The Scholarly Reference in Times of Crisis

Question:
This questioner asks about the scholarly reference in times of crisis. He says: We heard from one who issued a ruling on jihad during the Iraq crisis, so he sent our youth, and they were tortured, killed, and oppressed. Is there any guidance on this matter?

Answer:
Yes, the reference is to the people of knowledge, and one does not refer to anyone else who claims knowledge but is not among the people of knowledge, even if they are good in their conduct and their deeds. But as long as they are not among the people of knowledge, their words are not to be taken; their words are not to be taken. Rather, the words of the firmly grounded scholars of knowledge are to be taken.
So you must refer to the firmly grounded scholars of knowledge. They are known, praise be to Allah. The scholars are known; people know them and do not ignore them. But when those who issue rulings without knowledge become numerous, and when those who speak and say things without basis become numerous, the people are lost, especially in times of fitnah (trial, discord or temptation). Yes.