The status of an Aa'lim in the society

An Aa'lim in the society is like iron rods used in construction or like the spine in the body. Although a lion in the yard may be dormant, it still serves as a means to prevent invaders from invading that yard. It is a means of protection, a security and a guarantee. In the same way, an Aa'lim is a guarantee for the smooth running of a society in regards to Deen. His mere presence means a lot. He may seem motionless but due to his presence, many people wanting to commit evil will not do so. We should take advantage of such opportunity and benefit as much as possible. Behaving poorly towards an Aa'lim will become a means of opening the door of misguidance. However, if an Aa'lim starts to deviate, then we should not follow him. For example, if an Aa'lim prevents you from following Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullahi ‘alaih) but on the other hand, he imposes his research and ideology on you, then you should abandon him. In the same way, if the research of a person leads him to say that Hidayah is not found in the hands of Allah Ta'ala, then this is Shirk. He is deviated! We should therefore stop following him.

[English version of "Position ene aalim dans la société" – Al Jamiat Vol.8 No.2]