Ibn Bazz: ( Part No : 7, Page No: 213) Responsibilities of the Seekers of Knowledge All praise is due to Allah. We praise Allah, seek His Help, ask Him for forgiveness, and seek refuge with Allah from the evil of ourselves and the wickedness of our misdeeds. Whoever Allah guides, none can mislead, and whoever Allah leaves astray, none can guide. I testify that there is no deity but Allah Alone, with no partner or associate, and I testify that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger. Peace and blessings be upon him, his family and Companions, and those who rightly follow him. O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm [as Muslims (with complete submission to Allâh)]. O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwâ (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women; and fear Allâh through Whom you demand (your mutual rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allâh is Ever an All¬Watcher over you. O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allâh and His Messenger (صلى االله عليه وسلم), he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hell¬fire and will be admitted to Paradise). My brothers in Islam and honorable sons, I thank Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) for allowing me to attend this meeting and ask Him (Glorified be He) to ( Part No : 7, Page No: 214) make it a blessed meeting, benefit us all from it, correct our deeds and hearts, and to guide us all to the Right Path. Allah’s Blessings are countless and His Favor is endless, as He is the Giver of every blessing. Allah (may He be Praised) says: And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allâh. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says: and if you count the Blessings of Allâh, never will you be able to count them. We thank Allah (Glorified be He) and ask Him to bestow more of His Favor upon us, you, and all Muslims everywhere. Dear brothers in Islam and dear sons, you have heard the title of this talk: "The Responsibility of the Seekers of Knowledge towards Society." This is an important matter, as the responsibility of the seekers of knowledge is great, and it varies according to the amount of knowledge, the need of people for it, and their ability and capacity. The seekers of knowledge have a responsibility towards themselves; to prepare themselves for education, Da‘wah (calling to Islam), and fulfillment of obligations. As to knowledge, they must pay attention it, comprehend the Din (religion of Islam), review the Shar‘y (Islamic legal) proofs, and dedicate attention to them. Seekers of knowledge need to have a vast stock of Shar‘y proofs and knowledge of the scholars’ opinions, their points of difference, and the preponderant views on controversial issues, supported by evidence from Allah’s Book and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), without Taqlid (strictly following a specific School of Jurisprudence). Taqlid is something anyone can do, it does not take scholarship. Imam Abu ‘Umar ibn‘Abdul¬Bar, the well¬known scholar and the author of: "Al¬Tamhid" and other books, said, ( Part No : 7, Page No: 215) "There is Ijma‘ (consensus of scholars) that those who adhere to Taqlid are not considered as being scholars." Seekers of knowledge have a big supposed responsibility. They have to pay attention to the juristic proofs and struggle to learn the relevant evidence on the issues and rulings from the Qur’an and the Purified Sunnah; and be conversant with the founded principles. They should rely on clear evidence closely related to scholarly views. This knowledge of scholarly views will help them to understand the proofs, extract rulings, and distinguish between the preponderant and the unlikely opinions. They also have a responsibility to be sincere to Allah (Glorified be He) and always mindful of Him. Their sought¬after goal must be to please Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), to discharge their obligations and to benefit people without seeking worldly gain or reward. These are only the pursuits of the hypocrites and their like. Their aim should not be Riya’ (showing¬off) or reputation, but to benefit Allah’s Servants and please Allah above all. They should be sure of the evidence on which they base their words, actions and Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar). It is not permissible for them to be lax, because people follow their examples in their behavior and actions. If they are teachers, their students will imitate them; if they are Muftis (Islamic scholars qualified to issue legal opinions), the people will act upon their Fatwas; if they are Du‘ah (callers to Islam), the matter will be very serious; and if they are judges, the matter will be even more serious. It is obligatory on seekers of knowledge to have a position that is well pleasing to their Lord; a position that is characterized by sincerity to Allah, true pursuit of His Pleasure, and unlimited care to learn the Shar‘y evidence, and search after them until they find them. ( Part No : 7, Page No: 216) In this way, the world will be open to them and they will be able to issue Fatwa, invite people to Islam, and teach people, and enjoin the good and forbid the wrong with insight. As Allah (Exalted be He) says: Say (O Muhammad صلى االله عليه و سلم): "This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge Insightherehasbeeninterpretedasknowledge. Those who do not have insight cannot be considered among the people of knowledge and they do not benefit the people by their Da‘wah or other matters related to the Din; I mean with real fruitful benefits. Although they may benefit people with the advice that they give, an issue that they have learned, or by providing a material benefit. The real benefit from the seekers of knowledge is conditional upon their truthfulness, sincerity, amount of knowledge, depth of understanding, and their patience and perseverance. Another important issue is the responsibility of seekers of knowledge to convey their knowledge and teach people, as the scholars are the heirs and successors of the Messengers. The Messengers enjoyed a high rank; they were the leaders who guided Ummah (nation based on one creed), and