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Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:
Even from a scholarly perspective – even from an academic standpoint – we say to the youth who are not qualified to take the lead [in religious matters], we say:
“Beware of half-scholars!”
“Beware [of them]!!”
Shaykh al-Islaam [Ibn Taymiyyah] (rahima-hullaah) mentioned in his book ‘al-Fatwa al-Hamawiyyah [al-Kubraa, p554]’, it is said:
“Nothing has corrupted the world and the religion more than a half-theologian, a half-jurist, a half-grammarian, and a half-doctor.”
These ‘halves’ are the real problem.
A half-theologian – [has] corrupted religions, and a half-jurist – [has] corrupted societies, and a half-grammarian – [has] corrupted the language, and a half-doctor – [has] destroyed bodies (people’s health).
And this is true – one must beware of such people and caution others about them as well.
And it should be said:
“All Praise is due to Allaah [alone]; you have well-established scholars among you – [so] ask them.”
That’s why some of the Salaf (Ibn Seereen) said:
“Indeed, this knowledge is religion, so look carefully at whom you take your religion from.” – Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, no.273. Classified as saheeh by al-Albaanee.
Furthermore, regarding some of those who appear overzealous, if you were to reflect on their condition, you would find significant shortcomings in many of their affairs.
And how many women today weep with regret after marrying “practicing” men, only to find they are among the worst in treating their wives – despite the Prophet ﷺ saying:
«The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family.» – at-Tirmidhee, no.3895This miskeen [husband] will argue, citing the Prophet ﷺ saying:
«Indeed, women are like captives under your care.» – at-Tirmidhee, no.1163And العواني is the plural of عانية – meaning a captive or a prisoner.
However, it must be understood that the Messenger said this to encourage kindness and gentleness towards them, not to open the door to enslaving or mistreating them.
To Allaah is the complaint.
And Allaah is the One whose help is sought.
Yes.
Translation originally published on 28 April, 2025
