['Aalim Network QR] Responsibility for research

[Ummulbanin <workshop@popmail.dircon.co.uk>]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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Assalamu 'alaykum

The following question was answered by Mulla Asgher.

Salaams & Duas
Ummulbanin Merali - Moderator - 'Aalim Network
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QUESTION:

I understand that we need to follow a mujtahid in matters of fiqh without
needing to understand the rationale of each Islamic law.  I also understand
that we can't follow anyone in matters of belief (aqaid).  Rather, we have
to do our own thinking and research and come to our own conclusion.

However, I feel that one can arrive at a valid conclusion without having
full knowledge of the relevant facts.  In other words, there is always room
for learning more and researching more.  What responsibility do we have in
doing this additional research as believers?  If we believe in the
fundamentals of Islam and Shia beliefs, should we spend no more time in
investigating history, eg. the early caliphate?

If we are allowed or encouraged to research, then are we also responsible in
ascertaining the validity or otheriwse of the various historical accounts to
form a correct picture, or are we duty-bound to only accept a version of
history that the Shia ulama accept?



ANSWER:

In FIQH as well as AQAED, one can acquire as much of proficiency as one
desires. That is why it is clearly mentioned in the books of FIQH, that the
first option is to be a Mujtahid - it is an open invitation to all. Failing
that, one has to have enough knowledge of pros and cons so as to practice
on precautionary measures. And if that is not possible, then one goes for
TAQLEED.

But to carry out research without having any requisite grounding and
adequate prerequisite can be a dangerous exercise. And this is a matter of
common understanding.

In history, one is free to carry out his research based on the required
knowledge to ascertain the credibility of various reports and narrations.

Asgharali M M Jaffer