Tag: Shaykh Muhammad Baazmool

THE FOURTH FOUNDATION:

Knowledge means: The statements of Allaah and His Messenger and the statements of the Sahaabah (Companions), along with the unanimous agreement of the scholars (ijmaa’) and correct logical conclusion (qiyaas).

Therefore, the Qur’aan and Sunnah must be understood in light of the understanding of the Companions and those who followed them in goodness. This is the Way of the Believers, as Allaah says:

وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِن بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَى وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ
سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِ مَا تَوَلَّى وَنُصْلِهِ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَاءتْ مَصِيرًا

“And whoever opposes the Messenger after the guidance has been made clear to him, and follows a way other than the Way of the Believers, We will turn him to what He has chosen and land him in Hell – what an evil destination.” [Surah An-Nisaa: 115]

How excellent is the statement of the one who said:

“Knowledge is: (what) Allaah said, (what) His Messenger said, (and what) the Companions said, there being no variance in this. Knowledge is not that you present a difference imprudently between the Messenger and the view of a fool. Nay, nor is it the presenting of a difference ignorantly Between the texts and the view of a Faqeeh (Scholar) Nay, nor is it the rejection of texts intentionally out of fear of falling into tajseem [14] and tashbeeh.” [15]

Al-Awzaa’ee, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“Knowledge is what the Companions of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم have reported. Anything beyond this is not knowledge.” [16]

Az-Zuhree, may Allaah have mercy on him, would write down the statements of the Taabi’een, and Saalih bin Kaysaan would oppose him in this. Later, he felt remorse for having abandoned that. [17]

This is also the path that Abu Haneefah An-Nu’maan followed, may Allaah have mercy on him and be pleased with him.

Ibn Al-Mubaarak, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “I heard Abu Haneefah say:

‘When something is reported from the Prophet, we take it. And when something is reported from the Companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, we choose from their opinions. And when something is reported from the Taabi’een, we contest with them (with our views as to which is correct).’” [18]

This was the same path taken by Maalik bin Anas Al-Asbahee, the Imaam of Madeenah, may Allaah have mercy on him and be pleased with him.

When his book al-Muwatta’ was mentioned to him, Maalik said:

“It contains the hadeeth of Allaah’s Messenger and the statement(s) and opinion(s) of the Sahaabah and the Taabi’een. I also voiced my opinion based on Ijtihaad (scholarly deduction) and on what I found the people of knowledge upon in our lands, not transgressing that for the views of others.” [19]

This was also the path that Ash-Shaafi’ee adhered to, may Allaah have mercy on him and be pleased with him. [20]

Ash-Shaafi’ee, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“Knowledge is of several categories:

First: The Book and the Sunnah, if it is an authentically reported Sunnah;

Second: The unanimous agreement of the scholars in those matters in which proof from the Book and the Sunnah cannot be found;

Third: When some (or one) of the Companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said something and we don’t know of any opposition to that from the rest of them;

Fourth: When the Companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم differed among themselves, yet he صلى الله عليه وسلم did not object to them.

Fifth: Qiyaas (analytical deduction) of one of these categories.

One should not go to another source apart from the Book and the Sunnah so long as they are both present (i.e. proof is found in them). Knowledge should be taken from the highest source.” [21]

This was also the way of Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Hanbal, may Allaah have mercy on him and be pleased with him.

Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Hanbal said:

“If a hadeeth from the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم exists on an issue, we should not take the opinion of someone else that is in opposition to it – regardless if he is one of the Companions or those that came after them.

And if there exist conflicting views from the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger on a particular issue, we may choose from their opinions. However, we do not transgress from their opinions to the views of someone else.

And if no statement from the Prophet or his Companions exists on an issue, we may choose from the opinions of the Taabi’een…” [22]

Muhammad bin Al-Hasan said:

“Whoever is knowledgeable of the Book and the Sunnah, and of the opinions of the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم, and the views favored by the Muslim Fiqh scholars is allowed to exert his opinion by way of (scholarly) Ijtihaad in those matters in which he finds difficulty, thus ruling by it and implementing it in his prayer, fast, Hajj, and all of the other things he was commanded and prohibited to do.

But if he exerts his efforts to come up with an opinion, and investigates and applies analytical deduction, and still doesn’t come up with the correct view, he is permitted to act on his resulting view, even if he did err in attaining the correct view that should be followed.” [23]

Muhammad bin Al-Hasan also said:

“Knowledge is of four types:

1. That which is found in the clear Book of Allaah, and what is analytically deduced from it;

2. That which is found in the reported Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger, and what is analytically deduced from it;

3. That which the Sahaabah (Companions), may Allaah have mercy on them, unanimously agreed on, and what is analytically deduced from it;

This also includes the issues they differed on, so long as it doesn’t transgress beyond their views. If one of their opinions is chosen, that (view) is considered knowledge that was analytically arrived at.

4. That which the majority of the Muslim Fiqh scholars have favored as well as what is analytically deduced from that and which serves as an equivalent to it.

