If you don't understand, ask!!!

Yahya Ibn Khaleed  (Rahimahu Allah) said: 

" Do not respond to anyone until you have understood their words, for that will cause you  to respond to what they have not said , and thus confirm your own ignorance. Rather you must understand  his speech properly. So when you understand him, then respond. And do not rush to answer before asking for clarity . And do not be shy to seek clarity when you do not understand . for verily answering before understanding is sheer idiocy! So if you do not know before asking , then ask!! Then it will come to you  Your questioning and seeking clarity is more praiseworthy and better for you then being silent and incapable of expressing yourself!!"

SOURCE:  Jaami' Bayaan  al 'Ilm wa Fadlihi #1001 of Ibn Abdl Bar (Rahimahu Allah)  

 

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Who is allowed to give fatwa?

It is reported that Imam Malik (Rahimahu Allah) was asked: Who is allowed to give religious rulings (fatwa)? He replied:
Issuing fatwa is not allowed except for a person who knows what the people have differed in. It was said: Do you mean the different views of the people of opinions ( those who depend more on analogy and speculation)? He replied: No,  (I mean) the different views of the Companions of Mohammed (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) And he most also know the textual evidence that abrogates ( other rulings) and that which is abrogated ( by other texts) both in the Quran and the hadeeth of Allah's Messenger (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) .
Such a person can issue fatwa.




SOURCE:  Ibn 'Abd Al-Barr, Jâmi' Bayân Al-'Ilm wa Fadlihî article 1529.

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Graduate and ignorant

Question- If a person wants to teach to people Islam , would be enought for him to have college degree or must have a tazqiyah from a scholar as well?

Answer-You should be aware, Everyone who graduates with a title doe snot become a person of knowledge. What is required is to have the knowledge and comprehension of the religion of Allah. The titles do not prove that a person has knowledge. Sometimes the most ignorant among the people own titles. And sometimes there are people without titles which are the moxt knowledgeable , among the people.

Did Shaikh Ibn baz or Shaikh Mohammed Ibn Ibrahim, Shaikh Ibn Humayd  had titles? Despite not having titles were among the most knowledgeable people in his time.The topic is based on the fact that the person has the knowledge and the understanding of Islam not on the degree or tazqiyah.

Te reality of the relation of a person can be know when an issue , problem or calamity came to him. When these situations come ,it is clear who has knowledge, a person who owns and has the knowledge or an ignorant person.

Shaikh Fawzan (Hafidhahu Allah)

SOURCE: http://www.sahab.net/

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Better to be an ignorant

Fadhl bin Dukhayn informed me , on the autorithy of Sufyaan Ath-Thawree , on Yahia  bin Sa'eed that he said: " I heard Al Qassim bin Mohammed say,

"The man that lives as one who is ignorant is better for him that giving a religious verdict regarding that which he has no knowledge of ".

SOURCE:  Kitaabul-`Ilm by Al-Haafidh Abu Khaythamah Zuhayr bin Harb An-Nisaa’ee Maktabah Ibn Abbaas Narration 91 pg. 104

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Six points about knowledge

 

 

قال الإمام الشافعي

أخي لن تنال العلم إلا بستة ..... سأنبيك عن تفصيلها ببيان

ذكاء وحرص واجتهاد وبلغة ..... وصحبة أستاذ وطول زمان

 

"Oh my Brother, you will never gain knowledge without (possessing) six (qualities);

I will inform you of these in detail and with clarity:

Sharpness (of the mind) eagerness ( to learn) sacrifice ( in terms of time, etc)

 and means ( i.e. wealth),

and the company of a teacher and length of time!!"

 

SOURCE: Diwaan (collection of poetry) of Ash-Shaafi'ee (Rahimahu Allah)

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The most precious gift

Abdur Rahmaan Ibn Abi Layla said to Ka'b Ibn Ujratah stay and then he said:  Would you like  me to give to a gift? , the Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) came to us and told us to come to you to teach us how to send us the Salam. How do send the greeting? The Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) replied: "Oh Allah brings peace abd blessings on Mohammed and his family in the same way you did to Ibrahim. Verily, you are the most blessed and glorious."" Oh Allah bless Mohammed and his family in the same way that You exalt to Ibrahim and his family. Verily, You are the most blessed and glorious." [ Recorded by Bukhari (6357) and Muslim (935)]


Benefits of this subject :"Abdur Rahmaan Ibn Abi Layla said to Ka'b Ibn Ujratah:" Would you like me to give you a gift?"

