Revival of the Sciences of Religion Allah Almighty revealed to Hz. Ibrahim: “O Ibrahim! I am the Knower, and I love all My servants who are knowledgeable.” .^i J İ1U1L 411 ^J fJUÜ The knowledgeable person is the trustworthy servant of Allah Almighty on earth. .İLjJUJlj iıp^i ^Ûl JlJ 1 jLİ blj ı^ÛI ^5 I>ÜL» ISI ^î 3? ÛÛL/ Among my ummah, if two classes are reformed, then everyone will be reformed, and if they fall into corruption, then everyone will fall into corruption with them. These are the leaders and the scholars. >r*^ ^^ ^ ^ ^J* ^ J^J 7 ^* J1 k££ ^ *sî ^jW ^ ^ Jİ 131 . fJJl 2Ab There is no good for me in a day when someone does not ensure that I have a knowledge (and deed) that brings me close to the mercy of Allah.
The superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like my superiority over the lowest of my companions. Look, the Messenger of Allah treats knowledge as equal to the rank of prophethood and the rank of the deed without knowledge is so low. Ibn Abdilberr (through Ta’lik); Irakî said he did not find the chain of this hadith. Ibn Abdilben1, (weakly from Muaz b. Jabel) 18) Ibn Abdilberr and Abu Nuayyin, (weakly from Ibn Abbas) 19) Taberânî, Eusat’, Abu Nuaym, Hilye, (weakly from Said b. Müseyyeb and Hz. Aisha) 20) Tirmizî, (from Abu Umame) The hadith is said to be good and authentic.
The Book of Knowledge/Part I
If a worshipper is deprived of the knowledge of the deeds he performs, then not only is there no meaning in his worship, but such a deed also does no good to the person.
Âlim’in âbide üstünlüğü, ondördünde bulunan ayın diğer
yıldızlara üstünlüğü gibidir.21
.fljpJl ^ ;LLJl (*J tÇ^Î liî^C i>Ç_iJl f^ ^~-i
On the Day of Judgment, three classes of people will be able to intercede:
Prophets, scholars, and martyrs.22
What a great blessing is the rank of knowledge, which comes right after prophethood and is even superior to the rank of martyrdom!
oJl ^ jUa-JtJl Jp JLİI â>lj S^J lji^’ ^ ^î ^ 3*^^ ^^^ l^^ *H^ ^
,1ââB jJbı iâa ^^5 ^
J^5 ^^
No worship is more superior than having knowledge of Allah in matters of religion. It is more difficult to deceive a single scholar than to deceive a thousand worshippers.
Everything has a foundation. The foundation of this religion is knowledge.23
.4İi)l pLJl j^) c«j—ul
j^-
The most beneficial part of your religion is the easiest one. The most beneficial of deeds is knowledge.24
21) Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasai and Ibn Hibban
22) Ibn Maja, (weakly from Hz. Osman)
23) Taberani, Evsat; Abu Bakr al-Acouri, Riyaz’ul-Mutallimin; Abu Nuaym,
(weakly from Abu Hurayra)
24) Ibn Abdilberr, (weakly from Anas)
Revival of the Sciences of Religion A believing scholar is seventy degrees more virtuous than a believing worshipper. O my companions! You are living in a time when there are many scholars, few reciters (Qur’an memorizers) and preachers, few people seeking knowledge, but many people giving knowledge. In this time, doing a good deed is more beneficial than acquiring knowledge. However, a time will come when there will be few scholars, many preachers, few people giving knowledge, and many people seeking knowledge. In such a time, striving to acquire knowledge will be more beneficial than any other act of worship. There is a hundredfold difference between a scholar and a worshipper. Between each of these degrees, there is a distance equal to the speed of a well-fed horse for seventy years.
