Note: The following transcript was generated using AI and may contain inaccuracies.
In the Name of Allah the Merciful, the Compassionate. All praise is due to Allah. We praise him, we seek His help, we seek His forgiveness, and we seek refuge in Allah from the evil within ourselves and our evil deeds. Whoever Allah guides, there is none to misguide him. Whoever Allah leads astray, there is none to guide him. I testify there is no deity (worthy of worship) but Allah alone, without any partners, and I testify that Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is His servant and His messenger. O Allah, bestow peace and blessings upon our Prophet and Imam, Muhammad, and upon his family, companions, and those who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgment.
After that, our topic is a great one The rights of scholars. What is meant by "rights" and what is meant by the "scholars"? Rights, in the plural form, and it refer to the duties incumbent upon us toward the scholars. As for Scholars, when mentioned generally in the Quran and the Sunnah, and in what has been mentioned regarding the virtues of knowledge, its people, seekers, and acquisition is referred to the Islamic knowledge. Knowledge pertaining to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His message peace and blessings be upon him This is the knowledge for which the seeker of knowledge and the teacher are rewarded, with hoping for the reward always from Allah, along with sincerity to Him. Basically this is knowledge, as we have said.
As for worldly sciences such as medicine, engineering, pharmacy, and other vast fields of study, all of these are sciences encouraged by Islamic law. There is no doubt that they are among the requirements needed by the Ummah. However, whoever intends by them the sake of Allah, helps people in them, seeks reward in them by serving Islam and Muslims, and finds benefit in them, will be rewarded for it. Thus, they are conditional sciences—not religious sciences. These are sciences sought solely for worldly gain. There is no issue in that.
Allah, the Almighty, says in His great Book: "Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees." [Quran 58:11] The people of knowledge have a great status, and it is Allah, the Almighty who elevates their ranks.
Allah, the Almighty, says: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." [Quran 51:56] So, Allah, the Almighty, has commanded us to worship Him. How do we worship Allah? and how do we affirm His Tawheed (Monotheism)? What is Tawheed (monotheism) so that we may be monotheists for Allah, submitting to Him? What is Shirk so that we may avoid it? What are we commanded to do so that we may perform it? And what are the prohibitions and forbidden things that we must avoid and not approach? There is no way for us except through revelation. Allah, the Almighty, revealed to the messengers and to the chief of the prophets and messengers.
So, the Companions learned from the Prophet of guidance, peace and blessings be upon him, and after them, people learn from the scholars. Therefore, the scholars are the intermediaries between us and the Shariah, in conveying the rulings of the religion, the Book of Allah, explaining the Quran and the Sunnah—all of which come from the people of knowledge. That is why it is said in the hadith about the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him that he said: "The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets."
Therefore, it was of great danger for a person to speak without knowledge about the religion of Allah. For knowledge must be based on the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him. That is why Allah, the Almighty, says: "And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned." [Quran 17:36]
Speaking about Allah without knowledge is a grave matter, and it is dangerous for a person to undertake this matter without knowledge of the saying of Allah and the hadith of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. Whoever speaks about what is Halaal (lawful) and Haraam (unlawful) without knowledge is attributing lies to Allah and lying about Allah in this regard because he has no knowledge of it.
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, has a great book called "I'laam al-Muwaqqi'een" or "A'laam al-Muwaqqi'een 'an Rabb al-'Alameen" (Information for Those who Write (or Sign) on Behalf of the Lord of the Worlds), in which Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him likened the mufti to a person who writes on behalf of Allah in his fatwa. The one who says, "This is Halaal, this is Haraam, this is permissible, this is Mustahab, this is recommended," is in fact signing on behalf of the king, leader, or ruler, issuing the order and signing is as if the person is signing on behalf of Allah, declaring what is Halaal and what is Haraam. So, this matter is very serious; for a person to delve into this great subject. That is, giving fatwas without referring back to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him.
The scholars of Shariah are the heirs of the prophets, and they are the ones who guide people in matters of their religion. Therefore, the scholars have a great status in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him.
Al-Hafiz al-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, said in his book "Tahdhib al-Asma' wa al-Lughat", "The scholars of a person are his fathers in (regards to ) the religion." "The scholars of a person are his fathers " Your scholar is like a father to you in teaching your religion. Your father raises you and teaches you what has been easy (for him). And the mother also strives in raising and teaching you, but the greatest and first teacher is the one who teaches you your religion and enlightens you with it. Therefore, the scholars have a great status that should be realized and recognized. I am going to review some aspects in this context.
