Humility is the key to scholarship
and self-righteousness is perhaps the greatest impediment to it. In the
study of religion, contemporary Muslims scholars have generally adopted
the latter approach. It is the opinion of this writer that this approach
has contributed significantly in promoting sectarianism and dogmatism.
A student admitted to a conventional
Madrasah is indoctrinated with the notion of self-righteousness
throughout the years he studies there. From the very first day, he is labeled
as an orthodox follower of a particular sect. His destiny seems to be carved
out beforehand as one of a devout denouncer of every other sect and an
ardent acclaimer of his own. He is made to believe that only his brand
of beliefs is in direct conformity with the Qur’an and Sunnah.
An inference attributed to a highly revered scholar of his sect stands
supreme till the Day of Judgement. That it can be challenged by cannot
be dared thought of.
The time has come to realize how wrong
this attitude is. As Muslims, we must understand that self-righteousness
is actually a declaration of the infallibility of human intellect.
Obviously, no human being can make such a claim. So if Muslim scholars
want to become men of scholarship and erudition, they must abandon this
approach. They should instead reflect, deliberate and then humbly submit
their inferences to criticism. They must always think that the religious
opinions they present are not the last word.
No scholar can ever be totally sure
that he has stumbled upon the final truth in matters that require interpretation
of the scripture. So he must be keep his eyes and ears open and his intellect
tuned to change for the better.
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