"Why are the scholars always silent during..." | al-Fawzân

Scholar: ´Allâmah Sâlih bin Fawzân al-Fawzân Source: http://www.salafishare.com/arabic/24A... Reference: Darulhadith, Sweden Courtesy of http://www.aFatwa.com Question: We sometimes hear how some students slander the scholars saying that they do not speak during accidents and catastrophes. What do you say about this, O noble Shaykh? Shaykh al-Fawzân: The advantage sometimes lies in being silent, sometimes in speaking. The scholars namely consider the advantages and to avoid the disadvantages. The scholars only speak when it benefits and avails and they are silent when it is best to be silent. Thus, the scholars are silent when it is time to be silent and they speak when it is time to speak. When things happen, it does not befit each and every one to speak of them. These matters should rather be taken to the scholars and those whom are entitled to opinions. Allâh (jalla wa 'alâ) said: "When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they make it known (among the people), if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly)." (The Qur'ân 4:83, interpretation of its meanings) Matters that are concerning the welfare of the Muslims and the Ummah should only be treated by the rulers and the scholars whom seek after the correct solutions. That everyone delves into these matters and speaks about them harms and scares the Muslims and it doesn't lead anywhere. These matters can also be secret and be treated secretly and not openly in front of the general public. They are treated secretly in a correct way. These matters are thusly in need of consideration and intellect. Thus, the laymen are obliged to refer to the scholars in these affairs.