We mentioned the rights of scholars. It is important to know who the scholars are. Not everyone who appears and you see him on YouTube or on social media with a beard, turban, robe, or similar attire is a trustworthy scholar of the Quran and the Sunnah. The criterion is that this scholar should be qualified, knowledgeable about the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Therefore, Allah says: "So ask the people of the knowledge" A person is not known by their clothing. Rather, he is known if he is from the people of the Quran and the message, from the people of the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, and if he knows Tawheed, what is Halaal and Haraam. The people of knowledge testify to him, so these are the scholars The Scholars are those who rely on the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him.
As Ibn al-Qayyim said: "Knowledge is what Allah said, His Messenger said, and the Companions said; there is no room for disagreement in it, knowledge is not about setting up yourself foolishly for disagreements between texts and the opinion of a foolish person." That is, the scholar is the one who judges, gives fatwa, and speaks based on what the texts indicate, not by rejecting te text with basesless sayings. The scholar is like this. He is the scholar of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. and these are the true heirs of the prophets in reality. Those who know the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.
Therefore, the Imam, the Hafiz, Ibn Hibban, may Allah have mercy on him, said in his book "As Saheeh" in explaining the Hadith of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, "The scholars are the heirs of the prophets." He said in explaining their status: "They are the scholars who teach the knowledge of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and convey it, unlike other sciences. Do you not see him saying: "The scholars are the heirs of the prophets," and the scholars did not inherit except knowledge, and the knowledge of our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is his Sunnah. So, whoever exposes himself to ignorance of it is not among the heirs of the prophets." Whoever leads but does not know the Sunnah and does not answer with the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, is not among the heirs of the prophets.
This is an important matter to know who the scholars are Who are those who should be asked, those who are referred to, those who are consulted in crises, and who should be referred whose words are listened to. They are the secure from trials because they adhere to the Shariah guidelines from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be be upon him. As for the people of desires, they rely on their intellects and do not judge by the texts of the Quran and the Sunnah. or they judge by their emotions and do not refer back to the people of knowledge for what they derive from the texts of the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him.
This issue I mean, knowing who the scholars are is clear and evident from the Imams of Islam—Abu Hanifa, Malik, Al-Shafi'i, Ahmad, Al-Awza'i, Abu Thawr, and many others, as Allah wills. But things got mixed up among the people of later and present times. Thus, we must understand and know the scholars who are referred to, especially among the contemporary scholars. This principle is important and a great foundation. Neglecting it can lead to errors and undesirable consequences.
Therefore, it was from the sayings of Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, in explaining who the scholars are: He said: "Knowledge should not be written except from those who memorize, seek, sit with people, understand, act upon it, and have piety. " And from it is, if anyone of them is asked about an issue he does not know, he should says, ‘I do not know,' or 'I will refer back,' or something similar. These are the scholars—not those who engage and speak in every question and answer without evidence or foundation.
One of the most dangerous things that some people speak about without knowledge and without referring to knowledge is issues related to Takfir (declaring someone a Kaafir), and Tabdee’ (declaring someone an innovator) and launching such accusations against people. These matters are reserved for the scholars. Indeed, it is also important to know that serious issues related to Takfeer are the domain of the people of knowledge. Legal rulings are derived by the people of knowledge, and there is no place for intellect or indulging in them by common folk. (It is not for) the general public to delve into these matters. Therefore, Abu Hamid al-Ghazali said: "Takfir is practiced by the ignorant, and only the ignorant rush into doing Takfir." So it is important, that precaution must be taken regarding Takfir, as Takfir is a serious matter. As the Prophet, peace and blessings be be upon him, said: "Whoever says to his brother, 'O disbeliever,' it returns to one of them."
The point is that these threatened rulings are among the duties of the scholars, and they’re the scholars who follow the Book and the Sunnah, and everything that indicates from these two sources. This is their melody in what they teach people and in the fatwas they issue. They are the ones who follow the path of the prophets. This is the guidance of the prophets and messengers: submission to Allah and obedience to Him. The scholars who follow this path are the ones who are referred to in all matters, and they are the ones who have the rights according to Shariah. Therefore, it is necessary for us to clarify this so that we may be enlightened by knowledge.