?; (JJl Ji :J-âî J^j / The Book of Knowledge/Part I He answered. When the Companions objected, saying, “We were asking about deeds, but you are talking about knowledge,” the Messenger of Allah replied, “A deed done with knowledge, no matter how small, benefits you. A deed done without knowledge does not benefit you at all.” P ^1 !tl»i_*Jl j~^* V Jyi (3 ^LJLjJI ğjw (3 JiLiJl fji ^’ ^’^ *- <^ dJui ■f^ ^j-*^ •*-** '^*^( p^â^M |^j ^jJt ^>i |Jj (^ ^jJjJ ‘ılı |^j ^^jp. ^>i On the Day of Judgment, after Allah Almighty raises all His servants and brings them to the gathering, He will also raise the scholars and address them thus: “O people of knowledge! I have entrusted you with my attribute of knowledge because I know you well. I did not give you my knowledge to afflict you. Therefore, run to the blessings, for I have forgiven all of you.” The sayings of the Companions and the Scholars Hz. Ali said to his student Kumeyl: “O Kumeyl! Knowledge is better than wealth. Because knowledge protects you, and you protect wealth. Knowledge is the ruler, and wealth is the subject. Spending reduces wealth, but knowledge increases it.” Hz. Ali also said: “A scholar is more superior than a person who fasts all day and prays all night, and spends all his time in jihad. The death of a scholar can be filled by another scholar of the same magnitude.” In one of his poems, Hz. Ali said: “All people are equal in their bodies. Their fathers are Adam, and their mothers are Hawwa. If they are looking for a reason to boast in their lineage, they should know that their origin is from mud and water. The people of knowledge are the means of guidance for those seeking guidance. The value of every person is measured by their knowledge. The ignorant are the most merciless enemies of the people of knowledge. Strive to acquire knowledge and surely know where it can be used! All people die, but those who have knowledge live forever.” Abu Esved ed-Du’eli said: “There is nothing in the world more superior and powerful than knowledge. Because while kings rule the people, scholars rule the kings.” Ibn Abbas said: “When Hz. Solomon was given the choice to select between knowledge, wealth, and kingship, he chose knowledge. Therefore, Allah Almighty gave him both wealth and kingship.” When asked who the perfect people are, Ibn Mubarak answered, “scholars.” When asked who the real kings are, he said, “the ascetics.” When asked who the lowest people are, he said, “those who sell their religions for the world.” Note that Ibn Mubarak does not place anyone outside of scholars in the category of perfect people. Because the only thing that distinguishes a human from an animal is knowledge. A human can only be called a human through the attribute that brings him honor. A human’s honor does not come from his strength. If it did, camels would be superior, as they are stronger than humans. It is not from his size, as elephants are bigger than humans. It is not from his courage, as the predators in the forest are more courageous than humans. It is not from eating a lot, as oxen would be more honorable, as they have large stomachs. It is not from excessive sexual relations, as even small birds are more powerful in this regard than humans. In short, none of these things give honor to humans. Only knowledge gives honor to humans! Some have said: “If I knew what the person who loses knowledge loses, and what the person who gains knowledge gains, I would know.” Indeed, the Messenger of Allah said: 31) This person is a student of Hz. Ali, known for founding Arabic grammar. He died in the year H. The Book of Knowledge/Part I . ^LÂJ A person deprived of knowledge has a heart that is both sick and spiritually dead. Moreover, the love of the world and the greed for wealth make the ignorant person so much that all his feelings are dulled! Just as fear temporarily prevents the pain of a wound, that person is also deprived of the awareness of this great disaster! Such people are indeed in this state. However, when death comes and the burden of the world is taken from his back, the person sees the disaster in its full horror and is deeply affected. Just as a person who does not feel the pain of wounds while drunk or in fear, feels the pain after waking up or being freed from fear, his