The Importance of Having a Teacher I am writing to ask you about the importance of having a "teacher" to guide individuals in matters of the faith. I was brought up with the perception that I was a muslim--not a wahabi, sufi, hanifi, etc , but just a muslim, plain and simple. It was not until I grew into my late teenage years that I was exposed to the multitude of interpretations and conflicts between muslims who identify themselves under such categories-- a realization I found to be just as disheartening as it was confusing to my naive perceptions of the faith. In an attempt to educate myself on the spectrum of these beliefs I have engaged in numerous conversations with many of my peers who identify with these groups. I often find that many of these brothers and sisters draw their guidance from someone they consider to be their "teacher" and not from their own understandings of Qur'an and Sunna. Is it wise to ascribe such a level of wisdom to such teachers? I mean, I realize that at some point we must seek outside of ourselves for knowledge in matters that we are not knowledgable about, as is the purpose of this web-site, but to associate oneself completlely with the interpretations of one particular person strikes me as dangerous to a certain degree, because I have witnessed that a certain level of close-mindedness accompanies this type of influence. Is it arrogant on my behalf to be so apprehensive of this type of guidance, and, if not, how can one find the appropriate balance between following one's own interpretation and seeking knowledge from others? Thank you for your time. Reply It is primarily the level on which a person desires to study religion that would determine, not only the kind of teacher but also the kind of relationship between the pupil and the teacher and also the particular art being taught. Obviously, every person is neither required nor capable of becoming a scholar in the field of religion, just as not every one can become a doctor or an engineer. Thus, at a common man's level, a person should try to find a scholar in the field whom he believes to be wise and capable, listen to his guidance, ask questions for a better understanding of his ideas, judge his ideas on the basis of his common sense and also ask him for the basis of his opinion in the Qur'an and the Sunnah . Once he is convinced that the scholar's opinion, in his eyes is based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh), he should follow his opinion. He should follow his opinion, keeping his mind open to the opinion of those, if any, who differ with this opinion and, if he feels necessary, should try to understand the basis of the difference in their opinion and then compare the two opinions and then follow whatever opinion, in his eyes is more compatible with the directives of the Qur'an and the Sunnah and based on their better understanding and interpretation. We must not forget that all teachers, however great and renowned they may be, are but humans and prone to all the weaknesses (particularly in matters of understanding) of humans. No teacher, besides Muhammad - the Prophet and messenger of Allah - (pbuh) deserves complete submission and absolute surrender from his pupils. Thus, a person may follow the opinions of a particular scholar but should not make these opinions the ultimate criteria between right and wrong. He may follow a particular teacher but should not hold him to be clear of human weaknesses and mistakes. He must keep his eyes and mind open to the opinions of other scholars and wherever he is convinced that in a particular case the opinion of another person is more understandable and more coherent with the directives of the Qur'an, he should follow that opinion and not blindly stick to the opinion expressed by his "teacher". As in any other field of specialization, the study of religion - be it Islam, Christianity, Judaism or any other religion - at a technical level requires a certain degree of guidance and training. This guidance and training would also require a teacher. A student of religious sciences also needs a teacher like a common man. But in contrast to a common man, the objective of such a student is to understand the various methods and the different opinions in the particular field of interpreting the directives of the Qur'an and the Sunnah . In other words, the target of a student of religious sciences is primarily to arm himself with the knowledge and techniques that shall develop in him the technical capability and understanding which is required to interpret the directives of the Qur'an and the Sunnah and also to be able to present his interpretation at various levels - technical (to be used in discussions with other scholars) and non-technical (for teaching a lay man). Thus, a teacher in the field of religious sciences is equally indispensible as compared to any other academic discipline. I hope this helps. In case any aspect of my answer remains unclear, please feel free to write back to me at your convenience. Regards The Learner