"This tradition [hadith] is religion, so consider from whom you accept your religion.”
The Seeing Of Rasoolullah In a Dream - Ash-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyah 417
"This tradition [hadith] is religion, so consider from whom you accept your religion." This profound statement emphasizes that authentic religious knowledge must be sourced from qualified, trustworthy scholars of impeccable character and sound methodology.
Scholarly Commentary
The statement establishes that religious teachings constitute the very foundation of faith and practice. Therefore, extreme caution must be exercised in selecting teachers and transmitters.
A classical scholar would explain that this principle requires verifying the chain of narration (isnad), the reliability of narrators, their piety, memory, and adherence to Sunni creed.
The warning serves to protect Islamic doctrine from innovation, falsehood, and misinterpretation that may arise from unqualified sources.
Practical Implementation
Muslims must seek knowledge from recognized scholars with proper Islamic education and sound theological understanding.
This principle applies particularly to matters of creed, jurisprudence, and spiritual teachings where error could lead to deviation.