Knowledge does not exceed the boundaries of these four types.” [24]

* This foundation consists of several matters, amongst which are:

1. A student of knowledge should accustom himself to connect issues with their evidences from the Book and the Sunnah, according to the understanding of the pious predecessors (Salaf as- Saalih). This is where the importance of the books written on the rulings found in ayaat and ahaadeeth and the books on the narrations of the Companions comes in.

2. The Sunnh of the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم is divided into two types:

A. The apparent Sunnah, which is explicitly clear, and

B. The unapparent Sunnah, which is not explicitly clear.

As for the first type of Sunnah, which is the clear and apparent Sunnah, then it refers to what is clearly attributed to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم from statements, actions, tacit approvals, behavioral descriptions and physical attributes. This is considered “the Sunnah” according to the scholars of Hadeeth.

From the categories above, those that are related to religious rulings, and which serve to establish obligations and laws, are: his صلى الله عليه وسلم statements, actions, and tacit approvals. This is why the scholars that formulate principles (Usooliyoon) and those that excel in Jurisprudence (Fuqahaa) have limited the definition of the Sunnah to just these categories, since their main objective was just to clarify the religious laws.

The second type of Sunnah, which is the Sunnah that is not explicitly clear, refers to that which is attributed to one of the Companions for which there is no room for opinions in the matter or that which takes on the ruling of being raised to a saying or action of the Prophet.

This consists of the following scenarios:

A. When a Companion makes a statement on a matter in which there is no room for one’s opinion to enter into it (i.e. so naturally he received knowledge of it from the Prophet);

B. When a Companion issues an opinion and there is no text that contradicts it;

C. When a Companion explains the circumstances under which a verse from the Qur’aan was revealed, in a clear manner;

D. When a Companion explains something that has been reported;

E. What has been reported from the Companions concerning their difference of opinion in the description of acts of worship;

F. What has been reported from the Companions, in that which is known as “Interpretative Recitation”;

G. What has been reported from them as interpretations of the noble Qur’aan from some of the scholars.

It is for this reason that a student of knowledge must strive to find out what has been reported on the Companions with regard to issues of knowledge.

However, there are some shortcomings that occur in this aspect, and that is due to several reasons:

First: There is a general lack of concern for finding out which narrations are authentic from which are weak.

Second: Verifying the opinion of a Companion on an issue.

Third: Discrediting the ascription of an opinion to a Companion before verifying if it was the last of the views he had on the issue or not.

3. In order to fully implement this principle, you must know that it is not permissible for us to introduce an opinion on a particular issue that is outside the realm of their views.

Their statements – may Allaah have mercy on them – show a unanimous agreement on this approach. So whoever transgresses beyond the fold of their views has departed from the path of the believers. We also just recently quoted their statements in this regard.

Abul-Mudhfar As-Sama’aanee, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“We were ordered to follow and encouraged to do that. And we were prohibited from innovating as well as warned against it. The trademark of Ahlus-Sunnah is their following of the Salaf whilst abandoning everything that is innovated and newly-introduced.” [25]

Ibn Taimiyyah, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“Whoever interprets the Qur’aan or the Hadeeth, explaining them in a way that is different from the well-known interpretations of the Companions and Successors, is fabricating a lie on Allaah, denying Allaah’s verses and distorting words from their proper places. This is opening the door to heresy and atheism. The falsehood of this is known in the religion of Islaam by necessity.” [26]

So it is not for anyone to interpret a verse or a hadeeth in a manner that contradicts the interpretation of the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger, may Allaah be pleased with them.

Ibn Rajab, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“And in our time – I say: And in our time, this applies even more [27] – the recording of the statements of the exemplary Salaf is restricted to the time of Ash-Shaafi’ee, Ahmad, Ishaaq and Abu ‘Ubayd. So let the individual beware of what was introduced after them, for indeed there were many innovations that were introduced after their time. And there appeared those who ascribed themselves to following the Sunnah and the Hadeeth, such as the Dhaahirees and their likes who are the greatest in opposing it (i.e. the Sunnah) due to their deviation from the Imaams and their isolation from them in coming up with an understanding (of the texts), or their taking a view that the Imaams before them never held.” [28]

I say:
Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“Beware of speaking on an issue for which you do not have an Imaam (i.e. scholar who preceded you in it).” [29]

4. It is due to this principle – which is understanding the Glorious Qur’aan and the Prophetic Sunnah in light of the understanding of the Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them – that you will not find Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, the people of Hadeeth, engaging in the interpretation of the glorious Qur’aan or the explanation of the meanings of the Hadeeth from a linguistic and intellectual standpoint. Rather, you will find them investigating into the narrations, compiling the reports of the Salaf in their books, and basing their understanding and analytical deductions on that, contrary to the people of innovations and desires!!