The virtue of the scholars is great, and their status in the Book and the Sunnah is vast. The place does not allow for properly explaining their complete virtue. One of the greatest things mentioned about their virtue is the saying of Allah The Exalted: "Allah bears witness that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge - [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice." [Quran 3:18] This great verse, in which Allah cites the scholars among His creation and mentions them with His sacred self and the angels in testifying to Tawheed. The greatest testimony and the greatest act, Tawheed of Allah. Allah, exalted be He, testifies the scholars and mentions them with Himself and the angels, as we have said. And this as Al-Qurtubi said, “this is evidence of the virtue of knowledge and the honor of scholars and their virtue. If anyone were more honorable than the scholars, Allah would have surely mentioned them with His name and the name of the angels as He mentioned the name of the scholars.”
We say this, brothers, and sisters, to know the value of the scholars who teach people the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Allah has mentioned them with Himself, with His sacred self so this makes a person cautious and respectful, and acknowledges the status of the scholars. Therefore, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The scholars are the heirs of the prophets." The statements of the people of knowledge in this regard are clear in indicating the honor of knowledge in this great verse how Allah has distinguished them with the testimony of the greatest thing, which is Tawheed, above all others from the people. And how Allah has associated their testimony with His testimony the testimony of the angels. This is enough as a virtue. And how He has made them possessors of knowledge and ascribed them to knowledge, as they are the ones who uphold it, characterized by its qualities. And Allah, exalted be He, made them witness and authoritiy over people in this great matter.
Allah says: "Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding." [Quran 39:9] And He says to you: "Allah raises those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees, And Allah is Aware of what you do." [Quran 58:11] Great verses, as I said, but they are reminders to highlight the greatness of the scholars. So that we respect our scholars, and have piety and vigilance against any involvement in the affairs of the scholar from the scholars of Islam.
As for the rights related to scholars, they are also numerous. Among them, as we have heard, is to honor and respect them for the great status with which Allah has honored them and for what the Prophet of guidance, peace and blessings be upon him, mentioned about them. And from their status is that they teach people goodness, and that they are the heirs of the prophets. So, you contemplate this and be certain of this status. When you do so, you must behave respectfully, honor them, and respect them. And as Al-Nawawi said: "The scholars are the heirs of the prophets."
From that (rights of scholars) is to pray for the Imams of Islam and for your shuyookh (scholars) who are like parents. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "He is not one of us who does not respect our elders, show mercy to our young ones, and acknowledge the rights of our scholars." Knowing the rights of scholars and their duties towards them and honoring them. The scholar is the elder, even if his is younger than you in age, for with age (knowledge) his stature increased, even if you are older than him in age. Knowing the right of scholars is one of the principles and great matters.
Furthermore, it is also necessary to be cautious of backbiting scholars. Backbiting is forbidden, and backbiting is a major sin, and backbiting is severely abhorrent. It is enough what the the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him mentioned about it warning about it, likened it to as if a person is eating the flesh of his dead brother. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would detest it. However, backbiting scholars is greater, more significant, and more dangerous than backbiting other people. Why? Do scholars have a virtue over others in any aspect, do you wonder? When you backbite an ordinary person, in reality you have indeed backbitten a person who perhaps someone close to you who knows him might be influenced by you. Whereas if you backbite a scholar and say ill about him, you have created a barrier and separation between people and listening to and benefiting from this knowledge. Therefore, this matter, I mean backbiting a scholar, has a great dangerous impact, and its evil is greater than backbiting others. This is why the famous saying about scholars exists: "The flesh of scholars is poisonous."
All backbiting is forbidden, as we have said, but the flesh of scholars is more dangerous, destroying and harmful. So, a person must be keen on allying with Allah, His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, and allying with the believers. One of the greatest forms of allying is allying with the heirs of the prophets, who are truly the stars by which one is guided in the darkness of land and sea. And as Ibn Taymiyyah says: “Muslims are unanimously agreed upon their guidance and understanding.”
The scholars of the ummah are its best. Just as the Khulafaa of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, were the best of people after him, and likewise the companions and those after them, so the scholars are those who have the good mention. Just as the Muslim has rights, as in the hadith of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, "The right of a Muslim over a Muslim is five ", or in another narration, six..." which includes returning greetings, visiting the sick, following funerals, responding to invitations, and saying "Yarhamuk Allah" (may Allah have mercy on you) when someone sneezes, Initiating greetings and returning them And so the scholars have rights, but even more so, because this is a general matter for every Muslim and he (scholar) has a great right.
