Can I Use Scholarly Axioms on My Own without Need of Recourse to the Scholars?
Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch
Question
Can I use the principle that “matters which are not overlooked in primary concerns, can be overlooked in secondary concerns” in my life without constantly asking an Islamic scholar through my own judgment? If so, then how can I apply this principle in my life correctly with the sincere intention of avoiding displeasing God?
Also, if you have time to answer, I have been suffering from intrusive thoughts recently. Whenever I do something, mostly watching or playing something, I am worried that I might be sinning and that I sort of “know it,” thus displeasing God to the point where he will punish me or not accept my prayers. I even went as far as to slap myself; it is frustrating. Any advice?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
The axioms of the Islamic science of the principles of jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh) are reference points for scholars. Even though certain principles may seem clear and applicable to life without consultation, it is a good practice to always verify one’s understanding with the scholars.
Related:
Should a Layperson Listen to an Unknown Scholar?
Seeking Sacred Knowledge – Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Intrusive Thoughts
Please see this link for your answer.
In short, these thoughts are from Satan (Shaytan) and must be ignored. Have a good opinion of Allah Most High and have hope in Him.
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Yusuf Weltch teaches Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he completed four years at the Darul Uloom Seminary in New York, where he studied Arabic and the traditional sciences.
He then traveled to Tarim, Yemen, where he studied for three years in Dar al-Mustafa under some of the most outstanding scholars of our time, including Habib Umar Bin Hafiz, Habib Kadhim al-Saqqaf, and Shaykh Umar al-Khatib.
In Tarim, Shaykh Yusuf completed the memorization of the Quran and studied beliefs, legal methodology, hadith methodology, Quranic exegesis, Islamic history, and several texts on spirituality. He joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.
