Or Is the View of Scholars Being Made Sacred?

Unpacking the Status and Views of Islamic Scholars, and Their Impact on the Learning of New Muslims

“Many people understand Islamic knowledge to be sacred knowledge, which only religious scholars are entitled to guide and pass final judgment on. I think we may run into a problem regarding the sacred authority of religious scholars — for instance, when we talk about fiqh, is the view of a religious scholar, who is only human, sacred as well? Can Muslim society and the public question their views on interpretation?..”

An excerpt from the writing of Ajarn Ekkarin Tuansiri, written in the publisher’s foreword of the book Nai Nam Islam, by Ajarn Suchart Setthamalinee

When New Muslims Face Confusion Over Religious Scholarship

New Muslims, upon entering Islam or after learning about Islam, find that religious scholars may speak of the same matter but give different answers. Importantly, both — or three, or more — sides each insist their own view is entirely correct, to a degree that cannot be questioned or changed. This is especially true on contemporary issues that never existed in the past, such as hosting Chinese-style banquets, changing surnames, using social media, and others, which often point in different directions depending on the school of thought.

Is it in line with religious principle for a personal opinion to be given a status akin to something sacred and untouchable? The disagreement within Islamic scholarship, which seems to grow heavier by the day, has developed from academic debate into verbal hostility — insults, and declarations of takfir against one another. This reflects a problem: how has the way scholars in Muslim society present themselves, which should bring peace to society, instead become an issue that leads to conflict and reduces unity within Muslim society?

Looking at the Relationship Between Muslims, Scholars, and the Word of God

Considering the key principles in the Quran regarding the connection between Islamic teaching, Muslims, and scholars, there are the following important points:

1. Everyone is accountable for themselves — The Quran affirms the principle that everyone is accountable for their own actions, and no one can bear responsibility on another’s behalf, as it says, “No bearer of burdens shall bear the burden of another” (Quran 6:164). This principle shows that each Muslim must consider and decide for themselves in matters of religion, relying on proper knowledge and reasoning.
2. Using reason to consider the Quran — The Quran calls on people to use reason and reflection to understand the meaning of religious teachings, as it says, “This is a Book which We have sent down to you, blessed, that they may reflect upon its verses, and that those of understanding may take heed” (Quran 38:29). This emphasis on using reason helps Muslims understand religion in a deeper context, consistent with the reality of daily life.
3. The status of scholars as advisors — The Quran also emphasizes the role of scholars as advisors and guides, without a status that allows them to compel or control others, as it says, “So remind, [O Muhammad], for you are only a reminder. You are not a controller over them” (Quran 88:21-22). This teaching reflects the principle that scholars have a duty to guide and advise, but the decision still belongs to the individual.

An International Gathering: Building a Bridge Across Differences Within Islam

The international Islamic conference held in March 2024, organized by the Muslim World League in Makkah, emphasized promoting unity among Muslims, with a key focus on accepting diversity among sects and opinions, reducing conflict arising from misunderstanding of religious views, and avoiding accusation and insult in order to preserve harmony within the Muslim community. The conference was also supported by several pieces of social science research, such as the work of Ahmed et al. (2019), which shows that promoting cooperation at the international level helps reduce bias within religious groups, and the work of Fischer et al. (2021), which emphasizes the importance of supporting cultural diversity within a religious context.

Key Points from the Makkah Declaration

1. Accepting diversity among sects: Article 8 of the Makkah Declaration emphasizes that “having a diversity of sects and opinions is a rule of the world set by God.” What unites them in brotherhood matters more than what divides them.
2. Reducing accusations against others: Article 17 warns that accusing others of being misguided or of leaving the religion should only be carried out by a just body with clear evidence.
3. Promoting respect and rejecting hatred: Article 27 states that insulting others or provoking sectarian feelings goes against the spirit of Islam and leads to division and sorrow within the community.

What Benefits New Muslims’ Religious Learning, When Scholars Must Reflect on Themselves

To create an environment conducive to new Muslims’ learning, it is important to create space for questioning and freely exchanging opinions without being pressured by the authority of religious scholars. Social science research, such as the work of Ahmed et al. (2019), points out that promoting openness of thought helps learners feel more confident in seeking knowledge. Fischer et al. (2021) also shows that supporting the exchange of opinions within the same religious group helps reduce bias and deepen understanding.

Scholars should reconsider their own role as intellectual leaders and advisors, rather than as authorities who enforce their own opinions. A scholar’s opinion should be a source of information that helps build knowledge, not a tool for creating division. To build a peaceful and sustainable Muslim society, accepting diversity and promoting unity must be the primary goal. Important approaches include supporting in-depth study, such as giving Muslims the opportunity to study primary sources directly, creating spaces for mutually respectful exchange of opinions, and using the principles of sulh (reconciliation) and shura (consultation) in managing conflict. Holding fast to the rope of Allah — “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided” (Quran 3:103) — will be an important pillar in building harmony within Muslim society today.

References

• Quran 6:164, 38:29, 88:21-22, 3:103
• Tuansiri, Ekkarin. (Publisher’s foreword). Nai Nam Islam by Suchart Setthamalinee
• Ahmed, M., Khan, R., & Malik, S. (2019). Interfaith Cooperation and Reduction of Religious Bias: Evidence from Cross-cultural Studies. Journal of Social Science Research, 12(3), 45-67.
• Fischer, G., Abdullah, S., & Noor, F. (2021). Diversity and Inclusion in Religious Contexts: A Multinational Study on Muslim Unity. International Journal of Religious Studies, 18(2), 34-56.
• Makkah Declaration. (2024). International Islamic Conference. Makkah: Muslim World League

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