they were the reasons for its happiness and success. The scholars took over this duty after the Messengers and assumed their role in conveying the Message and teaching. The Seal of the Messengers was Muhammad (peace be upon him), and so it only remains now for the scholars to convey and explain the Shari‘ah that Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought and to spread it among people. But this is only confined to those scholars whom Allah has qualified for this role. They are callers to good and leader to the people through their words, deeds, and their outward and inner behavior. Their duty is serious and they are exposed to great danger. They are responsible for the Ummah, and ( Part No : 7, Page No: 217) it is in great need of receiving the Message and having it clarified by all possible ways. There are many ways available nowadays, including written, verbal, and visual media, which all have enormous effect on misguidance or guidance of people, as do the Khutbahs (sermons) on Fridays, ‘Eid (feast day), occasions, seminars, various festivals. They can all have a serious effect, as can independent articles, books, and letters. All praise be to Allah, there are many easy ways that can be utilized today, but the problem is that the students are weak, inactive, avoiding, and negligent; this is the great calamity. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allâh (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allâh’s (Islâmic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims." There is no one in the world whose speech is better than theirs; at their head are the noble Messengers and Prophets (peace be upon them all) and then scholars after them. The more they have of the knowledge, Taqwa (fearing Allah as He should be feared), awe, and sincerity to Allah (may He be Praised), the greater is the benefit, and the more perfect is their conveyance of the Message from Allah and His Messenger. The weaker is the Taqwa, knowledge, fear of Allah, or preoccupation with worldly concerns and desires, the less is the knowledge attained and the good achieved. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: Say (O Muhammad صلى االله عليه و سلم): "This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh ¬ Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allâh i.e. totheOnenessofAllâh¬IslâmicMonotheismwithsureknowledge). Allah(mayHebePraised)explainsthatthemission of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was Da‘wah to Allah with insight and sure knowledge. ( Part No : 7, Page No: 218) Allah commanded the Prophet (peace be upon him) to inform this to the people, telling him what means: Say O Messenger to the people: This is my way i.e. the way I follow, the Shari‘ah; this way of my speaking and acting is my path, my Manhaj (methodology) and way to Allah. It is obligatory on scholars to follow the way of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), which is Da‘wah to Allah with insight and sure knowledge, as that was his way and that of his followers. A Servant cannot be considered as a true follower of the Prophet unless they follow his way completely. If anyone invites people to Islam with sure knowledge and insight, refutes Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship), abides by the truth, they will be considered as a follower of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This is why Allah afterwards says: And Glorified and Exalted be Allâh (above all that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh; those who worship others along with Allâh or set up rivals or partners to Allâh)." A Da‘y (caller to Islam) who is truthful in their Da‘wah is someone who follows the Messenger with insight and sure knowledge and does not lie or speak about Allah (Exalted be He) without knowledge or describe Him with qualities that do not become Him (may He be Praised). They describe Allah with His Perfect Attributes, show that He is unlike any of His Creation, and testify sincerely to Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/ monotheism), and refute Shirk and those who practice it. It is obligatory on a Da‘y to be a sincere believer in Tawhid, abide by Allah’s Shari‘ah, and not compare Allah to His Creation, but to describe Him (may He be Praised) with the Attributes that He and His Prophet (peace be upon him) attributed to Him. They should declare Him to be far exalted above any imperfection or inability, and confirm the Divine Names and Lofty Attributes that He (Glorified and Exalted be He) mentioned in His Glorious Book or reported through the Sunnah of His Truth-Telling Prophet ( Part No : 7, Page No: 219) (peace be upon him) in a way that befits His Majesty, without Tamthil (likening Allah’s Attributes to those of His Creation), and exalting Him far above everything without Ta‘til (denial of Allah’s Attributes). True Servants fully confirm all Allah’s Names and Attributes, without Tamthil or Tashbih (comparison), and declare Him to be non¬comparable to any of His creatures in all His Attributes without any Ta‘til. They describe Allah with the Divine Names and Attributes mentioned in the Book and the authentic Sunnah, without Tahrif (distortion of the meaning), Ta‘til, Takyif (questioning Allah’s Attributes), Tamthil, or any addition or deletion. These are the true followers of the Messengers, not the Mubtadi‘ (those who introduce innovations in religion). They follow the upright Manhaj that was pursued by the Messengers and their followers in righteousness, at the head of whom was Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his Sahabah (Companions, may Allah be pleased with them), and their followers in righteousness, at the head of whom were the well¬known Imams (initiators of the Schools of Jurisprudence) after the Sahabah, such as Imam Malik ibn Anas, Imam Muhammad ibn Idris Al¬Shafi‘y, Imam Abu Hanifah Al-Nu‘man ibn Thabit, Imam Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hanbal, Imam Al¬Awza‘y, Imam Sufyan Al¬Thawry, Imam Ishaq ibn Rahawyah, and other the Imams of knowledge and guidance who followed the upright course of confirming the Names and Attributes of Allah and describing Allah as being unlike His Creatures. Students of