State scholars – two types
1) Evil scholars that will knowingly appease and defend the rulers in any and every evil they delve into due to their desire to gain worldly benefits. These are the worst of the people selling their religion for worldly affairs. Due to them, great corruption occurs in societies. They are enemies of the people of Sunnah.
And as for the Murjiah, they are upon the religion of the kings. (i.e they appease the kings and appeal to the sinful ones from them, due to the fact that they hold that sins do not affect one’s Iman.) Al-Ibanah As-Sughra by Imam Ibn Battah Al-Ukbari.
2) Scholars that are blinded by goodness from the rulers towards them and they deny or justify evil societal actions of the rulers but they do so believing in themselves that they are trying to steer the Ummah from the evil of rebellion. They see any speech mentioning societal evils of leadership to constitute rebellion. Their intentions are sometimes good but they are being exploited in their over-eagerness to justify and defend evil from the point of view of refuting Khawarij rebellion and repelling greater harm. They are predominantly or normally affected by the evil traits of the Murjiah methodology.
These two categories are supported by the governmental establishments (directly or indirectly) to help further their agendas and to quell any form of dissent. They are given favorable positions and platforms to further their ideology.
Scholars of the Religion
3) Scholars that are well aware of plots and plans that are being schemed around them from the disbelievers and their allies. They speak when speech is beneficial and remain silent when silence has an overall greater benefit. They carry on with private advice to the leaders.
Their silence is sometimes seen as putting them into category 2 or even category 1 scholars which is grossly unfair from the opposing ill-informed opposition. However, no scholar is infallible so there could be circumstances where they are exploited by governmental establishments to further their agendas. This is general for any of the categories.
4) Scholars that are well aware of plots and plans that are being schemed around them from the disbelievers and their allies. They speak when speech is beneficial and remain silent when silence has an overall greater benefit, they don’t cave into pressure and maintain their stances independent of any leaders. Sometimes they are imprisoned or punished, and other times merely sidelined. They are refuted and maligned by the evil scholars of Category 1. Category 2 scholars in their ignorance refute them and reference them as troublemakers and extremists. This category of scholars is the most honorable of the people. The difference between Category 3 and Category 4 scholars is the selfless nature of Category 4. They have sacrificed themselves, their position, status, and wealth in exchange for clarifying the truth to the people. Category 3 scholars admire them for their resoluteness and braveness in the face of tyranny.
Examples of such courageous scholars are the likes of Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal and Sheikh Ul Islam Ibn Taiymiyyah – May Allah have mercy upon them.
Extreme category of Scholars
5) Scholars that are extreme in their criticism of leadership in even permissible situations such as peace/trade treaties etc. They call for rebellion without any of the conditions being met. They are harshly treated, imprisoned, and persecuted. They are mostly sincere in their way, believing what they are doing to be standing for the truth. These are opposites to the Category 2 scholars. Great harm is caused by them due to their lack of wisdom and insight into the correct methodology. They may be affected by the Takfeeri/Khareeji methodology. They are emotionally charged by segments of the Ummah that may have been persecuted. Rather than leading the Ummah with their knowledge, they end up supporting them in chaos and strife. Major harm in the form of bloodshed ensues from their carelessness.
We should hold the true scholars of the religion with high regard and always have good suspicions about them. Them sitting with sinful leaders should be seen with a positive point of view, from the aspect of counseling them in good and giving them alternative solutions to societal vices that are prevalent. Any perceived silence in regards to individuals or societal ills likewise should be seen with a view of justice and mercy. Many evil scholars of the state await eager to sideline Scholars of the religion so that they have the undivided attention of the rulership so that they can further their evil agendas. Hence Scholars of Category 3 have the underlying benefit of the Ummah (Nation) in mind when there is any silence in regards to societal evils, also there is precedent set for them on the consequences of those who speak from category 4. They maintain a relationship with the rulership, keep the doors of preaching the true message of Islam to the masses open, and give enumerable benefits to the Ummah through their writings and precise guidance. They have extensive speech clarifying societal evils without necessarily addressing every current evil that takes place.
There is to be found amongst the scholars, individuals that have a mixture of traits from two or more categories. This is why it is obligatory for Muslims to learn their religion from trustworthy scholars, and critically analyse and examine what is taught. Measure the statement of the scholars according to the revelation (Quran and Sunnah) free from Taqleed – Blind-Following. If mistakes emanate from a scholar, they should not be followed. Always make sure that the understanding you follow has a precedent from the companions of the Messenger (ﷺ) or their predecessors that followed them in righteousness. As to avoid following your desires and personal interpretations. Finally and most importantly, always fear Allah and make sure your main goal is to seek the pleasure of Allah Al-Mighty and not to follow your desire, to support a group or particular way, sincere intention should be made to seek the truth.
وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَۖ وَيُعَلِّمُڪُمُ ٱللَّهُۗ
And fear Allah, And Allah will teach you. (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:282)
Ahlul-Hadith 