The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 22
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 22 utilised the principle of Dirāyat copiously and with their God-given intellect would evaluate narrations prior to accepting them as genuine and authentic. It is due to this very reason that even the greatest of companions would fall into a mutual difference of opinion. Brittle Facets of Dirāyat The four instances mentioned above, have been presented only as an example. Nonetheless, examples of this nature can be found abundantly throughout Islāmic history. From among these, the conduct of four eminent companions of the Holy Prophet sa conclusively demonstrates that ever since the early stages of Islām, the principle of Dirāyat has always been considered in parallel to Riwāyat. Muslim research scholars have utilised the principles of Dirāyat with complete freedom and honesty in order to investigate the integrity of all Aḥādīth , and similar examples can be presented in relation to subsequent generations as well. However, our intent is not to prolong this topic unnecessarily. The evidence provided should amply satisfy a sensible individual. In any case, the allegation levelled by Sir William Muir and his like- minded companions, that Muslim research scholars only considered Riwāyat whilst ignoring the principle of Dirāyat all together, is completely false and baseless. However, if the purporse of those who object is to imply that the principle of Dirāyat should be given precedence in every instance and even though a Ḥadīth is sound and authentic on the basis of Riwāyat , if it lacks rank with respect to Dirāyat , it should be discarded, then not only is such a belief completely incorrect, but it also stuns and hinders educational progress. Irrespective of the benefits of Dirāyat , there are two fatal vulnerabilities associated to it. Firstly, its relation is with reasoning, and this is a subjective phenomenon which differs from person to person, hence, there is much room for a difference of opinion. Secondly, the foundation of Dirāyat is greatly placed upon the past experiences and knowledge of an individual and since these two elements change on a daily basis, there is always room for improvement and progression. Due to these reasons, it is evident that excessive dependence on the principle of Dirāyat inherits lucid dangers which no wise individual can disregard. For instance, one individual may reject a Ḥadīth by way of Dirāyat , on the basis that it contradicts a verse of the Holy Qur’ān. However, it is quite possible that another individual does not find that narration contradictory to the Holy Qur’ān at all, and through an intelligent elucidation of both,