knowledge should be very careful not to conceal anything that they learn; they should be careful to explain the truth and answer back the opponents of Islam. They should not show laxity or seclude themselves; they should always be conspicuous in public, as much far as they can, so whenever the opponents of Islam appear, casting doubts and claims, they step forward to refute them in writing or in speaking, or by other means. ( Part No : 7, Page No: 220) They should not be indifferent or simply view it as other people’s responsibility, but rather say, "I am the one to do it." They should deal with issues themselves, even if there are other Imams, for fear that the issue would be neglected. They are always ready and do not seclude themselves. They appear at the appropriate moment to defend Al¬Haqq (the Truth) and answer the opponents of Islam in writing or others means, such as through the radio, newspapers, television, or other possible ways. They should not conceal their knowledge, instead they should write, give Khutbahs and talks, and reply to the Mubtadi‘ and other opponents of Islam, with the strength that Allah gave them, according to their knowledge and the means that Allah provides. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidence and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allâh and cursed by the cursers. Except those who repent and do righteous deeds, and openly declare (the truth which they concealed). These, I will accept their repentance. And I am the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. We should pause to contemplate these two great Ayahs (Qur’anic verses). Allah warns us against concealing knowledge, and threatens and curses anyone who does so. He then shows that there is no escape from this threat and this curse, except through Tawbah (repentance to Allah) for past negligence and sins, correction of the wrong that can be corrected in and by oneself, and declaring the knowledge they have concealed for worldly gain or as a false interpretation. When guidance is given, no Tawbah shall be accepted except by this declaration, and no deliverance secured except by this Tawbah which comprises regret for any past negligence ( Part No : 7, Page No: 221) or sins that were committed, and the sin to be avoided through fear of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) and His Punishment. The third condition is that there should be a true determination never to do it again. This should be declared along with correction, otherwise they may repent and people may not know that they have repented. But when they make it known to people, they will have acquitted their responsibility and their Tawbah will be valid. There is another duty on the part of the students of knowledge first before Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), and then before their bothers, colleagues, and society; that they must be mindful and fearful of Allah in all their actions. As soon as they learn anything, they should hasten and apply it at once; they should not be lax, but must put into practice what they learn. Learning is a must and practicing what we learn is also a must. The seekers of knowledge call themselves to account for their actions all the time, and exert their best to apply Allah’s Rulings to themselves. They regard the Wajib (obligatory) as obligatory for them to do and the Mustahab (desirable) as desirable for them to do, to be a living example of the knowledge they have in their morals, deeds, life, studying circles, sermons, travels, and residence, on land, sea or air; in fact everywhere. This is important not only for themselves, but to others, such as their brothers, colleagues, and students, to impart their knowledge to them through words and actions. This was the way of our Prophet’s Da‘wah; perfect preaching through words and actions. His life was the best of all lives, his words were the best after those of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), and his manners were the best of all manners. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: And Verily, you (O Muhammad صلى االله عليه وسلم) are on an exalted (standard of) character. His manners were those of the Qur’an, as‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) described him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) complied with the Qur’anic commands and prohibitions, practiced the morals it preaches, and took warning from its parables, great stories, and he (peace be upon him) invited the people to the same. ( Part No : 7, Page No: 222) The scholars have to emulate Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his great morals and be faithful to Allah in their words and deeds. They have to convey Allah’s Commands and Prohibitions, and enjoin the good and forbid the evil as far as they can. They should also advise the rulers and guide them. Similarly, they should also advise their families, neighbors, the rest of their society, and all people by all possible means, as far as they can. It is not permissible for them to be lax in these matters, especially in our time, due to the lack of scholars, and the spread of evil, depravity, and Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) all over the world, in Islamic countries and others. Every one endowed with insight can discern the great evils spread in this time through the radio, television, newspapers, and books that invite people to the Fire. These diverse armies that are inviting people to the Fire need to be resisted by equally powerful armies; in fact they need to be stronger than the armies that are driven by the enemies of Islam. All these various dangerous means are driven and spread by the enemies of Islam against Muslims and non¬Muslims, to destroy and lead them to the Fire. They aim to draw them into their hateful way of life and bad morals, so that they together become the dwellers of the Fire, because this is what their leader wants. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: Surely, Shaitân (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire. ( Part No : 7, Page No: 223) So the seekers of knowledge should not withdraw, saying, "I refer all matters to Allah," no, they have duties to perform, for they must convey the Message, explain it and invite people to it. Our Lord (Exalted be He) says: Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى االله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine RevelationandtheQur’ân)andfairpreaching,andarguewiththeminawaythatisbetter. AndAllah(GlorifiedandExalted be He) says: but invite them to your Lord Allah (may He be Praised) commanded the Messenger (peace be upon him) to invite people to His Way. This command is addressed to us all, and not only to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Any command addressed to the Prophet (peace be upon him), is not only for him, but for all of us and for all the scholars, except when it is specified by evidence that it was confined to him alone. O Servant of Allah! You should shun laziness and seclusion. You have to convey Allah’s Command to His Servants. You also have to advise those that you can, anywhere you can. You should advise the leader, scholar, judge, and authorities in your village, town, tribe, and everywhere you can; you should contact people in a good manner and advise and direct them to the good in the best ways. Cooperate with them in righteousness and piety through sermons and reminders, using good words, gently and not aggressively. You should also cooperate with the leaders of the country and ministers in discharging their responsibilities, and with judges, Du‘ah, and with all your brothers in Islam. This is the way that the seekers of knowledge must act, according to the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him), ( Part No : 7, Page No: 224) “The Din is sincerity.” They said, “To whom, O Messenger of Allah?” He (peace be upon him) answered, “To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, and the Imams (leaders) of Muslims and their common people.” (Related by Muslim in his "Sahih [Book of Authentic Hadith]")It is also reported in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al¬Bukhari and Muslim)on the authority of Jarir ibn ‘Abdullah Al¬Bajaly (may Allah be pleased with him) who said, “I gave the pledge of allegiance to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to perform Salah (Prayer), pay Zakah (obligatory charity), and be sincere to every Muslim.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said, “May Allah give splendor and bliss to a person who hears something from us (i.e. the Prophet) and conveys it exactly as they have heard it. Maybe the recipient will understand it better than the one who heard it.” According to another narration, “Maybe the bearer of knowledge is not versed in it.” And in another narration, “Maybethebearerofknowledgeconveysittoonewhoismoreknowledgeablethantheyare.” ItisreportedthattheProphet (peace be upon him) said in a Khutbah, “Let those present inform those who are absent; maybe the recipient will understanditbetterthantheonewhoheardit.” Peoplewillremaingoodaslongastheycooperatewithoneanother in righteousness and piety ¬ with their kings, Emirs, judges, Du‘ah, and with all Muslims ¬ but must take good care to do it kindly, gently, and wisely. It is narrated in the Sahih that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Anyone who is deprived of kindness is deprived of all good.” (Related the Sahihon the authority of Jarir ibn ‘ Abdullah and ‘ Aishah [may Allah be pleased with them both]) According to another narration on the authority of ‘ Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) in a Hadith Marfu‘ (a Hadith narrated from the Prophet with a connected or disconnected chain of narration), the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to say, “Allah is Kind and loves kindness, and He grants (reward) for kindness what He does not grant for hardness and what He does not grant for anything else.” The Messenger (peace be upon him) is reported to sayin the Sahih, “Kindness does not become a part of anything without adorning it, and is not withdrawn from anything without marring it.” It is enough in this regard to quote Allah’s Saying: ( Part No : 7, Page No: 225) Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى االله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation andtheQur’ân)andfairpreaching,andarguewiththeminawaythatisbetter. Allah(GlorifiedandExaltedbeHe)says: And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh¬hearted, they would have broken away from about you In the story of Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and Harun (Aaron, peace be upon him), when Allah sent them to Firawn (Pharoah), He (may He be Praised) instructed them saying: "And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allâh)." I ask Allah, by His Divine Names and Attributes, to guide us, you, and all Muslims to what pleases Him, and to guide us all to His Straight Path. May He provide us all with beneficial knowledge and help us act upon it and follow the proprieties of the Shari‘ah and the great morals that Allah praised His Prophet (peace be upon him) for having. Let us remember the Prophet’s words: “Anyone who pursues a path seeking knowledge, Allah will thereby make easy for them a path to Paradise.” Seeking knowledge and comprehension of the Din are both great matters. We should also remember the Messenger’ words: “If Allah wants good for a person, He makes them comprehendtheDin.” (RelatedbytheTwoShaykhs,i.e.Al-BukhariandMuslim,fromtheHadithnarratedonthe authority of Mu‘awiyah [may Allah be pleased with him]) This great Hadith guides us to understand that comprehension of the Din is a sign indicative of Allah wanting good for a Servant, while those who do not comprehend the Din are forsaken and Allah does not want good for them. There is no might or power except with Allah! May Allah (Glorified be He) guide us all to what pleases Him and make us die as Muslims. ( Part No : 7, Page No: 226) May Allah reform all the conditions of the Muslims everywhere, make those in charge of them the best of them, correct their leaders, increase the number of Du‘ah to guidance, bless them all and everywhere with comprehension of the Din and to abide by the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). And Allah knows best! May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad!

