Shaikh Abdul Hakim Murad wrote a number of “Contentions“, which often require a moment of reflection, thought, or research. I continue to make a weak attempt at finding some meaning within them, with support.

51. The false scholar: a muezzin whose fingers are stuck.

muezzin : One who is calling Azhan loudly, clearly, and usually in a beautiful voice.

One simple interpretation: a sign of a false scholar is one who does not listen but speaks a lot.

There are different levels in every possible thing, and in this as well. Before our ego gets carried away we should realize that this contention should not imply that the scholars need to take orders from laymen, like you or I.

Yes, indeed, above every knower… there is a knower. So everyone accomplished is listening to someone in one way or another.

The true Wali’s and scholars eventually begin to hear completely differently than what we may expect, they begin to watch and listen with the hearts ear. When one achieves that… well, MashaAllah.

At the same time we need to realize where it is we stand, and whether we are listeners or talkers. Just a few lessons I took from this contention.