And if Allah, the Almighty, has addressed all people "and speak to people kindly" Even to non-Muslims they should be addressed with kind words, then the Muslim deserves it more and is more entitled to it. Likewise, the scholar should be addressed with kindness, gentleness, respect, humility, and without arrogance over him, and with not raising the voice in dealing with him. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe." The scholars must the most cautious people from you in any injustice, backbiting, immorality, or harm.
It is your duty, as you cover the faults of a Muslim, because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever conceals (the faults of) a Muslim, Allah will conceal him in the Hereafter." Similarly, it is incumbent upon you, if you see a mistake of a scholar, you should cover this scholar as you cover others.
And one of the greatest rights is that a person is keen on supplicating for his scholars and the scholars of Islam. Allah, may He be exalted, praised those whose condition is such. That a person should pray for those who preceded him in faith, as Allah said: "Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful." Allah, the Almighty, praises the people with pure hearts who make these supplications. Therefore, we must increase our supplications for the people of knowledge and our scholars.
Among the greatest sayings in this regards fro the reports is what was reported by al-Khatib, may Allah have mercy on him, with his chain of narration to Abdullah ibn Imam Ahmad: I said to my father, "O my father, what was the status of Imam ash-Shafi'i (Al Imam ash-Shafi'i was teacher of Ahmad )?" For I heard you supplicating for him frequently. So he said to me, "O my son, ash-Shafi'i was like the sun for the world and like safety for the people." Look at these two, meaning the sun and safety. So see if these two have the sun and safety on their successor or on their successor or replace them? Can anyone do without the sun? No Can anyone do without safety? Thus, ash-Shafi'i was like the sun and like safety for the people.
Therefore, when we contemplate or read about the lives of the scholars, and anyone who extensively reads Siyar A'lam al-Nubala' or Tadhkirat al-Huffāẓ or Tarikh Baghdad will see many examples of the etiquette of the people of knowledge towards the people of knowledge and of the students towards their scholars. The book by al-Hafiz al-Khatib al-Baghdadi "Al-Jami' li Akhlaq al-Rawi wa Adab al-Sami'" is one of the great books that should be read and benefited from, especially regarding the chapter on honoring and venerating the narrator. He mentioned many examples in this book.
Among them is that Abdullah ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, took the reins of Zayd ibn Thabit's mount and said to Zayd, (Zayd said to Ibn Abbas) May Allah be pleased with him "You’re carrying the reigns, whilst you are the cousin of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him." Ibn Abbas took the reins of Zayd's mount, and Zayd said to him, "How can you, being the cousin of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, hold the reins while you want to drive it for me and help me with this?" What did Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, say? "This is how we treat the scholars." Look at this etiquette. "This is how we treat the scholars." This etiquette and these morals of the student and the learner with his Shaykh and his scholars who instill true knowledge in you. Submission to scholars and etiquette and morals are what elevate a person. This does not diminish from his side the importance of respect, not even from near or far.
This is why, it was from the profound understanding of Imam Tawus ibn Kaysan is that he said: "It is from the Sunnah to honor the scholar." Imam Ibn Abi Hatim, in the introduction to his book Al-Jarh wa al-Ta'dil or Taqdimah al-Jarh wa al-Ta'dil, mentioned examples of venerating scholars. He mentioned what is related to al-Thawri, may Allah have mercy on him, and the reverence of the scholars for him, his Fatwas, and what he presented. He provided multiple examples in this regard that are worth referring to.
Also, what is reported from Imam Ahmad, his saying: "We were commanded to be humble towards those we learn from." As I mentioned to you, ponder over the words of the scholars and what is mentioned in their biographies; there is much that one should be keen on and refer to from the book "Al-Jami' li Akhlaq al-Rawi wa Adab al-Sami'" by al-Hafiz al-Khatib al-Baghdadi and the introduction of AlMajmu’ by al-Nawawi. It is a precious and great resource on the etiquettes that a seeker of knowledge should observe, as well as the etiquettes that should be observed by the teacher and the etiquettes common to both.
These are examples and instances, and there are many more. This etiquette, as I mentioned, elevates a person when he behaves respectfully towards the elderly and the people of knowledge. The conduct of the people of knowledge, is to be humble, no matter how high their status.
