alkathiri
As-Shafaa'i(Brother)
Giving Priority to the Qur'aan
By Shaykh Aboo Anas Hamad al-'Uthmaan [1]
Bismillaahir- Rahmaanir- Raheem
"PIVOTAL QUOTE"
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said: "The reality of this matter that
the servant differs in what he asks of knowledge and guidance, and of
what he seeks to ask. So with remembrance of Allaah and turning
towards Him, Allaah guides such a person – as He said: "O My servants!
All of you are misguided, except whomsoever I guide. So seek your
guidance from me."
Options:
KNOWING ONE'S PRIORITY:
Hudhayfah (radiyallaahu 'anhu) said:
"The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) related
matters to us. I have seen one of them, and I am waiting for the
other. He (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) informed us:
"Trustworthiness was sent down in depths of the heart of the people,
then they learnt it from the Qur'aan, then they learnt it from the
Sunnah." [2] Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar (d.852H) – rahimahullaah – said:
"His saying: '…then they learnt it from the Qur'aan, then they learnt
it from the Sunnah.' So it occurs in this narration with the
repetition of "then", which contains and indication that they would
learn the Qur'aan before learning the details of the Sunnah. And what
is meant by the details of the Sunnah is anything that they would
learn from Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) whether it was
obligatory or recommended. " [3]
Al-Maymoonee said:
"I asked Aboo 'Abdullaah Imaam Ahmad: Which is more beloved to you,
that I should I begin teaching my son the Qur'aan or the hadeeth? He
said: "No! The Qur'aan." I said: Shall I teach him all of it? He
replied: "Unless that is difficult, in which case teach him some of
it." Then he said to me: "If he begins reciting first, then he will
learn correct recitation and will persevere in it." [4] Ibn Muflih
said: "Upon this are the followers of Imaam Ahmad right up until our
time." [5]
Ibn Taymiyyah (d.718H) – rahimahullaah – said:
"As for seeking to memorize the Qur'aan then this is to be given
preference over many of the things that the people consider to be
knowledge, but are – in reality – either totally useless, or having
little benefit. It is also to be given precedence in learning
especially by those who wish to acquire knowledge of the Religion, its
principles and its particulars. Since what is prescribed for such a
person at this time is that he should begin by memorizing the Qur'aan,
as it is the foundation of the branches of knowledge of the Religion.
This is contrary to what is done by many of the people of innovation,
in that one of them will pre-occupy himself with superfluous parts of
knowledge; such as kalaam (theological rhetoric) and argumentation; or
very rare matters of differences; and blind following, which there is
no need for; or very strange and rare ahaadeeth which are not
established, nor of benefit; and many discussions do not establish
proofs. And he abandons memorizing the Qur'aan which is more
important than all of this." [6]
Muhammad Ibnul-Fadl said:
"I heard my grandfather say: I asked my father for permission to study
under Qutaybah, so he said: "First learn the Qur'aan and then I will
give you permission." So I memorized the Qur'aan by heart. Then he
said to me: "Remain until you have led the people in Prayer with it
(i.e. for taraaweeh Prayer)." So I did so, and after the 'Eed Prayer
he gave me permission, so I left for Marw." [7]
Ibn 'Abdul-Barr (d.463H) – rahimahullaah – said:
"Seeking knowledge is of levels and is of different stages which
should not be skipped over. Whoever skips over them altogether, then
he has overstepped the path of the Companions and those that follow
them. Whoever deliberately takes a path other than this has seriously
deviated. However, whoever oversteps due to an ijtihaad (a
knowledge-based judgment that a qualified scholar makes, intending to
reach the truth), then such a person has erred. So the first
knowledge is memorization of the Book of Allaah and seeking to
understand it. And it-is obligatory to seek everything which will aid
in understanding it. However, I do not say that it is obligatory to
memorize all of the Qur'aan but I do say that it is obligatory and
essential for anyone who wishes to become a scholar – not that it is
something obligatory in itself." [8]
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee (d.463H) – rahimahullaah – said:
"It is fitting for a student that he begins with memorization of the
Book of Allaah – since it is the greatest of the branches of knowledge
and that which should be placed first and given precedence." [9]
