What is meant by the understanding of reality (fiqh al-waqi') that many people are constantly talking about today?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, what is meant by the understanding of reality (fiqh al-waqi') that many people are constantly talking about today?

Answer:
In their view, the understanding of reality (fiqh al-waqi') means knowing political affairs, knowing the culture of newspapers and journals and what is published, and being informed about these matters. This is what they consider the understanding of reality: being informed about the course of events without knowledge from the knowledge of the Book and the Sunnah. This is not the understanding of that. Yes. If a person has understanding of the Book and the Sunnah and is informed about reality and the course of events, that is a good thing. But if he turns away from the understanding of the Book and the Sunnah and occupies himself with the understanding of reality, that is misguidance. That is misguidance. Yes.