Ibn Taimiyyah, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“The Murji’ah have deviated concerning this foundation (i.e. Eemaan) from what is clearly stated in the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the statements of the Companions and those who follow them in righteousness. Instead, they have relied on their personal views and on the perverted interpretations they have reached from their understanding of the (Arabic) language. This is the way of the people of innovation. And this is why Imaam Ahmad would say: ‘The majority of the time that people fall into error is due to misinterpretation and incorrect analogy.’

This is why we find the Mu’atazilah, the Murji’ah, the Raafidah and other groups of innovators interpreting the Qur’aan with their own opinions and intellects and what they understand from it linguistically. As a result of this, you will find that they do not rely on the narrations of the Prophet, the Companions, the Successors or the Muslim Imaams. So they neither rely on the Sunnah nor do they rely on the unanimous consensus or reports of the Salaf. Rather, they just rely on the intellect and the language.

We also do not find them relying on the recorded books of Tafseer and Hadeeth and the narrations of the Salaf. Instead, they only rely on the books of literature and rhetoric that their leaders fabricated. This is also the way of the heretics. They only accept what is in the books of philosophy, literature and language. As for the books on Qur’aan, Hadeeth and Narrations, they do not give any importance to them.

These individuals turn away from the texts of the Prophets since according to them, they do not produce any knowledge!

And they are the ones who interpret the Qur’aan according to their own personal views and understanding, without resorting to any of the narrations of the Prophet and his Companions. We already mentioned previously the statements of Imaam Ahmad and others which show the prohibition of this and an indication that this is the way of the people of innovation.” [30]

He also said:

“Innovations only entered into the beliefs of the innovators because of the fact that they turned away from this path and began to base the Religion of Islaam on leads that were not correct, either due to what the verbatim indicated or what was understood from the meanings. They did not reflect on the explanation that came from Allaah and His Messenger. All leads that contradict the explanation of Allaah and His Messenger are considered misguidance.” [31]

Disregarding the ahaadeeth and narrations of the Salaf while relying on just the language and intellect to understand the Qur’aan and Hadeeth is a method that has been embarked upon in recent times by the Orientalists. So when they need to research a narration, they simply quote from the books of Al-Jaahidh or from the book al-Aghaanee or from al-‘Aqd-ul-Fareed. And if quoting becomes hard on them, they just say: “This conforms to the intellect!”

Contrary to this, a Muslim who follows what the Prophet and his Companions were upon confines his comprehension and understanding of the Glorious Qur’aan and Prophetic Sunnah to conform to the understanding of the Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, and doesn’t leave from their fold.

And if he must resort to Ijtihaad (scholarly deduction) or investigation on an issue, he searches if there is someone before him (Salaf) that held that view so that he may follow him, and if not, he leaves it alone. This is since all good lies in following those who preceded (Salaf), while all evil lies in the innovating of those who came after (Khalaf). So stick to the early generation.

Footnotes:

14 Translator’s Note: The evil act of ascribing anthropomorphic qualities to Allaah such as claiming that He has a physical hand.

15 Translator’s Note: The evil act of comparing and likening Allaah’s attributes to the attributes of a created being, such as by saying Allaah’s hand is like a human’s hand.

16 Transmitted by Ibn ‘Abdil-Barr in Jaami’ Bayaa al-‘Ilmi wa Fadlihi (2/29)

17 Reported by Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee in Taqyeed-ul-‘Ilm (pg. 106-107) and Ibn ‘Abdil-Barr in Jaami’ Bayaan al-‘Ilmi wa Fadlihi (1/76-77) in the footnotes of brother Muhammad Naasir Al-‘Ajamee to Bayaan Fadlu ‘Ilm-is- Salaf (pg. 69)

18 Akhbaar Abee Haneefah of As-Saymaree (pg. 10) on the authority of Abu Yoosuf and Eeqaadh Himam Uleel- Absaar (pg. 70)

19 Tarteeb-ul-Madaarik (1/193)

20 His statement preceded in the first part of this foundation, but this is another one of his statements.

21 Al-Madkhal ilaas-Sunan-il-Kubraa (pg. 110)

22 Al-Musawwadah (pg. 276)

23 Reported by Ibn ‘Abdil-Barr in Jaami’ Bayaan al-‘Ilmi wa Fadlihi (2/61)

24 Reported by Ibn ‘Abdil-Barr in Jaami’ Bayaan al-‘Ilmi wa Fadlihi (2/26)

25 Al-Intisaar Li-Ahlil-Hadeeth of Abul-Mudhfar As-Sama’aanee, which is found in Sawn-ul-Mantiq wal-Kalaam (pg. 158)

26 Majmoo’-ul-Fataawaa (13/243)

27 Translator’s Note: This statement is from the author, Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool.

28 Bayaan Fadlu ‘Ilm-is-Salaf (pg. 69)

29 This was quoted in Majmoo’-ul-Fataawaa (21/291) and Ibn Al-Jawzee mentioned its chain of narration in Manaaqib-ul-Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal (pg. 178)

30 Al-Eemaan (pg. 114)

31 Majmoo’-ul-Fataawaa (7/288)

Read the full eBook :
Laying the Foundations for Seeking Knowledge : Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool

AUTHOR: Shaikh Muhammad bin ‘Umar Baazmool
SOURCE: At-Ta’seel fee Talab-il-‘Ilm” (pg. 10-14)
PRODUCED BY: Al-Ibaanah.com

The First Foundation:

Seeking knowledge – which a Muslim needs in order to establish what is binding on him from worship of his Lord – is an obligation that is compulsory on him. As for what exceeds those limits, then acquiring knowledge of that falls under the collective obligations (fard kifaayah), and it is something recommended and extra for the student of knowledge.