1. Abd Al Rahman as Sa'dee (Rahimahu Allah) said: "These words show the Companions (Radia Allahu anhun) and Tabi'oon's superiority and desire for good and knowledge. So much so, they held knowledge about one issue as the mot valuable gift. Reason being, knowledge remains and is well being for this life and the next."  [Sharhu Umdatil Ahkam vol 1 page 366]
2. Ibn Mulaqqim (Rahimahu Allah) said:" A gift is given to gain someone's love, friendship or to honor them. Some people even say it's given in order to earn a reward in the next life and nothing in this life. In most cases a gift is food , drink or clothing. However this hadeeth shows it to be permissible to give knowledge as a gift." [‘Ilaam bi Faw’idi Umdat al-Ahkam, vol 3, p. 450]
3. Abdullah Al Bassam ( Rahimahu Allah) said: " The Salaf used to exchange knowledge about issues and verdicts as gifts. They considered these affairs as valuable gifts. Knowledge about religious issuesand verdicts are the most precious gifts and presents." [Tayseer al- ‘Alaam, vol 1, #117]
4. Shaykh Saleem al Hilalee (Hafidhahu Allah) said: Abd al Rahman Ibn Abi Layla met K'ab (Radia Allahu anhu) . K'ab asked Abd al Rahman if he wanted a gift. In those days the best gift one could give was knowledge about religious issues. The Companions and the Tabi'oon used to consider knowledge as something precious. Therefore when a man taught his brother something, he has given him the best gift man can give." [Zubdat al-Afham, vol 1, p. 504]
5. Shaykh Muqbil Ibn Hadee al Wadee (Rahimahu Allah) said: " How beautifull knowledge is! It is better than gold and money. It is even better than beautiful women and worldly possesions..."

   

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The early married and knowledge

Is getting married at an early age diverts from gaining knowledge ?


As for saying that getting married at an early age diverts from gaining knowledge and from studying , this is not the case. Rather , the opposite of this is correct because tranquility , peace of mind, and pleasure never cease to be obtained through marriage. These things help the student to reach his goal because , he has peace of mind and his thoughts are not cluttered due to discomfort and this helps him study.


Now in the other hand abstaining from marriage in reality blocks whatever knowledge he wants to attain, because it is not possible to acquire knowledge in a state of confusion and anxiety. However ,if he gets married, his mind is at rest and his soul is at ease. He gets a house to take as a shelter and a wife who relaxes and helps him. These things help him to attain knowledge.


If Allah makes it easy for the student to pursue knowledge. Matrimony does not block the path to knowledge as some believe. for that reason, having children is an enormous blessing in this life and in the next.


SOURCE: Shaykh Al Fawzan (Hafidhahu Allah) in MATRIMONY AT AN EARLY AGE AND ITS BENEFITS , taken from ISLAAM’S SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEMS FACING TODAY’S YOUTH, Pgs. 44-48

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From who you learn your religion ?

Based of Ibn Sireen's words " Look at whom you learn your religion from" , we learn that people who put themselves forward to teach aren't all on the same level in knowledge and information.

Ibn Abdul Bar said: Only the scholars are Ahul Athar. They understand the religion. The scholars excel by perfecting their knowledge, character and their understanding.

Accordingly, everyone who puts himself forward to teach isn't worthy to be called a scholar. There are levels for people who appoint themselves as teachers or involve themselves in Dawah. The levels are as follow:

1. Scholars who are Mujtahid. They are legists who can formulate independent decisions in legal matters based interpretation and application of the Usul in all subjects of the Deen. This is the category of scholars the people ask for verdicts about their affairs.
2. Scholars who are Mujtahid. However they haven't quite reached the level to form independent decisions in all areas of the religion.
3. Students of knowledge who aren't scholars.
4. The general people who learn a few things. After learning these few issues they put themselves forward to speak and give Da'wah.
5. People who knowledge can never be gained from.

People are required to be familiar with these five categories of teachers; and distinguish between them. Additionally we - the Muslim community should be aware , that everybody who teach isn't suitable for issuing our fatawa.

