Correspondence of Hazrat Moulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahimahullah)

Letter:

Assalaamu alaikum

Respected Moulana

We are a group of sisters who meet on a regular basis. Many of us have studied at girls’ madrasahs and some have university degrees. In our social get-togethers we discuss many diverse issues.

One person will quote an ‘Aalim to support her view, whilst another will quote another ‘Aalim to support the opposite view. This debating does not become personal, but it does leave us a bit confused sometimes.

Reply:

Respected Sister

Wa ‘alaikumus Salaam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu

1. Alhamdulillah, most of you have studied at some madrasah and are deeni conscious. Masha-Allah, and may Allah Ta‘ala accept.

2. Indeed, the correct method of avoiding confusion is to choose one good, reliable, pious and experienced Mufti and then go by his ruling, whilst respecting the view of the other pious Muftis.

3. We should keep in mind that despite having attended a madrasah or having obtained some university degree, differences of opinions and the proofs that accompany those differences are best left to the ‘Ulama and Muftis – who have mastered their sciences and have done a great deal of research. As said, choose one pious Mufti and follow his rulings in all matters. In this there is safety. There should not be any “Fatwa Shopping” – that is, looking for something that suits the nafs – which has become very common.

4. Such discussions are very time-consuming and can be a diversion from Shaitaan to impede us from service of deen or other good deeds.

5. Far more beneficial and constructive would be that each ‘Aalima give that same time to teaching someone or a group of sisters something of deen, whereby ‘aqaa’id are corrected and fazaa’il and masaa’il are taught in regards to tahaarah, salaah, zakaah, etc. This is, in fact, a great need – considering the wide-spread ignorance to be found in the masses. Our concern should be reaching out to those people who don’t know; who need guidance and help and support in practising deen.

May Allah Ta‘ala forgive us our shortcomings, guide us all, grant steadfastness and sincerity in all good deeds and protect from the mischief of nafs and Shaitaan.

Was Salaamu ‘alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh

Yunus Patel (Moulana)