Why Do Some Scholars Remain Silent When Calamities Befall The Muslims?

Fatwa of Shaykh Al-Allaamah Saalih bin Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan

[Taken from: http://www.alathary.net - Audio transcript can be downloaded here]

Question: I hear other students of knowledge sometimes boldly denounce the scholars because of their silence (in providing solutions) after some incident or calamity occurs. What is your comment o eminent Shaykh?

Answer: Sometimes there is benefit in silence (or an interest to be gained) and sometimes there is benefit in speech, and the scholars consider (and observe) the benefit and (look to) prevent any harm. And they (the scholars) do not speak except when there is benefit to be gained from their speaking. And they do not stay silent except when silence is more correct or when (the matter) is not from their field (of speciality). And they do not speak unless the speech is from their field (of speciality). And in matters (relating to major events), then it is not correct for each and everyone to speak (or comment), rather it must be entrusted to people of knowledge (i.e. scholars) and people of authority and judgement and the (authorised) investigators, as Allaah, Almighty and High, Said: When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they make it known (among the people); if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly) [An-Nisaa': 83] Things that relate to the interests of the Muslims and the Ummah, must not be taken up by distracted (and incoherent) individuals, but left to people of influence (i.e. those in authority) and delegated to the people of knowledge and insight (i.e. scholars who have the wisdom and ability to address the problem) by seeking the right solutions. And if (the matter is) handled by everyone, and everyone speaks of it, then this would harm the Muslims. Such an approach may (exacerbate and) instil fear in Muslims and thus no proper result would be achieved. Some problems may also be dealt with confidentiality and should not be addressed openly in front of people, and dealing with confidential matters must be done with proper means and methods, calmly and clearly. It is wajib upon the general public to show prudence in referring such matters to the scholars and people of authority and judgement who have insight (wisdom and experience) in those matters.