The proof for this foundation is what has been reported from the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that he said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”

Another proof is the fact that this Religion is founded upon two basic principles, which are:

1. We don’t worship anyone except Allaah, and
2. We don’t perform worship except with what Allaah has legislated.

You cannot truly implement the worship of Allaah unless you first seek the necessary knowledge required for you to properly put into effect this worship that Allaah has made obligatory on you, and for which purpose He created you.

Elucidating this point further, Ishaaq bin Raahawaih said: “Seeking knowledge is obligatory, even though the report concerning it is not authentic. However, what it means is that the seeker of knowledge is required to acquire from it what he needs such as for (properly implementing) his ablution, his prayer, his Zakaat – if he has wealth, his Hajj and so on.”

He also said: “So whatever he is obligated to learn from that, then he need not ask the permission of his parents to go out and learn that. But as for what is in excess of that, he should not go out to acquire (knowledge of) that until he first gets permission to do that from his parents.” [1]

Ibn Taimiyyah, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “Seeking religious knowledge is a collective obligation (fard kifaayah) except for that which is individually incumbent, such as every person seeking knowledge of what Allaah has ordered him to do and what Allaah has prohibited him to do, since this is an individual obligation.” [2]

This is one of the most important foundations, by which, the followers of Hadeeth are distinguished from those apart from them. It is due to this that the followers of innovation accuse the followers of Hadeeth by claiming that the highest objective of their speech is with regard to issues of purification, prayer and their likes!!

But in reality, this is not blameworthy, since it is with (knowledge) purification that you will have achieved the key to prayer.

The Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The key to prayer is purification. Its tahreem (commencement) is the takbeer (i.e. saying Allaahu Akbar) and its Tahleel (ending) is the tasleem (i.e. saying As-Salaam ‘Alaikum).” [3]

He (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also said: “Islaam is built upon five (pillars): (1) The testimony that there is no deity that has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; (2) Establishing the prayer; (3) Paying the Zakaat; (4) Fasting in Ramadaan; and (5) the Pilgrimage (Hajj) to the Sacred House of Allaah for whoever is able to do it.” [4]

It is for this reason that the first thing a student of knowledge is advised to do is to strive to obtain the knowledge that is binding upon him first. This is why when Imaam Maalik was asked about seeking knowledge, he said: “All of it is good. However, look into what you need for (the transactions of) your day and night, and then seek (knowledge of) that.”

This is since you will not truly actualize the worship of Allaah until you first obtain knowledge of what Allaah has legislated for you in those matters (of worship). So once you obtain that knowledge, you will be aware of how to perform wudoo, how to pray, how to perform ghusl, how to give Zakaat – if you have wealth, how to perform the Pilgrimage (Hajj) – if you intend to perform it, the rules of marriage – if you intend to marry someone, the rules of divorce – if you intend to divorce someone, and so on.

This foundation consists of the following things:

1. The ruling of an obligation. This relates to a Muslim that is responsible for his actions. If he is young (i.e. under the age of puberty), then it is upon his parents to teach him the affairs of his Religion that he is in need of. This is since the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “All of you are shepherds and all of you are responsible as to his flock.” [5]

And Allaah says: “O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is men and stones, over which are angels that are stern and severe – they do not disobey what Allaah has ordered them to do, and carry out what they are commanded.” [Surah At-Tahreem: 6]

Therefore, it is binding upon the Muslim father and the Muslim mother to teach their children what they are required to know from the matters of the Religion and from manners.

2. The student of knowledge must give precedence to acquiring knowledge of what is obligatory upon him to know over what is recommended for him to know. Preoccupying oneself with learning the recommended forms of knowledge whilst neglecting the obligatory forms of knowledge is one of the obstacles and impediments of seeking knowledge.

So, for example, you may find a person speaking about the intricate issues of the Language, on Grammar, Terminology, the Science of Eloquence and Principles, yet he is not able to properly perform ablution in the same manner as that of the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), nor is he able to perform the prayer properly like the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to pray…and so on and so forth!!

3. A seeker of knowledge should not oppose his parents by traveling abroad in search of knowledge that in his case is considered to be recommended. But in the case where that knowledge that he intends to travel abroad for is from the forms of knowledge that is binding upon him to know in order to worship Allaah during the night and day, then he may go ahead and travel, as was advised by Imaam Ishaaq in his previously mentioned statement: “So whatever he is obligated to learn from that, then he need not ask the permission of his parents to go out and learn that. But as for what is in excess of that, he should not go out to acquire (knowledge of) that until he first gets permission to do that from his parents.”

