How to properly study & progress in Fiqh 📚🚀💪🏽

Keys To Fiqh | T.me/K2Fiqh | #K2FiqhNotes4

Many of us want to study Fiqh but are unaware of the proper approach to take. We end up looking to those around us to see what they are doing. We hear others – who we believe to be knowledgable – quote “differences of opinion” on a variety of issues in their lectures and talks. Then we believe that this is the appropriate way to study this science. 

❌ So we begin learning the differences of opinion of every issue in English and relay those differences to our families & friends. After awhile, it becomes too much, and that person gives up seeking knowledge altogether والعياذ بالله. This is a mistake. It is not the method of any person of knowledge except for the self-taught.

He/she becomes as it is said, المنبت لا أرضا قطع ولا ظهرا أبقى meaning, one who exerts himself in an affair which produces no benefit & it only ends up harming both himself & those who he seeks to benefit. 

✅ Allah tells us in the Quran to, 

وَأْتُوا الْبُيُوتَ مِنْ أَبْوَابِهَا ۚ

“…enter your homes through their ˹proper˺ doors…” (2:189)

Scholars use this verse to show that even in seeking knowledge there are proper methods & steps one must follow; whoever goes against this process will ultimately fail to reach their goal.

So, what is the proper way of studying & progressing in Fiqh? This technique is not hidden away in some treasure chest. It has been mentioned & practiced by scholars of the past & present. Among the best phrases I heard used is what was mentioned numerous times by the beloved scholar Abdus-Salām ash-Shuway’ir حفظه الله. He said that in order to properly progress in Fiqh, one must pass through 3 stages without skipping any level. This advice had such an impact on me that I decided to represent those stages via the 3 circles in our logo. They are:

التعليق ثم التحقيق ثم التدقيق وإياك والتلفيق!!!

1. “at-Ta’leeq” التعليق: In this initial stage you are learning from a summarized book that was made for beginners in a Madhhab. You will study this book with a scholar/teacher and focus on understanding the Fiqh issues within that book. There will be no differences of opinions on that level, just one view. Understand the text & what the author is saying from the beginning of Tahārah to the last chapter of al-Iqrār. Do not wander off to another book until you have mastered the content.

2. “At-Tahqeeq” التحقيق: In this second stage you will now study the fiqh issues along with its evidences. Here, the student learns how the author of the book reached to his conclusion. This now strengthens one’s confidence in that view.

*This should also make clear to us the false presumption of those who say that whoever ascribes to a Madhhab does not follow evidences. These rulings are based on evidences & are also studied within the Madhāhib. We will have a note expounding on this point in the future, إن شاء الله.

3. “at-Tadqeeq” التدقيق: This third stage consists of three phases:

A. First learning & understanding the differences found within the Madhhab itself الخلاف النازل.

B. Then the differences in the other Madhāhib الخلاف العالي

Qatādah as-Sudūsy said, مَن لم يعرف الاختلاف لم يشم رائحة الفقه

“Whoever does not know the differences has not smelled Fiqh’s aroma.”

C. Then learning the evidences for each view.

4. And finally avoiding “at-Talfeeq” التلفيق. Meaning, straying from this path and devising your own method of learning!!!

As you can see, this is a long process that takes years of dedicated study & necessary sacrifices for those who aspire to become well-grounded. As for those who want a shortcut then we should remember the statement of az-Zuhri, “Whoever aims to acquire knowledge all at once, it will leave him all at once.”

What are some books that fall under each level? In shaa Allah, we will cover that in the upcoming posts. Stay tuned! If you like this content let us know by: liking, commenting, & sharing. بارك الله فيكم.

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✍️ Abu Awzaa’ee Abdus-Salaam al-Makki al-Hanbali

🕋 Makkah al-Mukarramah حرسها الله

🗓 21st of Sha’baan, 1441 (4/14/2020 CE)

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