Shafi`i List FAQ

Question:   Shafi`i list FAQ

In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate.  All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all things.  May Allah bless and grant peace to our Master Muhammad, his family, and companions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Introduction

This is a short list of administrative questions that have been raised by some subscribers. For everyone's benefit, this FAQ will in-sha'Allah be updated (if necessary) and posted to the list every two or three months.

1. What is shafii@yahoogroups.com?

shafii@yahoogroups.com  is a mailing list for answering questions related to Shafi'i fiqh. Questions sent to the list are forwarded to a number of students Shafi'i fiqh, who answer these questions after omitting the questioner's name and email-address to preserve questioner anonymity.

2. What is the purpose of this list?

This list is founded on the principle that what the imams of each discipline have recorded in their books is our religion. In order to find out what Islam says about a particular question, we must return to the experts in that field. In the field of fiqh, these experts are the fuqaha of the four Sunni schools of Islamic law.

This list focuses on the Shafi'i school of law, relying on the late books of the school that are a product of a millennium of refinement and checking by some of the most brilliant minds of the umma. The policy of this list is that all answers that are given must be referenced to such books or to living scholars when questions are not addressed in the books.

3. Who answers the questions?

Questions are answered by students of knowledge who have studied with living scholars. None of those who answer questions are muftis. They have no personal opinions on issues: their role is limited to quoting the late books of the Shafi'i school and living muftis

4. Why isn't Sheikh XYZ answering any questions on this list?

We are always looking for more people to answer questions. If you know of anyone who has studied Shafi'i fiqh and would be willing to answer questions as per the guidelines described above, please email the list.

5. I asked a question a long time ago.  How come I haven't received an answer?

There are two possible reasons: (1) we don't know the answer, or (2) we didn't have to time to answer it. We try to answer the most urgent and relevant questions first. Questions that are not explicitly dealt with in the classical books of fiqh are unlikely to receive an answer. Sometimes it takes over a month to answer the question. You can try resending your question if you don't receive an answer within two months.

6. If you can't answer my question, why don't you make this group unmoderated so that other subscribers can answer it?

It is our aim to ensure that everything posted on this list can be relied upon by those looking for answers. In order to do this, we need to ensure that all answers do, in fact, represent the position of the Shafi'i school. This can only be done if the list is moderated. If you know of anyone else who can answer questions (or if you feel that you can), please email the list.

7. What is the proof for position XYZ within the Shafi'i school?

 

Questions of this type are beyond the scope of this list. Imagine you just bought a new car and you begin to read the owner’s manual. The owner’s manual might tell you something like, “only use high-quality fuel with an octane rating of 87; using fuel with a higher octane rating might actually degrade performance.” Asking “why” or “what’s the proof for this statement” is completely reasonable. However, the owner’s manual isn’t intended to answer such questions and the technical writer (of the manual) probably doesn’t know the answer. Consider this list an owner’s manual for your actions. Those who answer questions on this list are technical writers, not engineers. 
 
Allah the Exalted knows best and He alone gives success

Source: http://www.sunnipath.com