4. The supportive sciences, or what some scholars commonly call “The applied sciences”, such as the Arabic Language, the Science of Eloquence, the Science of Principles, Hadeeth Terminology, and the Sciences of the Qur’aan – a student of knowledge should acquire from these that which will enable him to actualize the primary objective, which is to properly worship Allaah – the reason for which we were created. And if this is not the case, then it falls under the realm of being from the extravagant forms of knowledge, and Allaah knows best.

So it is not required from a student of knowledge studying Grammar that he becomes like Seebawaih, nor from one studying the Arabic Language that he becomes like Al-Khaleel and Al-Azharee, nor from one studying the Science of Eloquence that he becomes like Al-Jirjaanee!! Rather, it is sufficient for him to only learn from all of that what he needs to properly understand the Book and the Sunnah and to implement what Allaah has obligated upon him from worship.

Footnotes

[1] Jaami’ Bayaan al-‘Ilmi wa Fadlihi (1/9)

[2] Majmoo’-ul-Fataawaa (28/80)

[3] This is from the narration of ‘Alee (radyAllaahu ‘anhu). It was reported by Abu Dawood in his Sunan: Book of Purification: Chapter: The Obligation of Ablution (no. 61); At-Tirmidhee in his Sunan: Book of Purification: Chapter: What has been reported about the Key to Prayer being the Purification (no. 3); and Ibn Maajah in his Sunan: Book of Purification: Chapter: The Key to Prayer is the Purification (no. 27)

[4] This is from the narration of ‘Umar (radyAllaahu ‘anhu). It was reported by Al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh: Book of Faith: Chapter: Islaam was built upon five things (no. 8); Muslim in his Saheeh: Book of Faith: Chapter: A Clarification of the Pillars of Islaam and its Great Foundations (no. 16)

[5] This hadeeth was reported by Al-Bukhaaree in several places in his Saheeh, such as the Book of Friday Prayer (no. 893), the Book of Leadership (no. 1829)

Published: April 2, 2006

Read the full eBook :
Laying the Foundations for Seeking Knowledge : Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool

AUTHOR:Shaikh Muhammad ‘Umar Bazmool
SOURCE: His treatise “At-Ta’seel fee Talab-il-‘Ilm”
PRODUCED BY: Al-Ibaanah.com

The Second Foundation:

What is meant by the “knowledge” that is mentioned in the ayaat and the ahaadeeth is knowledge of the Religion. As for the universal, physical and material sciences, then these are a collective obligation.

These sciences fall under Allaah’s statement: “And prepare against them all you can of power, including steeds of war…” [Surah Al-Anfaal: 60]

They also fall under the principle: “There is no harming (of oneself) or harming others.” 

And they fall under the principle: “That which is necessary for the fulfillment of an obligation becomes itself obligatory.” 

* This principle entails the following matters:

1. The statement: “This is obligatory upon every Muslim or student of knowledge.” cannot be applied unrestrictedly to any of the types of knowledge except for the Islamic sciences. An example of this is what is known nowadays as “Knowledge of Current Affairs”, which focuses on following reports and information from newspapers and magazines, and which some people say is: “An obligatory form of knowledge that every student of knowledge is required to learn!”

2. The knowledge that the Salaf praised and which they intended in their statements is nothing else but knowledge of the Religion. This is the knowledge that was intended in statements such as that of Mu’aadh RAA, when he said: “Learn knowledge, for indeed learning it for the sake of Allaah is fear (of Him), seeking it is worship, studying it is glorification of Allaah, researching it is Jihaad, teaching it to those unaware of it is charity, and giving it out to one’s family builds ties. It is a friend in privacy, a companion in solitude, a guide in times of ease, an aide in times of difficulty, a minister to the friends (of Allaah), a close-relative to the strangers, and a lighthouse for the path to Paradise. Allaah raises people by way of it, thus making them noble leaders and chiefs in matters of good who are emulated, as well as guides to goodness whose footsteps are followed and whose deeds are highly regarded.”

So therefore, from the things that this principle entails is that: The knowledge that Allaah, His Messenger and the predecessors, such as the Sahaabah and the Taabi’een have praised is nothing else but knowledge of the Religion. As for all of the other forms of knowledge, they were not the ones intended in the praise for “knowledge” found in these ayaat, ahaadeeth and statements of the Salaf.

So knowledge of medicine, engineering, chemistry, and physics is not what was intended in the ayaat and ahaadeeth.

When we come to understand this, we must ask: “What is the ruling on learning these sciences?”

I say: It falls under the collective obligations, Acquiring knowledge of it falls under (the principle): “That which is necessary for the fulfillment of an obligation becomes itself obligatory.”

Acquiring knowledge of these sciences falls under the statement of Allaah: “And prepare against them all you can of power, including steeds of war…” [Surah Al-Anfaal: 60]

This is the ruling on these sciences. If some people take on the responsibility of learning them, the obligation becomes removed from everyone else.

