scholars

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Amid the recent bloody events and assassinations that have shaken the occupied lands on Muslim territories, what is the role to be played by Muslim scholars and the Muslims in general? It seems that the Muslims have learnt indifference and carelessness from their rulers. Jazakum Allah khayran.

I am a mosque imam. Sometimes, some people ask me questions that are of no benefit of any kind to them. For example, they may ask how long Prophet Yunus (Jonah) stayed in the belly of the fish that swallowed him. What is the viewpoint of Islam regarding posing questions of this kind? Besides, I feel that withholding from answering these questions implies concealment of knowledge [which does not befit Muslim scholars]. Please give me a clear-cut fatwa on this question.

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Who are the scholars of today? Is it sufficient that a person has an islamic degree and is known as a scholar by the general masses to make him a scholar? Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-Salamu `alaykum. I want to ask: Is it necessary for a scholar to attain a degree in Islamic studies? Please, explain.

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, As-Salamu `alaykum. Are we allowed to kiss the hands and feet of our elders, religious teachers or scholars?