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Can Scholars Comment on Science, Medicine, and Worldly Issues?

The Legitimacy of Scholars Expressing Views on Worldly Matters
Answered by: Fadīlat al-Shaykh Khiḍr Ḥayāt ḥafiẓahullāh


✦ Question:​


Scholars often criticize liberals for giving opinions on religious matters without proper knowledge, and rightly so. However, those same scholars sometimes comment on topics like science, medicine, or space exploration without full expertise, such as:


  • COVID-19 and vaccines,
  • Effects of cousin marriages,
  • Movement of the earth,
  • Space programs, etc.

And if their opinions are questioned or rejected, they express displeasure. What is the correct Islamic perspective on this?


✦ Answer:​


This objection may appear valid at first glance, but it is important to understand why scholars express opinions on such matters. There are two key justifications:


➊ Guidance from Qur'an and Sunnah​


Comprehensiveness of Islam:
Islam is a complete way of life. Scholars derive their opinions from Qur’an and Sunnah, which address all aspects of human life, including new and evolving issues.


Contemporary Issues (Nawāzil):
It is the duty of scholars to provide Shar‘ī guidance on new developments, such as medical breakthroughs, social issues, or scientific findings, based on religious sources.


➋ Understanding Worldly Sciences Through Principles​


Respect for Experts:
Qualified scholars often speak within the framework of Islamic rulings while also consulting scientific or medical experts for accurate information.


Based on Research:
Before issuing a fatwa or expressing a viewpoint, reliable scholars consult with professionals and analyze available data within the context of Islamic law.


✦ Clarification Regarding Mentioned Examples​


The examples mentioned (e.g., vaccines, cousin marriages, earth’s motion) —
☑ Kindly identify which scholar gave such an opinion and
☑ Show where their statement lacked scientific understanding.


It’s possible that some scholars may err, but:


  • Other scholars correct those mistakes.
  • Or they retract upon clarification from experts in the relevant field.

✦ Clarifying the Objection​


Scholars and Shar‘ī Responsibility:
Any matter that falls within the scope of Islamic rulings is within the scholars’ jurisdiction, whether religious or worldly.


Fiqh al-Aḥkām and Fiqh al-Wāqiʿ:
True scholars emphasize both:


  • Fiqh al-Aḥkām: Knowledge of religious rulings, and
  • Fiqh al-Wāqiʿ: Understanding real-world situations and facts.

Consultation with Experts:
Before deriving rulings, consulting specialists is considered a Shar‘ī obligation.


❖ Summary​


Scholars are responsible for issuing guidance on all matters that intersect with Shari‘ah.


Trusted scholars act with caution, seeking knowledge and consulting experts before passing judgment.


Errors can occur, but responsible scholars accept corrections and adjust their views accordingly when better information emerges.
 
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