( Part No : 7, Page No: 213) 

Responsibilities of the Seekers of Knowledge

 

All praise is due to Allah. We praise Allah, seek His Help, ask Him for forgiveness, and seek refuge with Allah from the evil of ourselves and the wickedness of our misdeeds. Whoever Allah guides, none can mislead, and whoever Allah leaves astray, none can guide. I testify that there is no deity but Allah Alone, with no partner or associate, and I testify that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger. Peace and blessings be upon him, his family and Companions, and those who rightly follow him. 

O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm [as Muslims (with complete submission to Allâh)]. 

O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwâ (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women; and fear Allâh through Whom you demand (your mutual rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allâh is Ever an All­Watcher over you. 

O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allâh and His Messenger (صلى االله عليه وسلم), he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hell­fire and will be admitted to Paradise). 

My brothers in Islam and honorable sons, I thank Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) for allowing me to attend this meeting and ask Him (Glorified be He) to 

( Part No : 7, Page No: 214) 

make it a blessed meeting, benefit us all from it, correct our deeds and hearts, and to guide us all to the Right Path. Allah’s Blessings are countless and His Favor is endless, as He is the Giver of every blessing. Allah (may He be Praised) says: And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allâh. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says: and if you count the Blessings of Allâh, never will you be able to count them. We thank Allah (Glorified be He) and ask Him to bestow more of His Favor upon us, you, and all Muslims everywhere. 

Dear brothers in Islam and dear sons, you have heard the title of this talk: "The Responsibility of the Seekers of Knowledge towards Society." This is an important matter, as the responsibility of the seekers of knowledge is great, and it varies according to the amount of knowledge, the need of people for it, and their ability and capacity. 

The seekers of knowledge have a responsibility towards themselves; to prepare themselves for education, Da‘wah (calling to Islam), and fulfillment of obligations. As to knowledge, they must pay attention it, comprehend the Din (religion of Islam), review the Shar‘y (Islamic legal) proofs, and dedicate attention to them. Seekers of knowledge need to have a vast stock of Shar‘y proofs and knowledge of the scholars’ opinions, their points of difference, and the preponderant views on controversial issues, supported by evidence from Allah’s Book and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), without Taqlid (strictly following a specific School of Jurisprudence). Taqlid is something anyone can do, it does not take scholarship. Imam Abu ‘Umar ibn‘Abdul­Bar, the well­known scholar and the author of: "Al­Tamhid" and other books, said, 

( Part No : 7, Page No: 215) 

"There is Ijma‘ (consensus of scholars) that those who adhere to Taqlid are not considered as being scholars." 

Seekers of knowledge have a big supposed responsibility. They have to pay attention to the juristic proofs and struggle to learn the relevant evidence on the issues and rulings from the Qur’an and the Purified Sunnah; and be conversant with the founded principles. They should rely on clear evidence closely related to scholarly views. This knowledge of scholarly views will help them to understand the proofs, extract rulings, and distinguish between the preponderant and the unlikely opinions. 

They also have a responsibility to be sincere to Allah (Glorified be He) and always mindful of Him. Their sought­after goal must be to please Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), to discharge their obligations and to benefit people without seeking worldly gain or reward. These are only the pursuits of the hypocrites and their like. Their aim should not be Riya’ (showing­off) or reputation, but to benefit Allah’s Servants and please Allah above all. They should be sure of the evidence on which they base their words, actions and Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar). It is not permissible for them to be lax, because people follow their examples in their behavior and actions. If they are teachers, their students will imitate them; if they are Muftis (Islamic scholars qualified to issue legal opinions), the people will act upon their Fatwas; if they are Du‘ah (callers to Islam), the matter will be very serious; and if they are judges, the matter will be even more serious. 

It is obligatory on seekers of knowledge to have a position that is well pleasing to their Lord; a position that is characterized by sincerity to Allah, true pursuit of His Pleasure, and unlimited care to learn the Shar‘y evidence, and search after them until they find them. 

( Part No : 7, Page No: 216) 

In this way, the world will be open to them and they will be able to issue Fatwa, invite people to Islam, and teach people, and enjoin the good and forbid the wrong with insight. As Allah (Exalted be He) says: Say (O Muhammad صلى االله عليه و سلم): "This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge Insightherehasbeeninterpretedasknowledge. 

Those who do not have insight cannot be considered among the people of knowledge and they do not benefit the people by their Da‘wah or other matters related to the Din; I mean with real fruitful benefits. Although they may benefit people with the advice that they give, an issue that they have learned, or by providing a material benefit. The real benefit from the seekers of knowledge is conditional upon their truthfulness, sincerity, amount of knowledge, depth of understanding, and their patience and perseverance. 

