THE EXCELLENCE OF ILM
Abu Darda (R.A) says, “I heard The Messenger of Allah (S.W.T) saying, “Whoever threads a path seeking knowledge therein, Allah paves for him a path to Paradise. The angels spread out their wings for the seeker of knowledge out of happiness for what he is doing. All the creatures of the heavens and earth seek forgiveness for the Aalim, so much so, even the fish in the water. The superiority of an Aalim over a worshipper is like that of the full moon over all the other stars. The Ulama are the inheritors of the Prophets. The Prophets did not inherit dinars or dirhams. Rather, they were made to inherit knowledge. Therefore, whoever takes knowledge, takes a full share of it (Prophethood).” (ABU DAWUD AND TIRMIZI)
Rasulullah (S.A.W) said, ”It is obligatory on every Muslim to seek knowledge.” (IBN MAJAH) Ulama explain that it is obligatory on every Muslim to seek that amount of knowledge that he or she is able to fulfil the necessary commandments of Allah on a daily basis.
Abdullah Bin Amr Bin Aas (R.A) narrated, ”I heard the Messenger of Allah (R.A) saying, “Allah will not take away knowledge by snatching it away from the people. Instead, Allah will take it away by taking away the Ulama. When no Aalim is left, the people will appoint the ignorant as their leaders. When these leaders are questioned, they will reply without any knowledge. They will themselves be astray and they will lead others astray as well.” (BUKHARI AND MUSLIM)
One of the rights a child has upon his parents is that they provide for him a Deeni education that he is able to fulfil the obligations on him when he comes of age of responsibility.
Muawiyah (R.A) narrates that The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) said, ”When Allah wills good for a person, Allah bestows him with deep understanding of Deen.” (BUKHARI AND MUSLIM)
Allah (S.W.T) grant us ability to venerate the learned of our communities. Aameen
A person is never too old to learn something new. From cradle to grave, we will remain seekers of knowledge.
MOULANA AZHAR LAHER
