Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)

Chapter 301
Prohibition of putting oneself to Undue Hardship

Allah, the Exalted, says:
"Say (O Muhammad (PBUH)): `No wage do I ask of you for this (the Qur'an), nor am I one of the Mutakallifun (those who pretend and fabricate things which do not exist).''' (38:86)

1655. `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said: We have been forbidden to go into excess.
[Al-Bukhari].

Commentary:  Affectation and artificiality are also different forms of formality which some people exercise in their speech, dress and manners. To make unusual effort in hospitality and preparation of several dishes for meals also come in the category of formality which is greatly disliked. Unfortunately, present-day Muslims have made it a habit to spend lavishly on these extravagances. May Allah grant us guidance to adhere to the religious injunctions in all matters of life.

1656. Masruq (May Allah be pleased with him) said: We visited `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) and he said to us: O people! He who has the knowledge of any matter may convey it to the others. And he who has no knowledge, thereof, should say: "Allahu a`lam (Allah knows better).'' It is a part and parcel of knowledge that a man who has no knowledge of a matter should say: "Allah knows better.'' Allah said to His Prophet (PBUH):
"Say (O Muhammad (PBUH)): `No wage do I ask of you for this (the Qur'an), nor am I one of the Mutakallifun (those who pretend and fabricate things which do not exist).''' (38:86)
[Al-Bukhari].

Commentary:  If one does not know about something, he should not say anything about it by way of conjecture, speculation and guesswork because this is also pretension which is forbidden. When religious scholars are asked about anything which they do not know, they should confess their ignorance. Such a confession is also a mark of scholarship. In other words, they should abstain from giving verdict about any matter without making a thorough study and research on it.