Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) says:

“Undoubtedly, the obsession of the ummah with worldly matters, such as their livelihood, politics, current events, and catastrophes, has preoccupied them from the righteous scholars. It has diverted them from the company of the ‘Ulama and their gatherings. This is extremely dangerous.

Scholars are the saviours of the ummah, protectors of their creed, rituals, and ethics. They safeguard their lands and souls and everything else, but not with an authoritative force, not with soldiers or with weapons. Rather, this is manifested through their guidance and their foresight in relation to the matters of religion, by enlightening the ummah to lead their lives according to the prophetic model, in addition to their sincere du’as for the ummah and their burning passion for the community.”

[MA-E02-6]

Reflection

Shaykh Abul Hasan ‘Ali Nadwiy (rahimahullah) wrote a series of biographies of some of the most influential scholars in the history of Islam titled: Saviours of the Islamic spirit. This book shows the immense value of the authentic ‘Ulama, whilst also highlighting their contributions to the Ummah, which extend far beyond the realm of the Islamic sciences.
In essence, the righteous scholars are indispensable to the Ummah on all fronts, and this is what Shaykh (hafizahullah) seeks to draw attention to.