Another important issue is the responsibility of seekers of knowledge to convey their knowledge and teach people, as the scholars are the heirs and successors of the Messengers. The Messengers enjoyed a high rank; they were the leaders who guided Ummah (nation based on one creed), and they were the reasons for its happiness and success. The scholars took over this duty after the Messengers and assumed their role in conveying the Message and teaching. The Seal of the Messengers was Muhammad (peace be upon him), and so it only remains now for the scholars to convey and explain the Shari‘ah that Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought and to spread it among people. But this is only confined to those scholars whom Allah has qualified for this role. They are callers to good and leader to the people through their words, deeds, and their outward and inner behavior. 

Their duty is serious and they are exposed to great danger. They are responsible for the Ummah, and 

( Part No : 7, Page No: 217) 

it is in great need of receiving the Message and having it clarified by all possible ways. 

There are many ways available nowadays, including written, verbal, and visual media, which all have enormous effect on misguidance or guidance of people, as do the Khutbahs (sermons) on Fridays, ‘Eid (feast day), occasions, seminars, various festivals. They can all have a serious effect, as can independent articles, books, and letters. 

All praise be to Allah, there are many easy ways that can be utilized today, but the problem is that the students are weak, inactive, avoiding, and negligent; this is the great calamity. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allâh (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allâh’s (Islâmic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims." There is no one in the world whose speech is better than theirs; at their head are the noble Messengers and Prophets (peace be upon them all) and then scholars after them. 

The more they have of the knowledge, Taqwa (fearing Allah as He should be feared), awe, and sincerity to Allah (may He be Praised), the greater is the benefit, and the more perfect is their conveyance of the Message from Allah and His Messenger. The weaker is the Taqwa, knowledge, fear of Allah, or preoccupation with worldly concerns and desires, the less is the knowledge attained and the good achieved. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: Say (O Muhammad صلى االله عليه و سلم): "This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allâh i.e. totheOnenessofAllâh­IslâmicMonotheismwithsureknowledge). Allah(mayHebePraised)explainsthatthemission of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was Da‘wah to Allah with insight and sure knowledge. 

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Allah commanded the Prophet (peace be upon him) to inform this to the people, telling him what means: Say O Messenger to the people: This is my way i.e. the way I follow, the Shari‘ah; this way of my speaking and acting is my path, my Manhaj (methodology) and way to Allah. 

It is obligatory on scholars to follow the way of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), which is Da‘wah to Allah with insight and sure knowledge, as that was his way and that of his followers. A Servant cannot be considered as a true follower of the Prophet unless they follow his way completely. If anyone invites people to Islam with sure knowledge and insight, refutes Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship), abides by the truth, they will be considered as a follower of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This is why Allah afterwards says: And Glorified and Exalted be Allâh (above all that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh; those who worship others along with Allâh or set up rivals or partners to Allâh)." A Da‘y (caller to Islam) who is truthful in their Da‘wah is someone who follows the Messenger with insight and sure knowledge and does not lie or speak about Allah (Exalted be He) without knowledge or describe Him with qualities that do not become Him (may He be Praised). They describe Allah with His Perfect Attributes, show that He is unlike any of His Creation, and testify sincerely to Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/ monotheism), and refute Shirk and those who practice it. 

It is obligatory on a Da‘y to be a sincere believer in Tawhid, abide by Allah’s Shari‘ah, and not compare Allah 

to His Creation, but to describe Him (may He be Praised) with the Attributes that He and His Prophet (peace be upon him) attributed to Him. They should declare Him to be far exalted above any imperfection or inability, and confirm the Divine Names and Lofty Attributes that He (Glorified and Exalted be He) mentioned in His Glorious Book or reported through the Sunnah of His Truth­Telling Prophet 

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(peace be upon him) in a way that befits His Majesty, without Tamthil (likening Allah’s Attributes to those of His Creation), and exalting Him far above everything without Ta‘til (denial of Allah’s Attributes). 

True Servants fully confirm all Allah’s Names and Attributes, without Tamthil or Tashbih (comparison), and declare Him to be non­comparable to any of His creatures in all His Attributes without any Ta‘til. 

They describe Allah with the Divine Names and Attributes mentioned in the Book and the authentic Sunnah, without Tahrif (distortion of the meaning), Ta‘til, Takyif (questioning Allah’s Attributes), Tamthil, or any addition or deletion. These are the true followers of the Messengers, not the Mubtadi‘ (those who introduce innovations in religion). They follow the upright Manhaj that was pursued by the Messengers and their followers in righteousness, at the head of whom was Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his Sahabah (Companions, may Allah be pleased with them), and their followers in righteousness, at the head of whom were the well­known Imams (initiators of the Schools of Jurisprudence) after the Sahabah, such as Imam Malik ibn Anas, Imam Muhammad ibn Idris Al­Shafi‘y, Imam Abu Hanifah Al­Nu‘man ibn Thabit, Imam Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hanbal, Imam Al­Awza‘y, Imam Sufyan Al­Thawry, Imam Ishaq ibn Rahawyah, and other the Imams of knowledge and guidance who followed the upright course of confirming the Names and Attributes of Allah and describing Allah as being unlike His Creatures. 

