Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 1031 [Read full issue]
Doubtful Matters
"The halal (lawful) is clear, and the haram (forbidden) is clear, and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which many people do not know. So, he who avoids doubtful matters has sought to clear himself in regard to his religion and his honour, but he who gets involved into doubtful matters [then] falls into the unlawful, like the shepherd who pastures around a private land, just about to enter and graze within." [Bukhari]
There is no uncertainty about what Allah has declared to be halal. Likewise, the prohibitions (haram) are manifestly obvious. The Prophet (peace be upon him) has used the word "bayyin" to describe this. The meanings are so lucid and enlightened that even if there was no legal reasoning, man can discern between halal and haram with his power of reasoning and natural innate capabilities.
Doubtful matters are those which have not been proven through the Quran and Sunnah as being unquestionably halal or haram, and which have led to different opinions. These are not matters which Allah has declared as evidently halal or haram. However, if a person were to fall into misgivings regarding halal and haram based on arguments of shariah or due to the innumerous new situations created in present times which create a reservation in one's mind regarding their permissibility which most people are unable to discern, it is essential to acquire knowledge of shariah and the religion of Allah (din).
It is said that when a person avoids such doubtful matters, he, in fact, protects his religion from being corrupted according to the requirements of shariah, and his honour from being debased in this world. It is important to clarify the point that when a person protects his religion and his honour and is able to keep away from the doubtful things, it does not mean that he does not care about halal and haram. It also does not mean that he simply concentrates on keeping away from doubtful matters.
Doubtful matters are not higher in degree than ?al?l and ?ar?m. The object is to abide by halal and protect oneself from haram. It has been explained that pursuing doubtful matters will eventually lead a person to indulge in haram. How does this happen? There may be two possible reasons for it. Firstly, when man gets involved in a doubtful matter considering it to be trivial, many excuses and arguments will be given in favour. In the next stage, he will proceed towards a greater doubtful matter, and will continue to involve himself in more and more doubtful matters until he ends up trying to prove something that is haram to be halal. Secondly, he will become lazy instead of being alert and energetic. One should not engage even in a small act which might anger Allah or which Allah dislikes. Indulging in doubtful matters will weaken his senses and character. Eventually, when that sensibility disappears, he will definitely end up entering into haram activity. Therefore, it is essential to have an alert and proactive mindset.
Compiled From:
"A Righteous Heart: The Axis of One's Deeds" - Khurram Murad