If someone asks me about a matter of the Shari'ah, should I answer with what I know from the religious books I have read or the religious tapes I have heard, or from the radio?

The questioner : If someone asks me about a matter of the Shari'ah, should I answer with what I know from the religious books I have read, or the religious tapes I have heard, or what I have also heard from this program, or should I tell them: I do not know? I hope for guidance.

The Shaykh : It is obligatory that if one of them asks you about a matter and you know its ruling from books whose authors are trustworthy, or from tapes whose readers are trustworthy, or from this program "Nur 'ala al-Darb", you should inform them of the Shari'ah ruling. Because when you have learned this ruling through the means we mentioned, it becomes obligatory upon you to inform them of the Shari'ah ruling if they ask you. Otherwise, you would be among those who conceal knowledge.
However, it is good that you say: So-and-so said in Nur 'ala al-Darb such-and-such, so-and-so said in such-and-such tape such-and-such, so-and-so said in such-and-such book such-and-such, so that you may be free from responsibility.

The questioner : May Allah reward you, O honorable Shaykh.