Principles and Etiquette of Asking Questions
1) *Correct Intention*
The most important etiquette is that the question should be asked with the intention of seeking truth and correction, not for:
Winning an argument,
Testing the other person,
Or to find fault or object.
It is in the Quran:
> فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
(Ask the people of knowledge if you do not know)
*2) The Question Should Be Clear and Concise*
Avoid unnecessary details,
Clearly state the actual problem, and if it is a jurisprudential question, be sure to mention the relevant circumstances.
This is also the style in the books of jurists, such as:
Al-Hidayah
Bada'i' al-Sana'i'
Where the nature of the problem is first clarified, then the ruling is mentioned.
*3) Etiquette of Address*
When asking questions from people of knowledge:
A gentle tone should be adopted,
Titles of respect should be used,
The tone should be inquisitive, not critical.
The style of the Companions (RA) was that they would say:
"O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! If this happens, what is the ruling?"
*4) Difference Between Objection and Inquiry*
In the world of knowledge:
Inquiry (asking to understand) is desirable.
Obstinacy (questioning for the sake of argument and confusion) is reprehensible.
It is mentioned in a Hadith:
> إنما أهلك من كان قبلكم كثرة مسائلهم واختلافهم على أنبيائهم
(Excessive questioning and disagreement with their prophets destroyed those who came before you)
*5) Ask Questions at the Right Time and Place*
Do not ask irrelevant questions in the middle of a lesson.
If it is a personal matter, ask it separately.
Do not ask a question in public that would expose someone's privacy.
*6) Capacity to Listen to the Answer*
Even if the answer is contrary to your opinion, have the temperament to accept it.
Be willing to listen to the arguments.
Do not be suspicious of the intention of the scholar.
This is scholarly ethics.
*7) Difference Between a Fatwa and a Debate*
A fatwa is for action.
A debate is for dominance.
The purpose of a believer should be action, not dominance.
*8) Give Adequate Time for the Answer*
An important etiquette of asking scholarly questions is that:
After asking the question, wait patiently.
Do not repeatedly demand an answer if it is not received immediately.
Do not rush or put pressure in groups.
The one giving the answer needs to look at the evidence.
There is a need to search for references.
Sometimes different opinions have to be compared.
This is not a matter of a few minutes.
The style of the jurists was that they did not rush to answer.
Imam Malik (RA) was asked forty questions, and in most of them he said: "La Adri" (I do not know), meaning he would not answer without investigation.
*Disadvantages of Haste*
Incorrect or incomplete answer.
Fatwa without investigation.
Unnecessary pressure on the scholar.
Adverse effect on the scholarly environment.
If there is ever an urgent issue, write clearly:
"This issue is urgently needed"
But even then, maintain etiquette and patience.
*Summary*
Four major etiquettes of scholarly questions:
Ikhlas (Sincerity).
Adab (Etiquette).
Wazahat (Clarity).
Sabr (Patience - giving time for the answer).
The person who is patient reaches the correct knowledge.
And Allah knows best.