The Two Deviated Paths of Learning – Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan

The Noble Scholar Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (may Allah preserve him) stated:

There are now (in this day and time) two deviated paths regarding learning:

1.) Learning (only) from books without (learning from) the ‘Ulamaa. This is a deviated path and many have gone astray because of it. This is due to the person not understanding what is in the books or he understands in a manner that is not intended because the books have not been explained and clarified to him. Or it is possible that the author is a deviant in his understanding or in his knowledge, so he fills his books with the mistakes in the matter of the knowledge. So this ignorant youth reads them and embraces them. Therefore the books are not to be depended upon. This is even if they are authentic books. You will not understand them upon that which is required (for one to understand them). The Khawaarij did not go astray or lead others astray along with their intelligence and piety except due to them keeping away from the ‘Ulamaa, depending upon their understanding and those (who don’t have understanding) like them. So they received (knowledge) from one another and as a result they became a harm upon themselves and a harm upon the Ummah. This is the result of keeping away from the ‘Ulamaa. I advise you that you busy (yourselves) with seeking the beneficial knowledge at the hands of the Scholars and keep away from vain speech regarding the people. Keep away from the affairs of backbiting, tale-carrying, criticizing (without right), and defamation (of the people without right). Indeed this is a widespread evil that has separated the youth of the Ummah and made them into different sects and parties due to speaking ill of the people (without right).

2.) There are those who don’t have any concern except for “so and so said this, so and so said that, and what’s with you and so and so.” You (yourself) seek the knowledge in order that you know the truth. As for you declaring the people to be wrong before you learn and you say, “so and so said this and so and so said that and be aware of so and so…” This is not a sound methodology. Allah جل وعلى stated: