Essential Guidelines for Inquiring with Respect and Clarity
❓Etiquettes of Asking Questions to Scholars”❓
Scholarly knowledge is a sacred trust, and when we ask a Scholar a question related to Sharia, we must observe certain etiquettes. Here are some Guiding Principles:
(1) Begin with Salutations(Salam): Many people start asking questions without Greeting the Scholar. This is incorrect. We should start with a proper greeting, writing “Assalamu alaikum”, “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”, or “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barkatuhu”. Some people are seen writing incomplete greetings in English or incorrect greetings in Urdu. You can write the greeting in three ways…
(2) Show Respect in your address: When we speak to a worldly dignitary, we speak with great Respect and consideration for their position and status. However, many people forget to observe the same etiquette when asking Scholars questions. When asking a Scholar a question, We should consider their position and address them with appropriate titles such as “Maulana” or “Shaykh”. Addressing a Scholar simply by their name is incorrect.
(3) Ask Concise and clear Questions: We often prolong our questions, but sometimes the issue remains unclear. Therefore, before asking a question, think carefully and select appropriate Words to ask a clear and concise question. Also, Read your Question again to ensure it is clear, and then send it to the Scholar.
(4) Value Time: Only ask Necessary Questions, and Avoid unnecessary, pointless, and vague questions that waste the Scholar’s Time. Time is very precious, so preserve your own time and that of others.
(5) Ask ONE Question at a Time: We often ask multiple questions to Scholars at once, which is a big mistake. You have the convenience of social media, which allows you to connect with even the busiest Scholars. This is a Great Blessing, so use it appropriately. When asking a question to a Scholar, ask only One question at a time. Scholars who guide people on social media receive many Questions from people like You, and they have to Answer them all. They also have their own Responsibilities and essential tasks to attend to.
(6) Avoid haste when asking Questions: Social media has made people impatient, and they want instant answers to their questions, even Religious ones. This is against the etiquette of seeking knowledge. Haste is not suitable in any matter, but it is especially harmful when asking Religious questions.
(7) Contact a local Scholar for Emergency Questions: Sometimes, an urgent question arises that requires immediate attention. Don’t send such questions to Scholars on social media and wait for a response. Instead, contact a local Scholar in your area and ask them directly.
(8) Don’t hide facts when asking questions: Sometimes, people ask questions deceitfully to get a Fatwa that suits their desires. They hide the Truth and present the question in a way that gets them the desired answer. Remember that Allah sees your intentions and actions.
(9) Accept the Truth when it is revealed: If you receive a Fatwa from a Scholar that is based on the Quran and Hadith, accept it even if it goes against your desires. We must act on the guidance we receive from scholars, even if it contradicts our wishes.
(10) Show Gratitude to those who Guide you: When someone takes the time to answer your questions and guide you, show appreciation by saying “Jazak Allah khair” or “May Allah Reward you”.
(11) Seek Guidance from others if you don’t receive an Answer: If you don’t receive an answer from one Scholar, seek guidance from another. In today’s globalized world, it is easy to connect with scholars from anywhere and seek their guidance.
(12) Obtain written Fatwa’s from Authentic Institutions: For Important issues like Divorce, Inheritance, or Business Disputes, obtain written Fatwa’s from Reputable institutions in your area. This will help you resolve the issue with evidence and proof.
Finally, I pray to Allah Almighty to grant us the ability to seek Knowledge from Scholars(Ulema) with Respect and Humility, and to enable us to act upon the knowledge we acquire.
Written by📝: Shaykh Maqbool Ahmad Salafi Hafizahu Allah (May Allah Preserve and Protect him)
(Jeddah Dawah Center Hayya as Salamah, Saudi Arabia )