Al-Haafidh an-Nawawee (d.676H) – rahimahullaah – said:
"The first thing he should begin with – is memorization of the mighty
Qur'aan, which is the most important of the branches of knowledge. And
the Companions and those that follow them did not use to teach hadeeth
or fiqh except to one who had memorized the Qur'aan When he has
memorized it, let him beware of preoccupying himself from it with
hadeeth, fiqh or other things, to the extent that it leads him to
forget anything of the Qur'aan, or makes that likely." [10]
SEEKING KNOWLEDGE IN DUE PROPORTIONS: [11]
Allaah the Mighty and Majestic said:
"And it is a Qur'aan which We have divided into parts, in order that
you may recite it to men at intervals. And We have sent it down in
stages." [12]
The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said to 'Abdullaah Ibn
'Amr Ibnul-'Aas: "Read the Qur'aan in every month." I said: I find
that I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa
sallam) said: "Recite it in every twenty nights." I said: I find that
I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam)
said: "Then recite it in every seven days and do not increase upon
that." [13]
'Abdullaah Ibn 'Amr Ibnul-'Aas also related from the Prophet
(sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) that he said: "He does not understand
the Qur'aan who recites it in less than three days." [14]
'Umar Ibn 'Abdul-Waahid, a companion of al-Awzaa'ee said: "We read in
al-Muwattaa to Maalik (d. 179H) in forty days, so he said: "A book
that took me forty years to compile, you take from me in forty days!
How little you understand of it." [15]
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee said: "It is fitting that he takes care in
acquiring knowledge and that he should not take too much in one go.
Rather, he should take a little at a time, such that he can bear it.,
memorize it and be able to understand it. Because Allaah says:
"And those who disbelieve say: Why is the Qur'aan not send down to him
all at once? Thus (is it sent down in parts) that We may strengthen
your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in
stages."[16] " [17]
Al-Khateeb also said: "And know that the heart in an organ from the
organs. It is able to bear somethings and unable to bear others-just
like the rest of the body. Thus, some people are able to carry
one-hundred pounds, whereas others are unable to carry even twenty.
Some people are able to walk a number of miles in a day without
tiring, whereas others are unable to even walk a mile a day before
they become tired...So let each person limit himself to what he is
able without expending all his energies, because that will better aid
him in learning with a good mind, from a firm and proficient teacher."
[18]
SUPPLICATING FOR AN INCREASE IN KNOWLEDGE:
Allaah the Mighty and Majestic said: "Say: My Lord! Increase me in
knowledge." [Soorah Taa Haa 20:114]
Umm Salamah (radiyallaahu 'anhaa) said: "Allaah's Messenger
(sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate in the morning
prayer: "O Allaah! I ask you for beneficial knowledge, righteous
action and pure sustenance." [20] Anas Ibn Maalik (radiyallaahu 'anhu)
said: "I heard Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam)
supplicate: "O Allaah! Benefit me with knowledge. Teach me that which
will benefit me, and provide me with knowledge from which I can derive
benefit." [21]
Aboo Bakr Muhammad Ibn Ja'far said: I heard Ibn Khuzaymah (d.311H) –
rahimahullaah – being asked: From where did you acquire this
knowledge? So he said: ''Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa
sallam) said: "Zam-zam water is that for which it is drunk." [22] So
when I drank zam-zam water, I supplicate to Allaah for beneficial
knowledge." [23]
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said: [24] "The reality of this matter
that the servant differs in what he asks of knowledge and guidance,
and of what he seeks to ask. So with remembrance of Allaah and
turning towards Him, Allaah guides such a person – as He said: "O My
servants! All of you are misguided, except whomsoever I guide. So seek
your guidance from me." [25]
And as the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) used to say: "O
Allaah! Lord of Jibreel, Meekaa'eel and Israafeel. The Originator of
the heavens and the earth. Knower of the Unseen and the apparent.
You judge between Your servant in that which he differs. So guide me
in that which I differ from the truth – by Your permission. Indeed,
You guide whomsoever You please, to a Path that is straight." [26]
Footnotes:
[1] From an-Nubadh fee Aadaabit-Talabil- 'Ilm (pp. 61-66), slightly
abridged.
