* The beginning students take matters to those who have more knowledge

The Beginning Students of Knowledge Should Take Matters to Those Who Have More Knowledge

Question: Is it permissible for the beginning student of knowledge to yubaddi' (i.e. to make tabdee', declare to be an innovator) someone who's innovation has become appearent to him, after establishing the proof upon him?

Answer: In the name of Allah and praise is for Allah and may the peace and commendations of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah and upon his family and companions and whoever follows his guidance, to proceed: No, as long as he is a beginning student and he wants advice for this innovator and to advise the general people to stay away from him, then it is upon him to seek a ruling of innovation upon him from the major scholars. He should take the affair to someone who is more knowledgable than him. Then there will be a greater expectation that his statement concerning him (i.e. the person who fell into innovation) will be accepted. And that will be more beneficial for his (i.e. the beginning student of knowledge) own situation. For to act with deliberation and caution and to seek the counsel of those who are more knowledgable and higher than him, in this there is the legislated tarbiyyah (i.e. training) of one's self and a lack of making a tazkiyyah (i.e. praise) of one's self and a lack of being hasty in giving out rulings and putting one's self forward. May Allah guide all to that which He loves and is pleased with.

Answer given by Sheikh Falaah Ismaael Mandakar http://www.mandakar.com/FatawaDetails.asp?ID=311