When Scholars Differ, How Should Students Respond? KH Hasyim Asyari's Advice

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Within the intellectual tradition of Islam, diverse opinions frequently arise. Differences of view among ulama are not uncommon.

How, then, should a santri — one who is in the process of studying the religious sciences — conduct himself? On this matter, Hadratusyekh KH Hasyim Asy’ari, the founder of the Tebuireng pesantren and also the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama, offered his counsel. He set it down in his work entitled Adab al Alim wa Muta’allim.

According to Kiai Hasyim Asy’ari, from the outset a santri must be able to restrain himself and not become trapped, in absolute terms, in differences of view among the ulama and among people in general — whether in matters of thought or of hearing — for doing so will leave his heart unsettled and his mind disturbed.

From the beginning, a santri must resolve to hold fast to a single text alone, and only if he obtains permission from his teacher or kiai may he make use of several different texts. However, if his teacher’s method is merely to quote and transfer opinions from various schools of thought and disputed positions whilst holding no single opinion of his own, then — as Imam Al-Ghazali said — he ought to be cautious, for the dangers outweigh the benefits.

Kiai Hasyim Asy’ari went on to say that, likewise, a santri should be careful from the outset when studying many different texts, for this can waste time and impair concentration. Indeed, the santri should present the books and lessons he is studying to his teacher for review, so that the teacher can provide guidance and strengthen the student’s conviction.

The same applies when moving from one text to another without any compelling reason: he must also exercise caution, for it may give rise to signs of ennui and an absence of blessing.

However, once a santri possesses an adequate foundation of capability, it is better for him not to introduce new matters in jurisprudence but rather to study only the established theory. For happiness, a long life and tranquillity will come to him only if he can cleanse himself of ignorance of that knowledge, hold firmly to it, and never belittle the deeds which that knowledge enjoins.