Islam in Yorubaland today faces serious challenges. Without exaggeration, this era can rightly be described as a testing and critical season. One may sincerely ask: How did we arrive at a point where those who claim to be pioneers and custodians of the Qur'an are seen openly deviating from its teachings and acting contrary to its guidance?

If care is not taken, many innocent souls may be led astray, as some individuals—masked as scholars and saints of Allah—parade misleading ideas and practices. Sadly, these actions have distorted the image of Islam to the extent that followers of other faiths judge Islam based on such portrayals rather than its true teachings.

It is therefore important to remind ourselves that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ remains the ultimate and perfect example for all humanity. Allah says:

While it is agreed that scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets, a recurring and sincere question remains: Among the many attitudes and behaviors we see today, which of them truly reflects the character and conduct of the Prophet ﷺ? Is it not time to hold self-acclaimed scholars accountable for both their actions and inactions?

This discourse is not intended to label any sect as wholly good or bad. However, it must be stated clearly that any individual who acts contrary to the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah is on a misguided path and will be accountable on the Day of Recompense. The early Ṣūfīs would never take pride in contradicting the Qur'an, and the early Salaf would never consider themselves infallible. So how did we arrive at a point where Muslims abuse, curse, and discredit one another?

Calling out error and exposing misguidance is not wrong when done with sincerity, wisdom, and justice. Likewise, blind and dogmatic followership of any shaykh, ustādh, or imām—without evidence—is not supported in Islam.

Recommendations to the General Public

1. Islam is not a religion of hearsay or personal opinions. It is the religion of Allah, revealed through His Messenger ﷺ. Therefore, all teachings and instructions must be traced back to the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah, with due consideration to the understanding of the Companions.
2. Scholars who defend the honor of the Prophet ﷺ, his Companions, and the righteous predecessors do so to protect Islam. However, Islam does not forbid respectful correction where errors occur, for none possesses absolute knowledge except Allah, and none is protected from error except His Messenger ﷺ. Corrections must be done with good manners and sincere intention to guide the Ummah.
3. Any scholar who boasts of lineage, ancestry, or family achievements while showing little concern for the true teachings of Islam is merely a self-proclaimed scholar.

Finally, whenever a scholar makes a claim, politely ask for evidence from the Qur'an or authentic Hadith, followed by the understanding of the Companions and the righteous predecessors.