Question
How does one get certification (ijaza) in the Islamic Sacred Sciences if they are self-taught?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
Although there is no doubt that self-study (with its conditions) can benefit, especially in the absence of a teacher, our Religion is and always was preserved and transmitted by the direct taking of a student from their teacher (talaqqi).
This process has taken place throughout the centuries from today all the way back to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace). And it is only through this type of transmission that certification (Ijaza) is given.
Knowledge is in the Hearts
Though books have been used since even the earliest days of Islam, they were never seen as a substitute to a teacher. Allah Most High says regarding the (knowledge of) the Qur’an, “But this ˹Quran˺ is ˹a set of˺ clear revelations ˹preserved˺ in the hearts of those gifted with knowledge. And none denies Our revelations except the ˹stubborn˺ wrongdoers.” [Qur’an; 29:49]
This transmission from the heart to heart, teacher to student, is the glorious chain of transmission that distinguishes our Religion from all other traditions.
The great follower ‘Abdullah bin Mubarak (Allah have mercy upon him) said, “The chain of transmission is integral to the Religion; if it wasn’t for this chain, anyone who wished could say what they wanted.” [Muslim]
The Story of the Self Taught Student
Our teachers would narrate the story of a young student who requested permission to read some very advanced texts as a self-study.
The student told his teacher, “Whatever I understand, I will implement, and whatever I don’t understand, I will leave.” The teacher replied, “I am not worried about what you don’t understand; I am worried about what you think you understand, but your understanding was wrong.”
This is why self-study can be very dangerous. It is a very common occurrence that people come with confusion or a question regarding some matter of religion saying ‘I read in such a book that…’
Hearsay and self-learning cause many Muslims to have wrong beliefs and understandings.
Advices
In summary, I am not advising that you abandon your studies totally. However, you should strive to implement the following principles until you can find an authorized teacher whose character and religious adherence you respect:
1) Pray to Allah Most High that He facilitate for you a teacher through whom you will learn all that Allah wants from you, intending to then implement that knowledge.
2) Seek out an authorized teacher whose character and religious adherence you respect. This can be in person or even online.
3) Abstain from reading books on deep theological or spiritual issues or intricate legal arguments.
4) Read books at a basic level and pertain to tangible, practical aspects of the Religion or are written for a general audience.
Consider the classes and programs offered through SeekersGuidance. There are classes for all levels that cover all of that which is obligatory to learn, from qualified teachers, entirely free.
Imam Ibn Ruslan (Allah have mercy upon him) said in his poem – Matn al-Zubad:
مَنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ يَعْلَمُ ذَا فَلْيَسْأَلِ – وَمَنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ مُعَلِّمًا فَلْيَرْحَلِ
“Whoever does not know this, let them ask
– and who finds not a teacher, let them travel.”
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani