From Shaykh Akram Nadwi’s Official Telegram Channel

Source: https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/5582

From Dr Akram Nadwi’s Official Telegram Channel

Title:
Questions That Should Not Be Asked

By:
Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi, Oxford

Question from Maulana Mohammad Sirajuddin Nadwi (USA):
Salam Mawlana,
I hope you’re doing well, insha’Allah. Some university students asked me about the difference between healthy questions and doubtful or problematic ones. Do you have any resources or writings that address this topic? Thank you, jazaka Allah khayra.

Answer:
It is essential for people to seek sound knowledge, and if they lack access or something remains unclear, they should refer to knowledgeable individuals. Asking questions that can help one gain necessary understanding and clear doubts is encouraged. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted this principle when he said:

> “Why did they not ask when they did not know? Indeed, the cure for ignorance is to ask.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)

Qur’anic Guidance:
The remedy for ignorance lies in asking questions to seek understanding, especially in religious matters, to prevent making rulings without proper knowledge. God emphasizes this in the Qur’an:

> “So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know” (Surat al-Nahl 43).

Caution on Certain Questions:
The Qur’an advises believers to avoid asking questions that might lead to distress or burdensome revelations:

> “O you who have believed, do not ask about things which, if they are shown to you, will distress you” (Surat al-Ma’idah 101).

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also discouraged excessive questioning, gossip, and wastefulness (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

Scholar’s Insight:
Al-Qurtubi relayed Ibn Abd al-Barr’s view that while certain questions were discouraged to prevent hardship, learning to dispel ignorance on essential religious matters is encouraged. Imam Shatibi identified ten specific types of questions discouraged in Islam:

1⃣ No Religious Benefit
Questions like “Who is my father?” as asked by Abdullah ibn Hudhafah.

2⃣ After Sufficient Knowledge
Asking if Hajj is obligatory every year when it’s known to be once-in-a-lifetime.

3⃣ Without Immediate Need
Questions on issues without clear rulings. The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised, “Leave me as long as I leave you.”

4⃣ Tricky or Complicated Questions
These may lead to unnecessary complications.

5⃣ Questioning Religious Practice Reasoning
Especially when wisdom may not be apparent to everyone.

6⃣ Pushing Questions to Extremes
Overthinking leads to hardship; Umar ibn al-Khattab advised simplicity in such cases.

7⃣ Personal Opinion Against Teachings
Malik ibn Anas advised conveying the Sunnah rather than debating it.

8⃣ Ambiguous Matters
God warns against pursuing unclear aspects merely for controversy.

9⃣ Disputes Among Righteous Predecessors
Questions about past disputes, like the Battle of Siffin, are often divisive.

Obstinate or Contentious Spirit
The Qur’an criticizes argumentative behavior as displeasing to God and divisive.

Conclusion:
These ten types reflect various degrees of caution: some are mildly discouraged, others strictly avoided. The goal of asking in Islam should always be to gain beneficial knowledge, dispel ignorance, and strengthen understanding of the faith. (Summarized from al-Muwafaqat).