Knowledge Which is Fardh Upon a Few

1. Some branches of Islamic Knowledge are such that if a few people, even if it is just one or two persons – that many who suffice for the need – acquire the knowledge then it does not remain obligatory for others to seek that knowledge.
2. For example, it is necessary for there to be in each town and city an Aalim who is well grounded in the Uloom of the Qur’aan, Hadeeth, Fiqh, etc.
3. He should be able to refute the adversaries of Islam.
4. When anyone asks him a mas’alah, he should be able to answer without any difficulty.
5. Such (in-depth) knowledge is not Fardh on everyone.
6. Yes, if someone has the time, inclination and opportunity, and in spite of it not being Fardh upon him, he acquires those branches of Ilm then this is meritorious (mustahab) and it carries much thawaab.

(Behshti Zewar)