regret at that moment also does not benefit him. We seek refuge in Allah from the terror of the day of revelation! Humanity is asleep, and after death, they will wake up, see the reward for their previous deeds, but the matter has already passed! Hasan Basri said: “The ink that flows from the pens of scholars is weighed against the blood of martyrs; and that ink weighed against the blood is heavier than pure blood.” This person is among the famous ascetics. He lived in the time of the mystics like Bişr el-Hafî and Sırrî es-Sakatî and died in the year H. This person is Hasan b. Yesar, the freed slave of Zayd b. Sabit. He was born in the time of Hz. Omar’s caliphate and died in the year H. Revival of the Sciences of Religion Ibn Mes‘ud said: “Embrace knowledge completely, without any hesitation! Knowledge only disappears when the people who spread it are exhausted. I swear by Allah who has power over my soul that those who are killed as martyrs in the way of Allah, when they see the ranks of scholars in the afterlife, will immediately ask Allah to bring them back to life and make them scholars. No one is born a scholar. Knowledge is a blessing that can only be obtained through effort and learning.” Ibn Abbas said: “In my opinion, discussing knowledge for a moment in the night is more virtuous than spending the entire night in prayer.” Hasan Basri said: “O our Lord! Give us wealth in this world and goodness in the hereafter! Protect us from the punishment of hell!” In his interpretation of this verse, he said: “The wealth mentioned in this verse refers to knowledge and worship. The goodness in the hereafter refers to paradise.” When asked by a person from the people of wisdom, “What is more profitable to acquire in this world?” he answered, “Acquire that which does not sink with the ship and remains with you.” He meant knowledge with these words. Because knowledge remains in the mind of a person and does not disappear, it is always with the person. Since the sinking of the ship is interpreted as the death of a person, it is clear that the capital that remains with the person is knowledge. Some scholars have also said: “A person who takes wisdom as his capital is chosen by the people as a guide. A person who is known for his wisdom is respected and honored by all people.” Imam Shafi said: “One of the characteristics of knowledge is that even those who have a little of it are happy, and those who do not have it are sad.” Hz. Omar said: “O people! Seek knowledge and learn it. Because there is a garment that Allah loves very much, and He puts it on those who seek knowledge and find it. Whoever wears that garment, even if he commits sins while wearing it, Allah Almighty will offer him three chances to repent. Even if he continues on the path of sin until death, the way to repentance is never closed for that person…” The Book of Knowledge/Part I Abu Bakir el-Ahnef b. Kays b. Muaviye said: “All scholars are almost like kings. The glory of all those who are not reinforced by knowledge ends in disgrace.” Salim b. Ebî Elca‘d said: “My master bought me for three hundred dirhams and then set me free. After being freed, I started thinking about what I should do. In the end, I decided to pursue knowledge. Within a year, the governor of the city where I lived came to visit me, but I was not available, so he left without entering.” Zübeyr b. Ebî Bekir said: “My father wrote me a letter from Iraq, and in the letter he said: “Son, learn knowledge! Because if you become poor, knowledge is the most valuable treasure for you. If you become rich, knowledge is your beauty and elegance.” Hz. Lokman also gave similar advice to his son. Indeed, he advised his son: “O son! Sit with scholars, and let your knees touch theirs, because just as Allah Almighty revives and greens the earth with His mercy, knowledge also revives and greens the hearts of mankind.” A philosopher said: “When a scholar dies, even the fish in the water and the birds in the air mourn for him.” A hadith that supports this statement is narrated by Ibn Neccar from Hz. Anas: “Even the fish in the sea ask for forgiveness for the scholars from the day they die until the Day of Judgment.” Indeed, the face of a deceased scholar is forgotten, but the person himself is never