What also falls under the requisites of this principle is what I mentioned to you previously – that it cannot be unrestrictedly said that these sciences or their likes are obligatory for every Muslim to know.

So for all the more reason, it is incorrect to unrestrictedly say that the knowledge of that which is associated with newspapers and magazines is from the “knowledge” that every student of knowledge is obliged to learn.

AUTHOR: Shaikh Muhammad ‘Umar Bazmool
SOURCE: His book “At-Ta’seel fee Talab al-‘Ilm” (pg. 29-31)
PRODUCED BY: Al-Ibaanah.com

The Seventh Foundation: The Ways of Maintaining Knowledge

From the most significant ways of upholding and preserving knowledge is: (1) Acting on it, (2) teaching it to others, and (3) writing concerning it.

These three principles have been indicated in Allaah’s statement: “By the time. Verily, mankind is at loss – Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and mutually advise one another towards truth and mutually advise one another towards patience.” [Surah Al-‘Asr]

Allaah has ruled that all of mankind is at loss, but then makes an exception to this for those who believe, so long as they remain believers. This is since they have acquired beneficial knowledge, then acted on it, then called others to this action and to the beneficial knowledge that is with them. So the most important way of consolidating knowledge is acting upon it, teaching it to others and writing about it.

Acting upon one’s knowledge is one of the most significant ways by which knowledge can become firmly rooted in a person. Rather, this is the primary objective for seeking knowledge. It has been reported on the Salaf that they used to say: “Knowledge summons actions, so if it does not respond, it departs.”

Wakee’ said: “We would seek assistance for memorizing hadeeth, by acting upon them.” [1]

What falls under the subject of acting upon knowledge is the talk about one’s abandonment of committing sins and acts of disobedience. This is since falling into these acts contradicts everything that knowledge mandates.

There are some famous verses that elaborate this understanding further:

“I complained to Wakee’ about my poor memory
So he advised me to abandon sins
And he informed me that knowledge is a virtue
And Allaah’s virtue is not given to a sinner.” 

Muhammad bin an-Nadr Al-Haarithee said: “It used to be said that the first instruction (for knowledge) was: Remaining silent for it (i.e. knowledge), then listening to it, then memorizing it, then acting upon it, then spreading it.”

Sufyaan said: “The scholar does not argue nor does he flatter (others). He only spreads the wisdom of Allaah. If it is accepted from him, he praises Allaah. And if it is rejected, he praises Allaah.” [2]

Jaabir reported: “Learn to remain silent, then learn to be refrained, then acquire knowledge, then learn to act on it, then spread it.” [3]

They would also be eager to act upon the ahaadeeth that would reach them from Allaah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), even if there did not appear any directive towards worship in them. This was only done because of their attempt to follow the chosen one (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

‘Abdur-Rahmaan bin Mahdee reported: I heard Sufyaan say: “No hadeeth from the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was ever conveyed to me except that I acted upon it, even if it was just once.” [4]

And Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “I never wrote down a hadeeth except that I acted upon it. This was such that it reached me that the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was cupped (Hijaamah) and gave Abu Tayyibah a deenar. So I gave the blood-cupper a deenar when he cupped me.” [5]

So when a person is sincere with knowledge and acts upon it, his aspiration is for the Hereafter and he walks upon the earth in humility.

Ibraaheem bin Adham said: “Whoever seeks knowledge with true sincerity, in order to benefit the servants of Allaah with it and benefit himself, being unknown will be more beloved to him than being arrogant. This is what will cause him to increase in humility with regard to himself, exertion with regard to worship, fear from Allaah, longing for Him, and humbleness in front of the people – not caring for what goes on in the day and night of this worldly life.” [6]

Teaching knowledge also helps one to maintain it. This does not mean that one should actively seek to put himself forward before he is ready. Rather, what it means is that he strives to mutually confer his knowledge and give it to those colleagues who ask him about it, as well as those below him. So he teaches them and repeatedly holds lessons with them. This does not mean that he rushes to be their shaikh (teacher) or seeks leadership before his due time, for indeed these are from the great dangers, as the saying goes: “He becomes a raisin before becoming a dried grape.” And Ash-Shaafi’ee said: “If the young person is put in a leadership role, he is deprived of much good.”

Authoring on knowledge means that you write down the issues, arranging them in order and providing research for them based on the foundation of evidence. And it means that you collect the statements of the people of knowledge on every issue, writing them down and putting them in order, whilst avoiding the strange and irregular ones among them, in your earnest attempt to search for the truth.

We don’t mean by a student preoccupying himself with authoring that he strives hard in writing a book and giving it out to the people, since the student, at this stage, has not reached this level yet. Rather, he should present his books and writings to the scholars as well as those above him and those who preceded him in seeking knowledge, for the purpose of seeking their advice and heeding their statements and instructions. What is intended here is that writing down knowledge helps one to memorize and remember knowledge and its issues.

