A double-edged knife

The real way to learn Deen is to learn it through association, that is, by staying in the company of a person who has learned Deen in a professional way and his behaviour also is Islamic. The knowledge of Deen that a person obtains through this method is like natural food that did not undergo any modification or doping. It is a food that guarantees an impeccable health.

Today, we are living in an epoch where technology and means of communication have advanced greatly. The internet system facilitates the attainment of spontaneous information. However, it is a facility that we should know how to use it in order to take benefit. It is a double-edged knife. Whoever does not know how to use a knife, may hurt himself and sometimes it may cost him his life also. Similarly, a person plays with his Deen when he chooses to get knowledge of his Deen through the internet.

We all know that the information of Deen that is available on the internet ensue from different tendencies. Very often, many are deceived by what they read on the internet and they don’t even know that they have been deceived. One may read articles that contain insults against the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum). And this may change one’s opinion in regards to the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallaahu Anhum). And sometimes they depict a person as a hero while the prophet has qualified him as a great liar. One may see all types of comments on Islam and Islamic practices that may not only oppose one’s previous information but also put you in doubt about Islam. What may be more dangerous than that which may put your Imaan in danger? That is why we should learn Deen under a reliable 'Aalim. However, if there is a genuine need to study it through the internet, then the sites should be verified well.

As for the 'Ulama, they should always remain in permanent contact with the books. They should not depend on the internet. They should always check the books to give Fatwa. They should not copy and paste. This is a means to paralyse the potential of an 'Aalim. A person is autonomous and independent when he can write with his hands and study books. One should not lose this gift.

[English version of "Couteau à double tranchant" – Al Jamiat – Vol.7 No.14]