Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
What do you think about a “scholar” who, when asked by a non-Muslim who is interested in Islam, whether only Muslims can go to jannah, the scholar replies simply, “No, why?” The non-Muslim is somewhat taken aback by the curtness of the reply. However, he nevertheless proceeds to give answer the scholar’s “why?” by giving a detailed justification for his question. The scholar never replies to the non-Muslim again. The non-Muslim goes through a process of being rather disillusioned with Muslim “scholars” and it is only after a few supportive talks from his Muslim friends that he re-gains his embryonic interest in Islam. What do you say about the behaviour of such a scholar? Are Islamic scholars allowed to behave in whatever way they feel? Can they walk on water?
In the Name of Allah, with blessings and peace on the Messenger of Allah
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
Sidi, I pray this finds you in the best of health and spirits.
I have found them to be of exemplary behavior, character, and conduct. You will not find better humans. There is a reason why the Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) himself referred to them as his true inheritors, and why Allah Most High Himself commanded us to seek their guidance when we don’t know. Respecting them is from respect of the deen of Allah; dislike of them is unbefitting. As for me, Sidi, I’m neither a scholar nor anything close to being an inheritor of the Best of Creation (Allah bless him and give him peace). At best, it would be an honor to consider oneself a servant of the sandals of those beacons of light.
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani