The Noble Scholar Sheikh Saalih al-Fawzaan (حفظه الله)
stated:
There are now (in this day and time) two deviated
paths regarding learning:
1) Learning (only) from books without
(learning from) the ‘Ulamaa. This is a deviated path and many have gone astray
because of it. This is due to the person not understanding what is in the books
or he understands in a manner that is not intended because the books have not
been explained and clarified to him. Or it is possible that the author is a
deviant in his understanding or in his knowledge, so he fills his books with
the mistakes in the matter of the knowledge.
So, this ignorant youth reads them and
embraces them. Therefore the books are not to be depended upon. This is even if
they are authentic books. You will not understand them upon that which is
required (for one to understand them). The Khawaarij did not go astray or lead
others astray along with their intelligence and piety except due to them
keeping away from the ‘Ulamaa, depending upon their understanding and those
(who don’t have understanding) like them. So they received (knowledge) from one
another and as a result they became a harm upon themselves and a harm upon the
Ummah.
This is the result of keeping away from the
‘Ulamaa. I advise you that you busy (yourselves) with seeking the
beneficial knowledge at the hands of the Scholars and keep away from vain
speech regarding the people. Keep away from the affairs of backbiting,
tale-carrying, criticizing (without right), and defamation (of the people
without right). Indeed this is a widespread evil that has separated the youth
of the Ummah and made them into different sects and parties due to speaking ill
of the people (without right).
2) There are those who don’t have any concern
except for “so and so said this, so and so said that, and what’s with you
and so and so.”
You (yourself) seek the knowledge in order
that you know the truth. As for you declaring the people to be wrong
before you learn and you say, “so and so said this and so and so said that
and be aware of so and so…”
This is not a sound methodology.