❖ Sayyidunā Ibn Masʿūd’s View on Excessive Questioning ❖
Answered by: Fadīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir Ḥafiẓahullāh
What is meant by the statement attributed to Sayyidunā ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه:
“The one who is seen answering every question—know that he is mad (majnoon).”
This statement most likely emphasizes the disapproval of excessive and unnecessary questioning, particularly regarding issues that do not bring about any practical benefit in religion or are beyond human comprehension.
The point here is that:
➤ Not every question needs to be asked,
➤ Nor should every question be answered,
➤ And a person who is quick to answer every single query without restraint is being described by Ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه as acting in a foolish or irrational manner—likening such behavior to madness or foolishness.
When Imām Mālik was asked about the manner (kayfiyyah) in which Allah rose above the Throne (istiwaʾ), he famously replied:
“والسؤال عنه بدعة”
“Questioning about it is an innovation (bidʿah).”
This illustrates the same principle:
➡ Avoid delving into matters beyond human scope,
➡ Refrain from indulging in questions that serve no religious benefit, and
➡ Maintain adab (etiquette) in inquiry.
➤ A person always eager to respond may be doing so without sound knowledge, and such behavior is deemed irresponsible or even reckless.
➤ Islam encourages meaningful, beneficial questions and discourages idle curiosity that leads to confusion or controversy.
Answered by: Fadīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir Ḥafiẓahullāh
❀ Question:
What is meant by the statement attributed to Sayyidunā ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه:
“The one who is seen answering every question—know that he is mad (majnoon).”
✔ Answer:
This statement most likely emphasizes the disapproval of excessive and unnecessary questioning, particularly regarding issues that do not bring about any practical benefit in religion or are beyond human comprehension.
The point here is that:
➤ Not every question needs to be asked,
➤ Nor should every question be answered,
➤ And a person who is quick to answer every single query without restraint is being described by Ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه as acting in a foolish or irrational manner—likening such behavior to madness or foolishness.
✿ Supporting Example from Imām Mālik رحمه الله:
When Imām Mālik was asked about the manner (kayfiyyah) in which Allah rose above the Throne (istiwaʾ), he famously replied:
“والسؤال عنه بدعة”
“Questioning about it is an innovation (bidʿah).”
This illustrates the same principle:
➡ Avoid delving into matters beyond human scope,
➡ Refrain from indulging in questions that serve no religious benefit, and
➡ Maintain adab (etiquette) in inquiry.
✔ Summary:
➤ The saying of Ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه cautions against the tendency to seek or provide answers for every issue, regardless of relevance or necessity.➤ A person always eager to respond may be doing so without sound knowledge, and such behavior is deemed irresponsible or even reckless.
➤ Islam encourages meaningful, beneficial questions and discourages idle curiosity that leads to confusion or controversy.