[2] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 7086)
[3] Fathul-Baaree (13/39)
[4] Related by Ibn Muflih in al-Aadaabush- Shar'iyyah.
[5] Related by Ibn Abee Ya'laa in Tabaqaatul-Hanaabil ah (1/41).
[6] Fataawal-Kubraa (2/54-55).
[7] Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul- Huffaadh (2/722).
[8] Jaami' Bayaanul-'llm wa Fadlihi (pp. 526-528)
[9] Al-Jaami' li-Akhlaaqir- Raawee wa Aadaabis-Saami' (1/106).
[10] From the introduction to al-Majmoo' Sharhul-Muhadhhab (1/38)
[11] From an-Nubadh (pp. 67-69)
[12] Sooratul-Israa [17:106].
[13] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5052) and Muslim (no. 1159) and the
wording is from Muslim.
[14] Saheeh: Related by Aboo Daawood in his Sunan (no. 1394) and it
was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood (no. 1294).
[15] Related by Ibn 'Abdul-Barr in at-Tawheed (1/77)
[16] Sooratul-Furqaan [25:32]
[17] Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/101)
[18] Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/107)
[19] An-Nubadh (pp. 97-99)
[20] Hasan: Related by Ahmad (6/305) and at-Tiyaalasee (p. 224). It
was authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar in Nataa'ijul Afkaar (2/313).
[21] Saheeh: Related by Haakim (1/510) and he said: "It is authentic
upon the condition of Muslim." Adh-Dhahabee also agreed.
[22] Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul- Huffaadh (2/721).
[23] Hasan: It has been narrated by many different ways. Refer to
al-Maqaasidul- Hasanah (no. 928) of as-Sakhaawee for its authentication
and sources.
[24] Majmoo'ul Fataawaa (4/39)
[25] Related by Muslim (no. 2577) form Abu Dharr (radiyallaahu 'anhu).
[26] Related by Muslim (no. 770) from 'Aa'ishah (radiyallaahu 'anhaa).
Options:
By Shaykh Aboo Anas Hamad al-'Uthmaan [1]
Bismillaahir- Rahmaanir- Raheem
"PIVOTAL QUOTE"
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said: "The reality of this matter that
the servant differs in what he asks of knowledge and guidance, and of
what he seeks to ask. So with remembrance of Allaah and turning
towards Him, Allaah guides such a person – as He said: "O My servants!
All of you are misguided, except whomsoever I guide. So seek your
guidance from me."
Options:
KNOWING ONE'S PRIORITY:
Hudhayfah (radiyallaahu 'anhu) said:
"The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) related
matters to us. I have seen one of them, and I am waiting for the
other. He (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) informed us:
"Trustworthiness was sent down in depths of the heart of the people,
then they learnt it from the Qur'aan, then they learnt it from the
Sunnah." [2] Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar (d.852H) – rahimahullaah – said:
"His saying: '…then they learnt it from the Qur'aan, then they learnt
it from the Sunnah.' So it occurs in this narration with the
repetition of "then", which contains and indication that they would
learn the Qur'aan before learning the details of the Sunnah. And what
is meant by the details of the Sunnah is anything that they would
learn from Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) whether it was
obligatory or recommended. " [3]
Al-Maymoonee said:
"I asked Aboo 'Abdullaah Imaam Ahmad: Which is more beloved to you,
that I should I begin teaching my son the Qur'aan or the hadeeth? He
said: "No! The Qur'aan." I said: Shall I teach him all of it? He
replied: "Unless that is difficult, in which case teach him some of
it." Then he said to me: "If he begins reciting first, then he will
learn correct recitation and will persevere in it." [4] Ibn Muflih
said: "Upon this are the followers of Imaam Ahmad right up until our
time." [5]
Ibn Taymiyyah (d.718H) – rahimahullaah – said:
"As for seeking to memorize the Qur'aan then this is to be given
preference over many of the things that the people consider to be
knowledge, but are – in reality – either totally useless, or having
little benefit. It is also to be given precedence in learning
especially by those who wish to acquire knowledge of the Religion, its
principles and its particulars. Since what is prescribed for such a
person at this time is that he should begin by memorizing the Qur'aan,
as it is the foundation of the branches of knowledge of the Religion.