One of the greatest examples of humility I have come across is the humility of Imam al-Bukhari along wth his great status and knowledge. He said once towards his student Imam al-Tirmidhi, who is known for his famous book "Al-Jami'." The Shaykh, who is al-Bukhari, said to his student al-Tirmidhi: "that what I have benefited from you" That, Maa here is Ism Mausool (meaning that) "that what have I benefited more from you than what you have benefited from me." Meaning what I benefitted more from you, O Imam Al-Tirmidhi, is more than what you benefitted from me. WIthout doubt, Imam al-Bukhari is a revered and great figure, and al-Tirmidhi is his student. But look at this etiquette, this in itself is a school. He wants to teach al-Tirmidhi and others etiquette and morals. This is what elevates a person, and elevates his status making him great. So, we must adhere to etiquette with people in general and with the scholars of Islam in particular. This is from the means that elevates a person.
Another right is to be polite to the scholars is to bear with their treatment and to endure any harshness that may come from them. They may go through circumstances or be tough on a student for some mistake or effort from his side. Upon the student is that he must be patient and endure. Even if his Shaykh behaves harshly, as we mentioned, he should be patient and endure, hoping for reward from Allah. and in hope to seek knowledge, hoping for reward in that, and he should consider that he did this in humility to Allah and in reverence for the scholars, hoping for great reward in that. And for him ,there is a great reward in that.
Also, among the rights in regards to the people of knowledge, is respecting the appropriate times for study, being early to attend unless there is a necessity that prevents it, and being mindful of the appropriate time to contact them. One should not come during sleeping hours, which are the deepest hours of sleep. If one knows that it is time for sleep and still comes, disturbing his Shaykh with calls or messages at inappropriate times, these are things that a person should be aware of and consider.
Another matter related to the scholars is giving advice. Yes, advice. The scholar is a human who makes mistakes and errs like other people. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Religion is sincerity (advice)." It is the right of a Muslim over another Muslim, and it was also part of the pledge of allegiance for some of the companions that they pledged to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and it includes advising every Muslim. The scholar may fall into error, neglect, or a mistake, so advising him in a gentle and respectful manner or writing to him in a letter or through any means with humility and politeness. So and so happened from you, maybe I misunderstood like this or perhaps you meant something else. I would like to clarify from you, may Allah protect you. Maybe I am mistaken in what I understood, but I fear that it might be understood in a wrong way, and so on. He should be gentle and advise if it appears to him that advising is appropriate.
However, one should not act if he hears something about his Shaykh speaking ill of his Shaykh, attacking him, warning against him, and advising not to sit with him, seeking refuge in Allah. This affair is, like the one who said: "I taught him archery every day, and when his strength increased, he shot me". Instead of it being your dealing. When his strength increased and he became able, he protected me. Instead of being he shot me. Be a support to your Shaykh who taught you and educated you, and he has a great merit after Allah in teaching you.
Therefore, respect the gatherings and times of the scholars, be courteous with them, and avoid causing disturbance in their gatherings by using phones and bells, which sometimes disrupt here and there. These are things that one should consider and be mindful of when it comes to scholars, along with good manners when asking. That a person show respect while asking. When a person asks a scholar, he should do so respectfully and clarify his question. He should not ask in a twisted manner seeking a specific answer tailored to his needs. Therefore scholar, with his wisdom, responds to the questioner by exploring multiple possibilities, especially when dealing with people who manipulate questions to get an answer specific to him. An intelligent scholar benefits more than the questioner.
And from the important matters is to listen when receiving an answer, reflect on it, and not rush to convey the answer until the Shaykh is informed that I understood this and the matter is as you said, especially if he doubts in the statement. Confirming with his Shaykh that the statement is understood accordingly.
We mentioned the importance of supplicating for scholars, which becomes more important after their death by supplicating for them. As we previously mentioned from the example of Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him, with his Shaykh Imam al-Shafi'i. This is an example among many examples, and there are many instances related and indicating to this matter.
Before we move on to other topics, when we talk about scholars, we do not acknowledge or believe that the scholar is infallible. This is not the case, not in the least. This is why we obey the scholars in what they inform us about Allah and His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him. As for the general rule, there is no obedience to a creature in disobeying the Creator. However, if a ruler commands or gives a fatwa that contradicts the clear text of the Quran and Sunnah, then obedience to the text is obligatory. As for contradicting the evidence is contradicting the words of Allah and contradicting the words of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. Esteeming the scholar over this and preferring his opinion or his school of thought over the hadith of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is not honoring the scholars but rather an injustice to the rights of the scholars. For indeed The Shari'ah is the priority the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him.
