Muslim Academics in Western Academia Are Not “Scholars of Islam”

One of the conditions for an opinion to be valid (not the only condition, but a necessary condition) is for the opinion to be issued/approved by a number of scholars recognized for their ijtihad in that discipline.

Being a western academic who is labeled a “scholar of Islam” by kuffar does not count absent the required traditional learning,  and given the very loose usage of the label “Shaykh” (which is being thrown around like candy in the name of cultural adab) these days, we obviously cannot consider merely anyone labeled as such as being qualified either.

We must start asking Muslims in western academia, who are becoming bolder by the day in proposing radically new ideas (and I am not using the word “radical” in a negative sense necessarily, as some fresh ideas and insights are welcome), whether traditional scholars have actually:

1) Signed off on the legitimacy of the idea they are proposing

2) Approved its dissemination (as legitimacy does not necessitate spreading the view to the public)

When it comes to “ideas,” this is obviously about important matters related to the religion, be it essentials related to methodologies (epistemic, hermeneutical, etc.,) or actual views concerning the deen, be it in fiqh, aqeedah, etc., that would contradict all established traditional opinions thus far.

As for new ideas that do not have any relevant religious repercussions, then that is not required.

This advice is for Muslims who actually care about the tradition and how things ought to be done.