By: Shaykh Abu Laith Luqman Ahmad
Source: http://muslimmatters.org/
Islamic scholars occupy a special place in Muslim society. They are often considered to be amongst the elite of our faith. In one tradition, the Prophet 
stated; “One scholar is harder against the devil than a thousand worshippers”.
In another tradition; “The Scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets”. TheQurʾān states that people are elevated by their religious knowledge.
“O ye who believe! When ye are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room: (ample) room will Allāh provide for you. And when ye are told to rise up, rise up Allāh will rise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted (mystic) Knowledge. And Allāh is well-acquainted with all ye do.” Qurʾān 58:11
As the preservers, and often times interpreters of sacred law, Islamic scholars deserve our respect, support, and our gratitude.
Additionally, scholars of Islam are responsible for upholding the sacred trust that accompanies the acquisition of sacred knowledge; which is to explain the religion clearly and concisely and not cover up any part of it, “Those who conceal the clear (Signs) We have sent down, and the Guidance, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book,-on them shall be Allāh’s curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse” 2:159.
In today’s turbulent times a, the role of Muslim religious scholars and qualified[1] teachers takes on a special significance for three reasons, the first being; the scarcity of people available who possess sound and accurate Islamic knowledge, It was related in the hadith of Anas ibn Malik that the Prophet said: “From among the portents of the Hour are (the following):…
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