How great is the saying of Imam al-Shafi'i: "People have unanimously agreed upon whoever the Sunnah is clear to him from the traditions of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him; he should not leave it for the saying of anyone else." This is why Imam Malik said in his famous saying: "Everyone's statement is taken or rejected except the occupant of this saying (grave)," pointing to the saying (grave) of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.
Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Whoever compares the sayings of the scholars with the texts and weighs them with it, (with their sayings), and opposes some of them who oppose the text, does not waste their statements or belittle their status; rather, they follow them because they all commanded that. Therefore, whoever follows them truly adheres to what they advised, not the one who opposes them." What did they advise with? They advised to follow the Book and the Sunnah. This is the true following of the Imams. This is the true honoring and reverence for the importance of honoring and venerating the scholars. Because they are scholars of the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.
When we speak about the scholars, about honoring the status and position of the scholars and to acknowledge that the scholars have multiple rights. It is important that we know here, and this is clear, but I emphasize and clarify further that by scholars, we mean scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah, scholars who acknowledge and believe in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, and refer to the scholars who preceded them. They follow the path of the early generations and the way of the Companions and the Tabieen. Those about whom the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The best of people are my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come aftet them."
Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, was asked: "Can knowledge be taken from someone who did not seek it or sit?" Meaning from him who does not seek knowledge and does not sit with the scholars. He said: "No." It was said, "Can it be taken from someone who is truthful and trustworthy, but he does not memorize or understand what he narrates?" He said, "No. It should only be taken from someone who memorizes, has a heart, sits with people, knows, and acts upon his knowledge, and has piety."
I say this as a confirmation, and perhaps it has been mentioned previously to emphasize the importance of sitting with scholars. Sitting with scholars is not just for acquiring knowledge. Sitting with scholars is about knowledge, etiquette, morals, and humility. You learn humility from scholars; you learn the ethics of scholars; you learn the methodologies of scholars; you learn the style of scholars; you learn how scholars respond; you learn how scholars answer. Sitting with scholars in itself is a school.
Knowledge is not just about memorization. Anyone can take the Quran, memorize it without reading it to scholars, take hadiths and memorize them, take books of fiqh (jurisprudence) and memorize them, memorize poems of thousand line, and more. However, sitting with scholars is a fundamental necessity. There is a huge difference between someone who memorizes away from scholars, away from their gatherings, away from referring to them, away from reading to them, and someone who reads and learns away from scholars and memorized. This, even if he is protected from mistakes, and how abundant are the mistakes, and how abundant are the slips, and how abundant is the deviation in understanding and perception. by reading individually without referring to the scholars, sitting with the scholars, benefiting from them, and humbling oneself before them is how true knowledge is acquired and perfected.
Unfortunately, we sometimes see a lax attitude towards attending the gatherings of scholars due to the widespread availability of various means of communication audio and video. Therefore, I emphasize the importance of keep referring to scholars.
This is why scholars were keen on sitting with scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah and avoiding the gatherings of innovators. There are many narrations from scholars regarding this. and that is because sitting with scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah only results in learning the correct beliefs. If you sit with people of innovation and desires, even if you are firm in your beliefs, may lead you to be influenced by doubts and that doubt can grow in you and affect you. If you are not firm in your beliefs, you will not distinguish between truth and falsehood, or between poison and honey. This is why there are many sayings about warnings against sitting with people of desires from the Tabieen and their followers.
Al Imam al-Hafiz al-Tahawi, Abu Ja'far, may Allah have mercy on him, has beautiful words about the virtue of the scholars of the Salaf and those who follow their path and tread in their footsteps. He says, and this is a statement worthy By Allah of being written in golden ink: Some speeches are jewels, which are derived from the Qur'an and Sunnah, not from their own minds, rather they are supported by the Quran and the Sunnah. He says "The scholars of the Salaf, among those who preceded them and those who followed them, from the Tabieen, are the people of goodness and Athar, the people of understanding and contemplation. They should only be mentioned with good. Whoever mentions them in a bad way is on the wrong path." Look, these are the people of goodness and Athar, the people of understanding and contemplation. When they are mentioned, nothing should be mentioned except good; praise, admiration, respect, and etiquette. They are to be called with manners, they are to be called with gentleness, they are to be called with reverence. But whoever mentions them in a bad light: Backbiting, lies, making fun, mockery, ridicule. Making a distinction between them and the public through insinuation and sarcasm. This is indeed on a different path. On a path other than righteousness, On a path other than righteousness, Therefore, Ibn Abi al-'Izz al-Hanafi, the famous commentator of al-Tahawiyyah, mentioned the saying of Allah Almighty, "And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the believers - We will give him what he has taken and drive him into Hell, and evil it is as a destination" [Quran 4:115].
