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Question: With what do you advise us during this age in which fitan[1] have increased, and the people of innovation have become widespread, and [as we witness] the passing away of the scholars?
Response: The first thing with which I advise you is taqwaa[2] of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala, and to increase in supplicating Allaah makes us and you firm [Muslims] upon the religion [of Islaam], and that He safeguards us and you from the evil of the fitan.
Then, we advise you with seeking knowledge; Seeking knowledge from the [recognised] people of knowledge (scholars), and to be conscientious in seeking knowledge. Indeed – with the permission of Allaah – protection from the fitan is not achieved except with sound knowledge. If however you do not possess any sound knowledge, then perhaps you will fall into the fitan whilst being unaware, and you do not know they are fitan. So you must seek knowledge from the [recognised] people of knowledge, and do not become lazy and negligent in seeking knowledge – as much as that is possible for you.
Translator’s notes:
[1] Plural of fitnah – trials and tribulations;
[2] To be conscious of Allaah at all times – both in private and in public, and in doing so, fulfilling all the religious obligations and abstaining from all the prohibitions – in total obedience to Allaah alone.
Translation originally published on 20 February, 2014
