Independently studying Hadith compilation

Q: Recently I have been doing a lot of research on hadith compilation as a result I was introduced to a new subject in Islamic history. Honestly this is something very new for me, I didn’t know that there existed so many different schools of thought like Murijites, Khawarijites, Mutazilites and the Ahle Sunnah who are in modern times also identified as the Orthodox or Traditionalists. Furthermore if I am not wrong, each school was declaring the other group as kafirs because of competing viewpoints.

Can one group consider the other to be out of the fold of Islam? 

A: It is not at all correct for one who is unqualified to refer directly to these types of books, sites, literature etc. This self-study approach generally leads to much confusion and complications being created in one's Deen. Hence, we advise you not to expose yourself to these types of literature. If you wish to understand these differences, then you may take admission in a Madrasah and study the full Aalim course. After learning Arabic and the various sciences, you will be able to understand these matters in their correct perspective.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)