After mentioning this verse, he said: "Every Muslim must, after allying Allah and His Messenger, to ally the believers, as the Quran has spoken, especially those who are the heirs of the Prophets." The heirs of the Prophets, the scholars whom Allah has made like stars to be followed in the darkness of the land and sea. The Muslims have unanimously agreed on their guidance and understanding. Every nation before the sending of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, the worst of them was their scholar except for the Muslims, for their scholars are the best of them. They are successors, successors of whom? Successors of the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, from his Ummah. Yes, those who loved his Sunnah after its death, rather those who revived his Sunnah, they are the ones who revived the Sunnah, succeeded the Messenger of Allah, revived the Sunnah, and spread his teachings. In them the Book stood, and by them it stood, and by them the Book was spoken, and by them they spoke. The Book stood by them, so they explained the Speech of Allah. The explainers of Quran, the Imams of Islam. They are the ones who memorized the Quran, taught it, and spread it. People learned the Quran from them. And they commanded with it, with this great Quran and its teachings. And through them, the Book spoke, and their mention came, and they spoke through it. They spoke and taught with this Quran, and they were the best of people.
Glorifying and adhering to the scholars, and knowing who the scholars are, and they are those as we mentioned are those who are in accordance with the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah. Those who follow the path of the Salaf for the evidence obligates that a Muslim follow this path and way. For the experience has proven it, and recent events have confirmed it, and for us, the matter is established with evidence and from the sayings of the Salaf, that adherence to the path and companionship of the scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah is necessary, and not to accompany the people of desires. Those who adhered to those who follow their desires, and by their ways, have shown us in recent times that whoever does not follow the Salaf surely with his understanding, and through many fatwas and opinions, has resulted in turmoil, tribulations, and even killing. After that, only a few remain safe and sound from those circumstances, except those whom Allah has guided to success. This is a great matter and it must be guarded, and the scholars are the safety valve for the Ummah in everything. Your religion is great, and your religion is precious. Therefore, take your religion only from the people of knowledge and be upon knowledge.
Speaking ill of scholars, diminishing their status, is a great danger. The heads of the scholars are the Companions of the Prophet, after the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The heads of the scholars are the Companions Criticizing them, questioning their integrity, discussing them, or diminishing any one of them is a flaw in your religion and a diminishment in your faith. This is why many statements from the Imams warn against that, and one of the most significant statements is from Imam Abu Zur'ah al-Razi, may Allah have mercy on him: "If you see a man disparaging any of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, then know that he is a heretic."
This is because we believe the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him is truth, and the Quran is truth. They only conveyed to us this Quran and all the Sunnah. Who conveyed to us this Quran and the Sunnah? The Companions of the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him. Those who criticize the Companions want. What do they want? They only want to discredit our witnesses by criticizing the Companions, they want to discredit our witnesses to nullify the Book and the Sunnah. Criticizing them is more worthy of criticism, as they are the heretics. Those who criticize the Companions are more deserving of criticism than those who criticize the Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.
This is why whoever looks at the books of the early scholars, the Companions, the Tabieen, and those after them, will find great reverence for the Companions, great reverence from the Tabieen to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. This is from the principles of Ahl al-Sunnah and their principles regarding the reverence of the Companions and not speaking ill of them, and being pleased with them May Allah be pleased with them all.
Unfortunately, we find among those who follow the Orientalists and the Rafidah in disparaging Abu Hurairah, the greatest narrator of Islam, with great regret and despite his status and the Prophet's prayers for him to be granted protection. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "There is a verse from the Book of Allah if wasn’t there I would have not narrated to you." Then he recited the verse: "Indeed, those who conceal what We sent down of clear proofs and guidance after We made it clear for the people in the Scripture - those are cursed by Allah and cursed by those who curse, except for those who repent and correct themselves and make evident [what they concealed]. Those - I will accept their repentance, and I am the Accepting of Repentance, the Merciful." [Quran 2:159] So, criticizing the Companions is a dangerous and grave matter.
