Two Deviated Methods of Seeking Knowledge

There are now two deviated methods of seeking knowledge:

1. Studying directly from books without the scholars. This is a deviated method, and a lot of people have been lead astray due to it, because the person does not understand what is in the books, or understands incorrectly, because it was not explained and clarified to him.

   The author [of the book] may also be deviant in his ideology or knowledge, so he fills his book with errors in knowledge, and an ignorant young man starts to read and adopt what is in it. Books are not to be depended on, even if they are good books, because you will not understand them as is required. The Khawarij, though they were god fearing and intelligent, were not lead astray, and consequently lead others astray, except because they isolated themselves from the scholars and depended on their own understanding, and depended on their own likes. They sought knowledge from each other and subsequently harmed each other and the Ummah. This is the consequence of being isolated from the scholars. 

   I advise you to occupy your time with seeking beneficial knowledge at the hands of the scholars, and that you avoid arguing and speaking about people, and from backbiting and Nameemah, and criticizing and defaming others. This is a widespread evil, it has split the youth of the Ummah and turned them into groups and parties due to speaking negatively about people.

2. There are those who have nothing to do except speak about others, this one said this and that one said that. What business is it of yours, you must seek knowledge so that you are able to know the truth. But to say others are erroneous before you study; saying this person said this and that person said that and beware of that one. This is not a sound Manhaj, Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, says:

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

Al-Hjuraat: 6

And how can you investigate and confirm except after studying beneficial knowledge at the hands of its people; those who are known for it.