Footnotes:

[1] Siyar A’alaam an-Nubalaa (6/228)
[2] Shu’ab-ul-Eemaan (2/288)
[3] Shu’ab-ul-Eemaan (2/288)
[4] Siyar A’alaam an-Nubalaa (7/242)
[5] Siyar A’alaam an-Nubalaa (11/213)
[6] Shu’ab-ul-Eemaan (2/288)

The Sixth Foundation: Obstacles in the Path of Seeking Knowledge

Since knowledge is a path that leads towards Paradise, and Paradise is surrounded by many dangers, this means that the path of knowledge is also surrounded by many dangers. So there are many things in it that the evilly-inclined soul dislikes.

And since knowledge facilitates the path to Paradise, and the Devil has made a covenant that he will cut off the path to Paradise, then indeed, the path of knowledge is a path in which the Devil places what deceptions he can in order to divert the person on the path away from his objective.

The origins for sins lie in three things: greed, jealousy and pride.

It was greed that cast our father Aadam out from Paradise. This is what the Devil whispered to him when he saw his eagerness for Paradise: “Then the Devil whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them (before) of their private parts. He said (to them): ‘Your Lord did not forbid you from this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals.’ And he (the Devil) swore by Allaah to them both (saying): ‘Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both.’” [Surah Al-A’raaf: 20]

“Then the Devil whispered to him saying: ‘O Aadam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?’” [Surah TaHa: 120]

It was jealousy that caused the enmity to occur between the two sons of Aadam, when they both brought sacrificial offerings and it was accepted from one of them but not from the other, who then raised his hand to kill the other one out of jealousy.

It was pride that brought Iblees into disbelief: “And (remember) when We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate to Aadam.’ So they all prostrated except for Iblees – he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 35]

Since these three things are the foundations for all sin, and all offenses can be traced back to them, then indeed the distractions and obstacles of seeking knowledge can also be traced back to them!

Examples of this are as follows:

1. A student’s greed for knowledge – if he doesn’t pay attention to his other rights – may cause him to eventually abandon and squander knowledge. There are several scenarios for this, such as:

– When a student crams his daily schedule with acquiring knowledge, thus preoccupying himself with it every day, attending numerous classes and study circles. So his body does not rest, whereas your soul indeed has a right over you and your body also has a right over you. So you must give everything that has a right (over you) its due right.

– Greed may also bring a student to change from one form of knowledge to another before having completed the first one. By doing this, he deprives himself of having the correct understanding and command of both forms of knowledge. An example of this is when a student starts studying a book, then hears about another class in a different place, so he leaves off from finishing the first book with the instructor and goes to the other class.

All of this is as a result of greed. On the outset, this is good but it can lead to the opposite of what was intended. This reminds me of a statement made by one of the Salaf: “Verily, the Devil opens ninety-nine doors from the doors of good, just so that he can place you into one door from the doors of evil.”

Ibn Shihaab Az-Zuhree, may Allaah have mercy on him, once said to Yoonus bin Yazeed: “O Yoonus! Do not strive to surpass knowledge, for knowledge is like river basins – whichever of them you set out after, it will cut you off before you can reach it. Rather, you must take it with (the passage of) days and nights. And you must not take knowledge all at once for indeed whoever seeks to attain it all at once, it will leave him all at once. Rather, knowledge must be taken step by step, with (the passage of) days and nights.” [1]

2. Jealousy can prevent a student of knowledge from acquiring knowledge. Examples of this are:

– When a student envies his colleagues over seeking knowledge and lacks understanding over an issue. So he stubbornly refrains from asking them because he is jealous of them. So he doesn’t research or study with them, whereas the thing that gives knowledge life is consulting and reminding one another about it. Therefore, this deprives him from seeking knowledge.

– When a student envies his professor or teacher for what he has and as a result rebels against him in his class and doesn’t want him to teach and benefit the other students. So he feels that there is no difference between him and his teacher. This also prevents him from acquiring knowledge.

– When a person feels jealous of his colleagues because of their level of understanding and desire to learn, so he causes disturbances in the class to the point that he deprives them of the ability to benefit, out of jealousy. But he in fact is only depriving himself by doing this.

3. Pride can also prevent the student of knowledge from learning and education. Examples of this are:

– Perhaps Allaah has granted someone the ability to attain knowledge. But the envious arrogant person considers him to be lower than himself, so as a result of this, he doesn’t learn from him.

– Pride can prevent a person from seeking to learn something he doesn’t understand or from asking his teacher about it in order to understand it. In fact, seeking knowledge primarily due to pride can prevent him from sitting in the gatherings of the students of knowledge in front of shuyookh(teachers).

– A person may be jealous of his colleagues and thus refrain haughtily from asking them and trying to learn from them those issues he has difficulty with or those subjects he was not present for.

Al-Bayhaqee reported in Shu’ab-ul-Eemaan from Abu Haazim that he said: “You cannot be a scholar until you have three characteristics in you: (!) Do not transgress over those above you, (2) Do not look down with contempt at those below you, and (3) Do not take the worldly life in exchange for your knowledge.”