forgotten, and his name is always remembered. Zührî said: “Knowledge is a man (great). Only men (elders) love it.” The Merit of Acquiring Knowledge Verses Revival of the Sciences of Religion The Book of Knowledge/Part I Even a part of knowledge learned by a person is more beneficial than the whole world and everything in it.37 Revival of the Sciences of Religion Being present in the assembly of a scholar (where knowledge is taught) is more virtuous than praying a thousand rakats, visiting a thousand sick people, and being present at a thousand funerals! When the Messenger of Allah said these words, the Companions asked him: “O Messenger of Allah! Is being present in the assembly of a scholar more virtuous than reading the Qur’an alone?” The Messenger of Allah replied: “Does reading the Qur’an without knowledge benefit anyone?” G-jS €a>Jl ^ fC)ll ^j cLi f^-*^ << (-^, f^' s-^i 5*J ^j^' ^^ dr* There is only a single degree of difference between a person who dies while striving to revive the religion of Islam and the prophets in Paradise. The sayings of the Companions and the Scholars Ibn Abbas (r.a) said: “I faced great difficulties while seeking knowledge, but after acquiring it, I became strong.” Indeed, Ibn Ebî Müleyke said: “When I saw Ibn Abbas, I could not imagine or even think that I had ever seen a more handsome and well-mannered person. He was as noble as his father, Hz. Abbas (r.a). When he spoke, he spoke more clearly and eloquently than anyone else, and when he gave a ruling, it showed that he was the most knowledgeable among the people.” Ibn Mubârek said: “I am amazed when a person who has not sought knowledge claims to have some honor and considers himself among the honorable.” A philosopher said: “I feel more pity for those who want to learn knowledge but cannot, or those who can but do not learn, than for anyone else.” Irâki said this hadith was narrated from Ibn Ömer, not from Abu Zer. Ibn Cevzî also mentioned this hadith in his book called Mevzııât.) Ebu Nuaym, Herevî, (Hasan’dan) 44) Ebu Nuaym, (İbn Mes‘ud’dan)o Ij,*- yj’ İJL>-I jl jl^j jly*^ ^jl Lr* A person who has knowledge of the Qur’an sees the wealth of others as more beneficial, then he has considered Allah’s greatness as small. Abu Muhammad Feth b. Said el-Mevsılî said: “If a sick person is prevented from eating, drinking, and being treated, will he not die? Of course, he will die. So, the heart is like a sick person, and if it is deprived of knowledge and wisdom for three consecutive days, it will die spiritually.” Feth el-Mevsılî (may Allah have mercy on him) said this very rightly! Indeed, the food of the heart is knowledge and wisdom, just as the body’s life depends on eating, the heart’s life depends on knowledge and wisdom.
Is it not necessary for every tribe to learn their religion well?
(Tawbah/122)
^^Sl ^ jl /İl j*î l/t^
If you do not know, ask the people of remembrance!
(Nahl / 43)
Hadiths
•S*^^ j! !*./*< *llı ili- l*J* *j /ıy»r u/ jıK /
Allah Almighty shows the way to Paradise to those who set out to acquire knowledge.34
jİMiy LU filij (JLaİI h-İÇ Ç»ÇÎ ^1 ^^*JI ûl
The angels, being pleased with the condition of the traveler of knowledge, spread their wings under his feet.35
Learning even a part of knowledge is more beneficial than praying one hundred rakats.3®
.Us» üj çiı ^ i’ > j;^ı İ±Ş (JJl ^ ûı;
34) Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja and Ibn Hibban, (from Abu Derda and Abu Hurayra)
35) Ahmed b. Hanbal, Ibn Hibban and Hakim, (from Saffan b. Assal)
36) Ibn Abdilberr, (from Abu Zer)
Seek knowledge even in China!38
Acquiring knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim.39
(jJL*llj lJî^’ :k-
Do not be afraid to ask; because four people benefit from the asking of a question: the one who asks, the one who answers, the one who listens, and the one who loves them!40
The ignorant should not be content with their ignorance. The scholar should not keep his knowledge hidden by silence!41
.. ^l Si ûi>il J4 jij : § JUÎ îJ>îl ki; 2rÖ ^ fe :j^
37) Ibn Abdilberr, Knowledge; Ibn Hibban, Ravzat’ul-Ukalâ, (from Hasan)
38) Ibn Adiy and Beyhakî, (from Anas); Taberânî, (from Ibn Mes‘ud and Ibn Abbas)
39) Ibn Adiy, Beyhakî and Ibn Abdilberr, (from Anas)
40) Abu Nuaym, Hilye, (from Hz. Ali)
41) Taberânî, (from Ibn Merduveyh)