Students of knowledge should be very careful not to conceal anything that they learn; they should be careful to explain the truth and answer back the opponents of Islam. They should not show laxity or seclude themselves; they should always be conspicuous in public, as much far as they can, so whenever the opponents of Islam appear, casting doubts and claims, they step forward to refute them in writing or in speaking, or by other means. 

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They should not be indifferent or simply view it as other people’s responsibility, but rather say, "I am the one to do it." They should deal with issues themselves, even if there are other Imams, for fear that the issue would be neglected. They are always ready and do not seclude themselves. They appear at the appropriate moment to defend Al­Haqq (the Truth) and answer the opponents of Islam in writing or others means, such as through the radio, newspapers, television, or other possible ways. They should not conceal their knowledge, instead they should write, give Khutbahs and talks, and reply to the Mubtadi‘ and other opponents of Islam, with the strength that Allah gave them, according to their knowledge and the means that Allah provides. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidence and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allâh and cursed by the cursers. Except those who repent and do righteous deeds, and openly declare (the truth which they concealed). These, I will accept their repentance. And I am the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. 

We should pause to contemplate these two great Ayahs (Qur’anic verses). Allah warns us against concealing knowledge, and threatens and curses anyone who does so. He then shows that there is no escape from this threat and this curse, except through Tawbah (repentance to Allah) for past negligence and sins, correction of the wrong that can be corrected in and by oneself, and declaring the knowledge they have concealed for worldly gain or as a false interpretation. When guidance is given, no Tawbah shall be accepted except by this declaration, and no deliverance secured except by this Tawbah which comprises regret for any past negligence 

( Part No : 7, Page No: 221) 

or sins that were committed, and the sin to be avoided through fear of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) and His Punishment. 

The third condition is that there should be a true determination never to do it again. This should be declared along with correction, otherwise they may repent and people may not know that they have repented. But when they make it known to people, they will have acquitted their responsibility and their Tawbah will be valid. There is another duty on the part of the students of knowledge first before Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), and then before their bothers, colleagues, and society; that they must be mindful and fearful of Allah in all their actions. As soon as they learn anything, they should hasten and apply it at once; they should not be lax, but must put into practice what they learn. Learning is a must and practicing what we learn is also a must. The seekers of knowledge call themselves to account for their actions all the time, and exert their best to apply Allah’s Rulings to themselves. They regard the Wajib (obligatory) as obligatory for them to do and the Mustahab (desirable) as desirable for them to do, to be a living example of the knowledge they have in their morals, deeds, life, studying circles, sermons, travels, and residence, on land, sea or air; in fact everywhere. This is important not only for themselves, but to others, such as their brothers, colleagues, and students, to impart their knowledge to them through words and actions. This was the way of our Prophet’s Da‘wah; perfect preaching through words and actions. His life was the best of all lives, his words were the best after those of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), and his manners were the best of all manners. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: And Verily, you (O Muhammad صلى االله عليه وسلم) are on an exalted (standard of) character. His manners were those of the Qur’an, as‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) described him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) complied with the Qur’anic commands and prohibitions, practiced the 

morals it preaches, and took warning from its parables, great stories, and he (peace be upon him) invited the people to the same. 

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The scholars have to emulate Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his great morals and be faithful to Allah in their words and deeds. They have to convey Allah’s Commands and Prohibitions, and enjoin the good and forbid the evil as far as they can. They should also advise the rulers and guide them. Similarly, they should also advise their families, neighbors, the rest of their society, and all people by all possible means, as far as they can. It is not permissible for them to be lax in these matters, especially in our time, due to the lack of scholars, and the spread of evil, depravity, and Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) all over the world, in Islamic countries and others. 

Every one endowed with insight can discern the great evils spread in this time through the radio, television, newspapers, and books that invite people to the Fire. 

These diverse armies that are inviting people to the Fire need to be resisted by equally powerful armies; in fact they need to be stronger than the armies that are driven by the enemies of Islam. All these various dangerous means are driven and spread by the enemies of Islam against Muslims and non­Muslims, to destroy and lead them to the Fire. They aim to draw them into their hateful way of life and bad morals, so that they together become the dwellers of the Fire, because this is what their leader wants. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: Surely, Shaitân (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire. 

