Is seeking Sharia knowledge in this era an individual obligation upon every Muslim, and is it more prioritized than offering advice?
Religious knowledge is of two types: that which is an individual obligation (fard ayn) and that which is a collective obligation (fard kifayah). There is no contradiction between giving advice and learning; the one who advises must learn, and if a learner sees someone in need of advice, it becomes obligatory for him to advise. Jurists have differed regarding whether giving beneficial advice is an individual obligation or a collective one. The Malikis held that it is an individual obligation. Al-Nawawi, quoting Ibn Battal, stated that it is a collective obligation, and it is necessary to the extent of need, provided the one giving advice is safe from harm.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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