Imam Ash-Shaf'i said: The only person it's permissible for to give verdicts about islamic issues is some one well grounded in the Quran. He must know the abrogated and verses that abrogate , and the Muhkam and Mutashabih verses of the Quran. Its essential that the person must know the difference between the Mekkan  and Madeenan verses. Moreover he must know why these verses were revealed and their intended meaning.

After he has all met all those conditions he must knowledgeable in Hadeeth the same way he is about the Quran: He must be an expert in arabic , poetry, and everything else related to Quranic and Islamic sciences. He uses all  this knowledge with fairness and refrains himself from being too talkative.

Once the scholar's done this he looks and reviews the different issues throughout  the major cities in the world. Now he has the genius. And when he has reached this level, he can know issues verdicts about what's Haraam and Halal. Otherwise he doesn't issue religious rulings and he only speaks about the issues he knows.

Sufyan Ath Thawree said: Take the rulings about what's halal and haraam from scholars famous for their knowledge , or from the mashaykah (person of higher learning)

Malik said: " A man told me that he visited Rab'eeh and asked him why he was crying? The man told Rab'eeh that his crying frightened him , so he asked has a calamity befallen you? Rab'eeh said, no, but religious verdicts are sought from people who haven't  any knowledge. And this is a burning issue within Islam.

Abu Usamah said, "If you find a  man who diligently seeks knowledge and sits with the people of knowledge , then record what he says".

Shaykh Al Fawzan said, "It is not possible, for a person to be a caller to Allah's religion until he has knowledge . If he is ignorant he doesn't have the ability to call to Islam. And if he involves himself in Dawa'h , he will wrong more times that he is  correct .

The conditions for a caller to Islam-Da'ee:
He must have knowledge before he begins to call others to Islam and teach. Allah says: "This is my way; I invite unto Allah- (Islamic Monotheism) with sure knowldege" Yusef, 108.

Nonetheless, there are some things that the layman can teach i.e. how to pray, prevent others from abandoning the congregation , teach his family , and order his children to pray. The layman and student know these issues. Furthermore there are other issues with require understanding. Issues like : Halal and haraam and Tawheed and Shik. These kinds of issues require knowledge.
SOURCE: “ Explanation of Ibn Sireen’s statement, “ This knowledge is Deen” by Shaykh Ahmed Bazmoul (Hafidhahu Allah)

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The two students of knowledge

A student of knowledge: He is the one who before doing anything fixes his soul , Then he maintains his soul to upright character.
Therefore he becomes an example for others, in his character and manners.The student of knowledge estrives for knowledge and benefict. The seeker if ilm does his utmost to sit with scholarly men, people of piety and in circles of knowledge. The person striving to learn his deen constantly equips himself with beneficial knowledge and information. He safeguards his time. Hence you don't see him involved in things which are useless. The student of knowledge turns away from things that don't concern him , and busies himself with things that affect him.
Wheneverf he speaks , he brings benefict to the people. And when he writes it is beneficial. Furthermore whoever sits with him , learns something. He gives precedence to knowledge ,its people, consequently benefitting for them. As result of this he honors the people of knowledge; he suplicates for them, and ask Allah to have mercy and forgiveness for the deceased scholars.

The Talibatun Ilm hates backbiting , abhors the backbiters and detests anyone's name mentioned in a bad light. Another thing to notice about the student of knowledge is he's humble , he doesn't raise himself about his level. He doesn't act like he's loaded with something he really can't offer. This student isn't misled by people praises of him, people blowing him up to be a big shot or their extolment of him.

The student of knowledge doesn't want to be famous, so he doesn't seek fame from the people. Reason being , he knows that it's Allah who raises the people and gives them rank, not such and such. this seeker of knowledge is one who calls to Allah and advises the Muslims. He enjoins what's right and forbids what's wrong based on the Islamic principles and guidelines. You will notice that the student of knowledge is always trying to unite the Muslims and their hearts. He can't stand division between the people of the Sunnah. He is well aware that division is connected to innovation , and unicity is connected to the Sunnah. For that reason it is said : “ Ahulus Sunnah wal Jama’a and Ahul Bid’ah wal Farqa” .
Moreover, you will notice that the student of Ilm is shy to speak. He doesn't speak about everything or every affair that happens among the people. He remains silent , because he knows that he will be called to account for his words , the same way for his actions. Hence, he safeguards his own well being in his speech and actions. He won't open a door to evil for the general masses.
The Talibul Ilm doesn't embark on issues of falsehood and deal with things he is unaware of. That's why; he enters into issues with clarity. He is aware of them inside and out. He is prepared for the meeting with Allah.