This is contrary to what is done by many of the people of innovation,
in that one of them will pre-occupy himself with superfluous parts of
knowledge; such as kalaam (theological rhetoric) and argumentation; or
very rare matters of differences; and blind following, which there is
no need for; or very strange and rare ahaadeeth which are not
established, nor of benefit; and many discussions do not establish
proofs. And he abandons memorizing the Qur'aan which is more
important than all of this." [6]
Muhammad Ibnul-Fadl said:
"I heard my grandfather say: I asked my father for permission to study
under Qutaybah, so he said: "First learn the Qur'aan and then I will
give you permission." So I memorized the Qur'aan by heart. Then he
said to me: "Remain until you have led the people in Prayer with it
(i.e. for taraaweeh Prayer)." So I did so, and after the 'Eed Prayer
he gave me permission, so I left for Marw." [7]
Ibn 'Abdul-Barr (d.463H) – rahimahullaah – said:
"Seeking knowledge is of levels and is of different stages which
should not be skipped over. Whoever skips over them altogether, then
he has overstepped the path of the Companions and those that follow
them. Whoever deliberately takes a path other than this has seriously
deviated. However, whoever oversteps due to an ijtihaad (a
knowledge-based judgment that a qualified scholar makes, intending to
reach the truth), then such a person has erred. So the first
knowledge is memorization of the Book of Allaah and seeking to
understand it. And it-is obligatory to seek everything which will aid
in understanding it. However, I do not say that it is obligatory to
memorize all of the Qur'aan but I do say that it is obligatory and
essential for anyone who wishes to become a scholar – not that it is
something obligatory in itself." [8]
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee (d.463H) – rahimahullaah – said:
"It is fitting for a student that he begins with memorization of the
Book of Allaah – since it is the greatest of the branches of knowledge
and that which should be placed first and given precedence." [9]
Al-Haafidh an-Nawawee (d.676H) – rahimahullaah – said:
"The first thing he should begin with – is memorization of the mighty
Qur'aan, which is the most important of the branches of knowledge. And
the Companions and those that follow them did not use to teach hadeeth
or fiqh except to one who had memorized the Qur'aan When he has
memorized it, let him beware of preoccupying himself from it with
hadeeth, fiqh or other things, to the extent that it leads him to
forget anything of the Qur'aan, or makes that likely." [10]
SEEKING KNOWLEDGE IN DUE PROPORTIONS: [11]
Allaah the Mighty and Majestic said:
"And it is a Qur'aan which We have divided into parts, in order that
you may recite it to men at intervals. And We have sent it down in
stages." [12]
The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said to 'Abdullaah Ibn
'Amr Ibnul-'Aas: "Read the Qur'aan in every month." I said: I find
that I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa
sallam) said: "Recite it in every twenty nights." I said: I find that
I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam)
said: "Then recite it in every seven days and do not increase upon
that." [13]
'Abdullaah Ibn 'Amr Ibnul-'Aas also related from the Prophet
(sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) that he said: "He does not understand
the Qur'aan who recites it in less than three days." [14]
'Umar Ibn 'Abdul-Waahid, a companion of al-Awzaa'ee said: "We read in
al-Muwattaa to Maalik (d. 179H) in forty days, so he said: "A book
that took me forty years to compile, you take from me in forty days!
How little you understand of it." [15]
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee said: "It is fitting that he takes care in
acquiring knowledge and that he should not take too much in one go.
Rather, he should take a little at a time, such that he can bear it.,
memorize it and be able to understand it. Because Allaah says:
"And those who disbelieve say: Why is the Qur'aan not send down to him
all at once? Thus (is it sent down in parts) that We may strengthen
your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in
stages."[16] " [17]
Al-Khateeb also said: "And know that the heart in an organ from the
organs. It is able to bear somethings and unable to bear others-just
like the rest of the body. Thus, some people are able to carry
one-hundred pounds, whereas others are unable to carry even twenty.