– Pride may lead a person to boast, make pretentious claims, and to argue with others, and these are things that are prohibited in the Religion. Jaabir bin ‘Abdillaah (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Do not acquire knowledge for the sake of competing with the scholars or to argue with the foolish or to take control over a gathering, for whoever does that, then (for him will be) the Hellfire, the Hellfire.” [2]

Footnotes:

[1] Jaami’ Bayaan-il-‘Ilm wa Fadlihi (1/138)

[2] Shu’ab-ul-Eemaan (2/288)

Read the full eBook :
Laying the Foundations for Seeking Knowledge : Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool

AUTHOR:Shaikh Muhammad ‘Umar Bazmool
SOURCE: At-Ta’seel fee Talab-il-‘Ilm
PRODUCED BY: Al-Ibaanah.com

The Ninth Foundation:

People are divided into two categories with respect to knowledge: (1) Those who know, and (2) those who don’t know.

Those who don’t know are obligated to ask the people of knowledge and accept their statements, while expending what effort they can in order to know the proofs and evidences.

Allaah says: “And We did not send before you anyone except men that we gave revelation to. So ask the people of remembrance (knowledge) if you don’t know. With clear signs and books (We sent the Messengers). And We also sent down unto you the Reminder (i.e. Sunnah) so that you may explain clearly to the people what was revealed to them (i.e. the Qur’aan), and that they may give thought.”[Surah An-Nahl: 43-44]

The one who knows the religious ruling on an issue, based on its evidences, is from those who know. So he is a person of knowledge (‘aalim).

And whoever takes the opinion of someone else without knowing its proof, he is a blind-follower (muqallid), and not a person of knowledge. Ibn ‘Abdil-Barr relayed the consensus (Ijmaa’) that the blind-follower – who is the one who accepts the opinion of someone else without knowing its evidence – is not from the scholars.

And as for the one who knows an issue based on its evidence, while investigating the different views and proofs used on the issue, while taking the view that appears most correct to him, then he is aMujtahid.

As for the one who has knowledge of an issue based on its evidences, meaning that he has accepted the view for which the proofs are most convincing to him on that issue, without making efforts into examining or looking into the other (differing) opinions. So he only has knowledge of the most correct view based on its evidences. This person is a follower (muttabi’).

If the Mujtahid is one who abides by this methodology in all of the issues of knowledge and doesn’t restrict himself to just looking into the principles of one specific madh-hab, then this person is an absolute Mujtahid.

If he limits himself to investigating an issue by only looking into the principles of one particular madh-hab, then he is a limited Mujtahid.

So if his condition is that he performs Ijtihaad in all of the issues of the Religion, then he is a completeMujtahid.

And if his condition is Ijtihaad in just some issues, apart from others, then he is a partial Mujtahid. So with regard to an issue, a person can be a Mujtahid implementing partial Ijtihaad, and some another issue he could be a muttabi’ (follower), and yet in another issue, he could be a muqallid (blind-follower). This varies according to what is easy for him during the occurrence of an event that this issue relates to.

One must also beware of opinions. This refers to statements in the Religion of Allaah that have no authentic or considerable evidences.

You must also know, my brother, that the Qur’aan and the Sunnah serve as the foundation for opinion and they act as the standard by which opinion is determined. The opinion is not the standard used to determine the Sunnah. Rather, the Sunnah is the standard used to determine the opinion. So whoever doesn’t know the foundation will never attain the branch.

Ibn Wahb said: Maalik narrated to me that Iyyaas bin Mu’aawiyah said to Rabee’ah: “When something is built upon crookedness, it will never be able to straighten itself.” Maalik said: “He means by this, the Muftee that speaks based on a foundation, which he builds his speech on.” [1]

Ash-Shaafi’ee, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “Whoever learns the Qur’aan, his value becomes magnified. And whoever speaks about Fiqh, his status becomes increased. And whoever records Hadeeth, his arguments become strengthened. And whoever looks into accounting, his views will become unerring. And whoever does not maintain himself, his knowledge will not benefit him.” [2]

Ibn Hibbaan, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “Verily, in adhering to his Sunnah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) there is the most complete form of salvation and the most comprehensive form of nobility. Its lights cannot be doused nor can its arguments be refuted. Whoever adheres to it will be protected, and whoever opposes it will be condemned. This is since it is the stronghold and the firm support, whose merit is clear and whose rope is solid. Whoever holds onto it prevails and whoever opposes it becomes destroyed. So those who stick to it will be successful in the next life and blessed amongst the creatures in the present life.” [3]

Footnotes:

[1] Jaami’ Bayaan-il-‘Ilm wa Fadlihi (2/166-172) with some very light abridgement and adaptions.

[2] Siyar A’alaam-in-Nubalaa: 10/24

[3] Saheeh Ibn Hibbaan (Al-Ihsaan): 1/86