabi Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam and those in charge of Islamic affairs ie the Khulafa-ur-Raashideen.

4. It may be that one feels his opinion is more worthy of being followed, but one should realize that the safest route is to follow the teachings of Allah's Nabi Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam, the Khulafa-ur-Rashideen, the Taabi'een and the four great Imaams, Imam Abu Haneefah, Imam Maalik, Imam Shafi'ee and Imam Hanbal Rahimahumu Allahu Ta'aala Ajma'een.

Adapted from today's after Fajr Tafseer of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee saheb (8/3/2012)

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