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So the seekers of knowledge should not withdraw, saying, "I refer all matters to Allah," no, they have duties to perform, for they must convey the Message, explain it and invite people to it. Our Lord (Exalted be He) says: Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى االله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine RevelationandtheQur’ân)andfairpreaching,andarguewiththeminawaythatisbetter. AndAllah(GlorifiedandExalted be He) says: but invite them to your Lord Allah (may He be Praised) commanded the Messenger (peace be upon him) to invite people to His Way. This command is addressed to us all, and not only to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Any command addressed to the Prophet (peace be upon him), is not only for him, but for all of us and for all the scholars, except when it is specified by evidence that it was confined to him alone. 

O Servant of Allah! You should shun laziness and seclusion. You have to convey Allah’s Command to His Servants. You also have to advise those that you can, anywhere you can. You should advise the leader, scholar, judge, and authorities in your village, town, tribe, and everywhere you can; you should contact people in a good manner and advise and direct them to the good in the best ways. Cooperate with them in righteousness and piety through sermons and reminders, using good words, gently and not aggressively. 

You should also cooperate with the leaders of the country and ministers in discharging their responsibilities, and with judges, Du‘ah, and with all your brothers in Islam. 

This is the way that the seekers of knowledge must act, according to the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him),

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“The Din is sincerity.” They said, “To whom, O Messenger of Allah?” He (peace be upon him) answered, “To Allah, His Book, His 

Messenger, and the Imams (leaders) of Muslims and their common people.” (Related by Muslim in his "Sahih [Book of 

Authentic Hadith]")It is also reported in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al­Bukhari and 

Muslim)on the authority of Jarir ibn ‘Abdullah Al­Bajaly (may Allah be pleased with him) who said, “I gave the pledge 

of allegiance to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to perform Salah (Prayer), pay Zakah (obligatory charity), and be sincere to every Muslim.” 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said, “May Allah give splendor and bliss to a person who hears something from us (i.e. the Prophet) and conveys it exactly as they have heard it. Maybe the recipient will understand it better than the one who heard it.” According to another narration, “Maybe the bearer of knowledge is not versed in it.” And in another narration, “Maybethebearerofknowledgeconveysittoonewhoismoreknowledgeablethantheyare.” ItisreportedthattheProphet (peace be upon him) said in a Khutbah, “Let those present inform those who are absent; maybe the recipient will understanditbetterthantheonewhoheardit.” Peoplewillremaingoodaslongastheycooperatewithoneanother in righteousness and piety with their kings, Emirs, judges, Du‘ah, and with all Muslims but must take good care to do it kindly, gently, and wisely. It is narrated in the Sahih that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Anyone who is deprived of kindness is deprived of all good.” (Related the Sahihon the authority of Jarir 

ibn ‘ Abdullah and ‘ Aishah [may Allah be pleased with them both]) 

According to another narration on the authority of ‘ Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) in a Hadith Marfu‘ (a Hadith narrated from the Prophet with a connected or disconnected chain of narration), the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to say, “Allah is Kind and loves kindness, and He grants (reward) for kindness what He does not grant for hardness and what He does not grant for anything else.” The Messenger (peace be upon him) is reported to sayin the Sahih, “Kindness does not become a part of anything without adorning it, and is not withdrawn from anything without marring it.” 

It is enough in this regard to quote Allah’s Saying: 

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Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى االله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation andtheQur’ân)andfairpreaching,andarguewiththeminawaythatisbetter. Allah(GlorifiedandExaltedbeHe)says: And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh­hearted, they would have broken away from about you In the story of Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and Harun (Aaron, peace be upon him), when Allah sent them to Firawn (Pharoah), He (may He be Praised) instructed them saying: "And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allâh)." 

I ask Allah, by His Divine Names and Attributes, to guide us, you, and all Muslims to what pleases Him, and to guide us all to His Straight Path. May He provide us all with beneficial knowledge and help us act upon it and follow the proprieties of the Shari‘ah and the great morals that Allah praised His Prophet (peace be upon him) for having. Let us remember the Prophet’s words: “Anyone who pursues a path seeking knowledge, Allah will thereby make easy for them a path to Paradise.” Seeking knowledge and comprehension of the Din are both great matters. We should also remember the Messenger’ words: “If Allah wants good for a person, He makes them comprehendtheDin.” (RelatedbytheTwoShaykhs,i.e.Al­BukhariandMuslim,fromtheHadithnarratedonthe authority of Mu‘awiyah [may Allah be pleased with him]) This great Hadith guides us to understand that comprehension of the Din is a sign indicative of Allah wanting good for a Servant, while those who do not comprehend the Din are forsaken and Allah does not want good for them. There is no might or power except with Allah! May Allah (Glorified be He) guide us all to what pleases Him and make us die as Muslims. 

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May Allah reform all the conditions of the Muslims everywhere, make those in charge of them the best of them, correct their leaders, increase the number of Du‘ah to guidance, bless them all and everywhere with comprehension of the Din and to abide by the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). And Allah knows best! May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad!