Speak to others according to their level of understanding!

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of mercy.

Amicable, Sensible Conversations Between Brothers

Sunni Salafi X: Have you heard the statement of Ali bin Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him: “Speak to the people according to their level of understanding. Do you wish that Allah and His Messenger be belied?”

Sunni Salafi Y: Yes, the athar is in kitab at-Tawhid.

Sunni Salafi X: Let’s find out from the explanations of the scholars.

Sunni Salafi Y: Let’s see.

The above is by al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, in Mulakh’khas Kitab at-Tawhid page 316 Dar Al-Aasima 1st Edition 1422 (2001)

The above is by al-Allamah Ubaid bin Abdillah al-Jabiri, may Allah have mercy upon him, in Al-Bayaan Al-Mufeed Fee Sharh Kitab at-Tawhid. Pages 510-511. Publisher: Dar Mirath An-Nabawiy 1440AH (2019)

The above is by Imam Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, in Al-Qawl Al-Mufeed Alaa Kitaab at-Tawheed 2/192-193.

Sunni Salafi X: The clarification is very interesting, but precise identification of what can be said or not depends on the judgment of a scholar or an experienced elder student of knowledge, as well as their knowledge of the level of understanding of the audience.

Sunni Salafi Y: Absolutely, I agree. The people of knowledge are the ones capable of assessing this issue, although it doesn’t mean that a single upright carrier of knowledge will always be correct in everything.

Sunni Salafi X: Exactly, so when I hear discussions on this subject, I often say: “The wise and seasoned scholar and elder student of knowledge who faces this scenario has the right to consult others to help him accurately identify the best course of action”.

Sunni Salafi Y: What happens if others have differing opinions?

Sunni Salafi X: This is expected sometimes because the people of knowledge may view the matter from different angles, while adhering to the same sound principles and goals.

Sunni Salafi Y: What do you do when someone approaches you about this matter and objects to what is said by this or that man of Sunnah.

Sunni Salafi X: I first remind them to be tolerant and open-minded in this discussion, provided that those expressing these different views are from the upright people of knowledge, integrity, and sound understanding. Secondly, I remind them that if they have direct access to any upright Salafi scholar in any region of the earth, they should present their questions thoroughly, but they should not object when others seek guidance from different scholars, as long as honesty and transparency are maintained.

Finally, I remind them that one should be cautious of excessive strictness in this matter, as it can lead to domineering or opinionated behaviour. Regardless of what scholars consider appropriate among themselves, along with their diverse opinions regarding the matter – (i.e. what to say or not say in order to avoid confusing the people), since none are infallible, we should adhere to truth and continue revising the sound principles clarified by the senior scholars who have passed away – may Allah have mercy upon them, while also listening to all the upright Mashayikh in our era, despite their varying degrees of knowledge and experience. And there is no doubt that their elders at present are al-Allamah Salih al-Fawzan and al-Allamah Abdul Muhsin al-Abbad, may Allah preserve them.

Sunni Salafi Y: Agreed, may Allah bless all the Mashayikh.