Can he give fatwas based on what he hears or reads?
Question If someone asks me about an Islamic issue, should I give him an answer according to what I read in Islamic books or heard on Islamic tapes or programs? Or shall I say I do not know?. Praise be to Allah. If someone asks you a question and you know the ruling on it…
Question
Praise be to Allah.
If someone asks you a question and you know the ruling on it
from books and tapes whose authors are trustworthy, or from a trustworthy
program, then it is obligatory for you to tell them of the shar’i ruling,
because if you know the ruling from the sources we have mentioned, then it
is an obligation for you to tell people of the shar’i ruling if you are
asked, otherwise you will be included among those who conceal knowledge. But
it is good if you say “So and so said such and such in such and such a
program” or “So and so said on such and such a tape” or “So and so said in
such and such a book” so that you will be absolved of responsibility. End
quote.