This is why the statement mentioned earlier, about the flesh of the scholars being poisonous, is a well-known statement of Hafidh Ibn Asakir, may Allah have mercy on him. He says: "Know, my brother, may Allah grant me and you His pleasure and make us among those who fear Him, that the flesh of the scholars is poisonous, and Allah's custom in destruction regarding those who diminish them is known." This means woe to the one who disparages them, as it is the custom of Allah to abandon those who disparage the scholars. And whoever opens his mouth against the scholars, yes, speaking ill of them, Allah will afflict him before his death with a death of the heart. We ask Allah for well-being and safety.
Many great sayings! If each of these matters were singled out for discussion, it would require a separate session, as the topic is vast. However, these are glimpses into this great matter concerning our duties towards our scholars and the rights that are due to them. Our scholars are our leaders and the crowns on our heads. May Allah have mercy on them. I ask Allah Almighty to make us among those who are disciplined with knowledge and scholars.
When we look at the sad and painful reality of the neglect of the rights of scholars, we find that there are reasons for this. From that is not knowing the status of scholars in the religion of Allah, and that they are the heirs of the prophets. Not sitting with scholars also leads to that.
And from the reasons for some people's ingratitude and lack of respect for scholars is that they rush to attribute news to scholars without verifying them. Even if the news is proven true, the scholars should be referred to. They could be mistaken or forgetful, among other possibilities.
Another reason is that some people love to lead and excel, so they want to be seen as Imam, so they speak ill about people of knowledge. The scholar, Allamah so-and-so, leading scholars of Islam in his time, while he is nothing. They belittle the scholars, for a mistake even if it is true and proven. Even if what they say is correct, you should not diminish the status of scholars. Instead, they make it to be a reason and a means to criticize scholars, so people see them as the scholar and refer to.
Similarly, one of the reasons is that people lack righteous role models, which should be followed. Undoubtedly, a group of contemporary parties and those who criticize those who are not on the right methodology, but rather on a great deviation, from the secularists and non-religious people who vilify scholars and criticize them. These are the reasons that may make the public not admire the status of scholars, and the fault in this aspect is great. I mean the fault in not knowing the rights of scholars, not respecting knowledge, and not fulfilling their rights. It is not just about knowing. We may know some etiquette and rulings, but we lack in action and application.
The failure to know the rights and to fulfill them has significant consequences. The first one is that a person who truly honors the symbols of Allah does not honor what Allah has commanded. Yes, honoring scholars and their status is honoring the Book and the Sunnah because it is the one that have commanded to do so. Who else has shown us the differences between shirk and tawhid in detail except the people of knowledge?
Also, this has led people to be daring in giving fatwa, hasty in taking the lead in major matters that arise. By Allah, there are great matters in which some scholars stand still, they have no fatwa. You find among people those who take the lead in discussing these matters. I don't know of anything bolder than this against Allah. When you take the lead in discussing these matters, it's as if you are issuing a fatwa on behalf of you Lord, signing on behalf of your Lord, declaring what is Halaal and what is Haraam, what is true and what is false.
These actions undoubtedly make people run away from scholars and distance themselves from scholars, not listen to Tawhid, and not listen to Sunnah, and not listen to Halaal and Haraam, thus people remain in deviation, faults, extremism, breakdown of families and breakdown of societies, resulting in destruction, explosions, corruption, disunity, and conflicts. There are many issues. We ask Allah for forgiveness and well-being.
Our religion is good in it’s entirety, and there is nothing that Allah has commanded except that it contains great goodness. How could it not, as He is the one who created us, is the most merciful towards us, knows the betrayals of the eyes and what the hearts conceal, is the most merciful towards us, and knows what is more suitable for us, and what is more beneficial for us. The Sharia contains many wisdoms, and what we mentioned from the wisdoms and some of what is obligatory upon us towards our scholars, their rights, and their status. This is a small and insignificant tribute to our scholars. Look at the book of Ibn Abd al-Barr, Jami' bayan al-'ilm wa fadlihi wa maa yambaghi fi riwaayati wa Hamlihi. There are many writings in numerous books that highlight the importance of scholars and the rights of the scholars.
I ask Allah to benefit us from what we have heard and to make it a proof for us, not against us. May He reform us, our children, our spouses, and our offspring. May He forgive us, guide us to obedience, use us for what pleases Him, protect us from what angers Him, and make us steadfast with the firm saying in this life and the Hereafter. Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise be to You. I bear witness that there is no true deity (worthy of worship) but You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad, and all praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.