Some people are able to walk a number of miles in a day without
tiring, whereas others are unable to even walk a mile a day before
they become tired...So let each person limit himself to what he is
able without expending all his energies, because that will better aid
him in learning with a good mind, from a firm and proficient teacher."
[18]
SUPPLICATING FOR AN INCREASE IN KNOWLEDGE:
Allaah the Mighty and Majestic said: "Say: My Lord! Increase me in
knowledge." [Soorah Taa Haa 20:114]
Umm Salamah (radiyallaahu 'anhaa) said: "Allaah's Messenger
(sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate in the morning
prayer: "O Allaah! I ask you for beneficial knowledge, righteous
action and pure sustenance." [20] Anas Ibn Maalik (radiyallaahu 'anhu)
said: "I heard Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam)
supplicate: "O Allaah! Benefit me with knowledge. Teach me that which
will benefit me, and provide me with knowledge from which I can derive
benefit." [21]
Aboo Bakr Muhammad Ibn Ja'far said: I heard Ibn Khuzaymah (d.311H) –
rahimahullaah – being asked: From where did you acquire this
knowledge? So he said: ''Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa
sallam) said: "Zam-zam water is that for which it is drunk." [22] So
when I drank zam-zam water, I supplicate to Allaah for beneficial
knowledge." [23]
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said: [24] "The reality of this matter
that the servant differs in what he asks of knowledge and guidance,
and of what he seeks to ask. So with remembrance of Allaah and
turning towards Him, Allaah guides such a person – as He said: "O My
servants! All of you are misguided, except whomsoever I guide. So seek
your guidance from me." [25]
And as the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) used to say: "O
Allaah! Lord of Jibreel, Meekaa'eel and Israafeel. The Originator of
the heavens and the earth. Knower of the Unseen and the apparent.
You judge between Your servant in that which he differs. So guide me
in that which I differ from the truth – by Your permission. Indeed,
You guide whomsoever You please, to a Path that is straight." [26]
Footnotes:
[1] From an-Nubadh fee Aadaabit-Talabil- 'Ilm (pp. 61-66), slightly
abridged.
[2] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 7086)
[3] Fathul-Baaree (13/39)
[4] Related by Ibn Muflih in al-Aadaabush- Shar'iyyah.
[5] Related by Ibn Abee Ya'laa in Tabaqaatul-Hanaabil ah (1/41).
[6] Fataawal-Kubraa (2/54-55).
[7] Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul- Huffaadh (2/722).
[8] Jaami' Bayaanul-'llm wa Fadlihi (pp. 526-528)
[9] Al-Jaami' li-Akhlaaqir- Raawee wa Aadaabis-Saami' (1/106).
[10] From the introduction to al-Majmoo' Sharhul-Muhadhhab (1/38)
[11] From an-Nubadh (pp. 67-69)
[12] Sooratul-Israa [17:106].
[13] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5052) and Muslim (no. 1159) and the
wording is from Muslim.
[14] Saheeh: Related by Aboo Daawood in his Sunan (no. 1394) and it
was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood (no. 1294).
[15] Related by Ibn 'Abdul-Barr in at-Tawheed (1/77)
[16] Sooratul-Furqaan [25:32]
[17] Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/101)
[18] Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/107)
[19] An-Nubadh (pp. 97-99)
[20] Hasan: Related by Ahmad (6/305) and at-Tiyaalasee (p. 224). It
was authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar in Nataa'ijul Afkaar (2/313).
[21] Saheeh: Related by Haakim (1/510) and he said: "It is authentic
upon the condition of Muslim." Adh-Dhahabee also agreed.
[22] Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul- Huffaadh (2/721).
[23] Hasan: It has been narrated by many different ways. Refer to
al-Maqaasidul- Hasanah (no. 928) of as-Sakhaawee for its authentication
and sources.
[24] Majmoo'ul Fataawaa (4/39)
[25] Related by Muslim (no. 2577) form Abu Dharr (radiyallaahu 'anhu).
[26] Related by Muslim (no. 770) from 'Aa'ishah (radiyallaahu 'anhaa).
Options:
for this thread! :ma: 