These are some of the traits of the student of knowledge. May Allah guide them to us. Ameen.

The student of internet. First of all, he doesn't have any of the traits we mencioned , as this is witnessed. The student of the net is shameless in his character. He displays arrogant behavior towards people. The student of the World Wide Web wastes his time in things that are fruitless. He attacks anyone , regardless if they are a minor or senior. He hurls his assault without maintaining the reverence of knowledge , age or its people.
The student of the internet learns hatred , he follows the mistakes and slips ups of others. These are the fruits or learning from the internet. The student of this path days and years remind empty. He is unable to relax and the people can't feel at ease from his harm and evil.

In conclusion , if you want to be a student of knowledge , here you are!Take the path. The milestones have been laid out for you. On the other hand , if you want to be a student of the internet, there you are! There is the way. That path is full with filth and rubbish. So disgrace yourself, if you want to be a student of the net , but beware of lying to the people claiming you're a STUDENT OF KNOWLEDGE!!!!

SOURCE: Shaykh Abu Malik Abdul Hameed (Hafidhahu Allah) taken from his site:
http://abumalik.net/play.php?catsmktba=1583

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The levels of knowledge

Sufyan Az Zawri (Rahimahu Allah) said:

" The first (level) of  knowledge is (watch) silence. The secon is to listen carefully and memorize, the third is to act according to it. The fourth is to disseminate and teach."

SOURCE:  (Lammad Durral-Manzur minal-Qawlil-Ma-Zur nº 173)

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The relation between Taqwa and knowledge

Oh man! Knowledge does not benefict , while one  do not perfect his actions.

 Knowledge is the beauty and Taqwa is its ornament.

Those with Taqwa they are always preoccupied with his knowledge.

The test of Allah, oh keeper of knowledge is great.

Neither conspire nor plotting concerning it are useless.

Adquire knowledge and make as many facts as posible.

And do not let that vain hobbies and argumentation distract you.

Always make as your goal to benefict people.

And beware, be careful that the fatigue and the tiredness reach you.

Calls to your brother gently when he makes a mistake.

Since the knowledge is loving with those who are overcome by the errors.

And if you are among the people who have no religious moral,

then order them to do good when they act ignorantly.

And if they disobey you, then remind them without angry.

And be patient, be strong in patience and do not let their actions concern you,

since each goat is tied to his two feet.

Be patient, whether they are fair or oppressive.

SOURCE: ‘Iqtida’ al-’Ilm al-’Amal’ of al-Khatib al-Baghdadi.

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A wise man, speaking about knowledge

Sayings from Imaan Ibn Hazm Al Andalusi (Rahimahu Allah) about knowledge: 1."The most noble branches of knowledge are those which bring you close to the Creator and help you to be pleasing to Him."

2."Anyone who spends his time studying something inferior, abandoning higher studies of which he is capable,  is like someone who sows corn in a field capable of growing wheat, or who plants bushes in a soil which could support palm trees and olives"

3."When you compare yourself with others in matters of wealth , position, and health, you should look at people less favoured than yourself. When you compare yourself with others in matters of religion, knowledge and virtue , look at people that they are better than yourself."

4."A man who is a miser with his knowledge is worse that a man who is miser with his money , for the money-miser is afraid of using up what he possessesa but the knowledge-miser is being mean with something which does not get used up and is not lost when it is given away."

5."There is nothing more harmful to the branches of knowledge and its people that those who enter themselves into it and they are not from its people. The are ignorant and yet they think they have knowledge, they cause corruption whilst thinking they are correcting the affairs."

Sayings 1,2,3,4 they are taking from the book: Al-Akhlâq was-Siyâr
Saying 5, from the book: At-Ta`âlam wa-Atharuhu `alâ Al-Fikr wal-Kitâb

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