Advice for those who wish to read the books of the Christians
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The honorable Shaykh! My brother says about himself: I want to read the book of the Christians so that I may know the matters they have distorted. What is your advice to him and to others like him among the young Muslims who have prioritized reading this book over memorizing the Book of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He)? Please inform us, may Allah preserve you and benefit the Muslims with your knowledge.
I see that it is not permissible for a person to read a misleading book from the books of the Jews, or the Christians, or the mushrikin (those who associate partners with Allah), or the people of innovation; unless he has a strong foundation with which he can fortify himself. As for if he is a beginner in reading, it is not permissible for him to start by reading these false books; because he may be influenced by the falsehood contained in them.
So we advise these people to leave these books, until they fortify themselves with the correct Islamic legal sciences before they enter into these misleading books. If a person wants to protect himself from a flood, he builds the dams and canals before the flood comes, not after it has come.So we say: First, fortify yourselves with knowledge of the Shari'ah, and plant it in your hearts so that when you are firmly established, there is no harm in reading in order to refute the doubts and falsehoods of the people.
I see that it is not permissible for a person to read a misleading book from the books of the Jews, or the Christians, or the mushrikin (those who associate partners with Allah), or the people of innovation; unless he has a strong foundation with which he can fortify himself. As for if he is a beginner in reading, it is not permissible for him to start by reading these false books; because he may be influenced by the falsehood contained in them.
So we advise these people to leave these books, until they fortify themselves with the correct Islamic legal sciences before they enter into these misleading books. If a person wants to protect himself from a flood, he builds the dams and canals before the flood comes, not after it has come.So we say: First, fortify yourselves with knowledge of the Shari'ah, and plant it in your hearts so that when you are firmly established, there is no harm in reading in order to refute the doubts and falsehoods of the people.