Seeking knowledge in order to further one’s understanding of Islam is undoubtedly a good and virtuous deed. However, if this action is not coupled with ikhlaas (sincerity) the consequences – in the Hereafter – will be catastrophic.

The Messenger Muhammad (SAW) said:

من تعلم علما مما يبتغي بِهِ وجه اللَّه، لاَ يتعلمه إِلاَّ ليصيب بِهِ عرضا من الدنيا، لم يجد عرف الجنة يَوْم القيامة

He who does not acquire knowledge with the sole intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah but for gaining the frailties of the world, will not smell the fragrance of Paradise on the Day of Resurrection. (Sunan Abee Daawood, Book 12, Hadeeth no. 3664)

Therefore, the purpose of studying (and propagating) Islam should not be to make others believe that you have profound knowledge of the Deen (religion), or that you are eloquent in the Arabic language – as many do today. Neither should it be in order to debate and argue with scholars and students of knowledge, or to gain leadership, recognition, respect, admiration, fame or praise.

The sole intent, purpose and aim of studying the Deen should be to learn the divine rules (ahkaam shar’iyyah) so as to act upon them. A person who is studying Islam must always question his intention; if it is not to learn about what is obligatory and prohibited for him to do, then why is he studying Islam?

Unfortunately today, there are many people around us who have caught the ‘DIY’ (do-it-yourself) virus. They begin to study Islam with a sincere intention but do not bear in mind that what they know is like a drop in the ocean. Consequently, Shaytaan makes them think that they have adequate knowledge of the Book (i.e. Qur’aan) and the Sunnah; thus, they embark upon producing their own publications and translations of the works of ‘ulamaa (even though they are not qualified to do so) – for the purpose of gaining respect and admiration.

As a result, they cause divisions and split the Muslim community by forming their own body and groups. Those who are naïve, or even innocent, may not be able to see that those who have caught this virus are indeed astray – as Shaytaan has made their deeds fair-seeming. In fact, those who have already caught the virus may not know that they are infected with it.

We must be aware of such people since they are severely deluded by Shaytaan (Satan) but believe they are on haq. Shaytaan makes them think they are sincere and are sacrificing their wealth, time and life for the sake of Allah, but in actual fact, it is all for show, popularity and leadership.

Those who DIY commend, martyr and glorify any scholar that speaks about hypothetical issues or situations which do not apply to them, and shun those sincere ‘ulamaa and du’aat who do the opposite. For the sake of showing people that they are broad minded, knowledgeable and have many scholars, these individuals start to follow any scholar who speaks a bit of Arabic and has a recognised name.

It is important to remember that the Salaf (Pious Predecessors) studied and learnt Islam in the presence of ‘ulamaa; they did not ‘DIY’ and learn Islam solely from books, or nowadays PDFs (internet books). Furthermore, they would not boycott their Muslim brothers just because they had one or two disagreements with them – it is only the modern day DIY individual who would do this.

In the time of fitnah and war, it is even more vital for us not to fragment the camp of Islam and become from those who DIY. Let us be sincere in our call to Islam and unify the ranks of the believers under the correct banner and manhaj – not by compromising our principles and Deen.

We must be united against the Kaafireen and the Munaafiqeen and concentrate on exposing, attacking and challenging their evil ideology. We do not have time to deal with foolish children who like to DIY and commit shirk asghar by showing-off.
 

Source: Mujahideen