Hasan al-Basree (d. 110H) rahimahullaah said:
“Knowledge - memorisation - at a young age is like engraving upon stone.”
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqeh (2/89), Kashf al-Khafaa (no.1757)
“Knowledge - memorisation - at a young age is like engraving upon stone.”
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqeh (2/89), Kashf al-Khafaa (no.1757)
The Benefits Of Disparaging The Innovators & Their Ilk
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 725H) rahimahullaah said:
And if it is that advice is obligatory with regards to bringing about religious benefits whether they are specific or general; such as the narrators of Hadeeth who err or fabricate lies (in narrating Hadeeth). As Yahya b. Sa'eed said: ‘I asked Maalik, [Sufyaan] ath-Thawree, Layth b. Sa’d and - I think - al-Awzaa’ee concerning a man who is accused (of fabricating lies) in Hadeeth or that he has not memorised?’ so they all said: ‘Clarify his affair.’ Someone said to Imaam Ahmad b. Hanbal: ‘I certainly find it very difficult to say so-and-so is like such-and-such and so-and-so is like such-and-such.’ So he replied: ‘If you were to remain silent and I was to remain silent then when would the ignorant person know about that which is authentic from that which is corrupt (weak).'
Similarly, the Imaams of innovation among the people of (innovated) statements that oppose the Book and the Sunnah, or acts of worship that conflict and oppose the Book and the Sunnah; then it is obligatory by agreement of the Muslims that their condition is made clear and the Ummah is warned from them. So much so that, it was said to Ahmad b. Hanbal: 'What is more beloved to you that a man fasts, prays and performs I'tikaaf (secludes himself in a masjid for worship) or that he speaks out against the people of innovation?’ So he replied: ‘If he fasts, prays and performs I'tikaaf then that is just for his own self but if he speaks out against the people of innovation then that is for (all) the Muslims and this is better (i.e. more virtuous in excellence).’ So he clarified that the benefit of this (i.e. speaking out against the people of innovation) is general for all the Muslims in (safeguarding) their religion. And it is a type of Jihaad (fighting and striving) in the Path of Allaah because purifying the path of Allaah, His religion, His Minhaaj (methodology), His legislation, and to repel the transgression of those people and having enmity towards them due to that is a collective obligation (duty) by unanimous agreement of the Muslims.
Furthermore, if it was not for the fact that Allaah establishes those who repel the harm of those (innovators) then the religion would certainly have become corrupted. In addition, the corruption of that (i.e. the innovators - the enemies within) is greater than the corruption resulting from the conquering of the enemies from the people of war (i.e. the enemy from outside the ranks of the Muslims - the Disbelievers). For indeed, when they (the disbelievers) dominate and conquer (the Muslims) they do not corrupt the hearts and whatever is within the hearts from the religion (i.e. faith) except gradually (i.e. after some time). As for them - the people of innovation - then they corrupt the hearts from the very beginning.
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Majmoo’ al-Fataawa of Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah rahimahullaah, (28/231)
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 725H) rahimahullaah said:
And if it is that advice is obligatory with regards to bringing about religious benefits whether they are specific or general; such as the narrators of Hadeeth who err or fabricate lies (in narrating Hadeeth). As Yahya b. Sa'eed said: ‘I asked Maalik, [Sufyaan] ath-Thawree, Layth b. Sa’d and - I think - al-Awzaa’ee concerning a man who is accused (of fabricating lies) in Hadeeth or that he has not memorised?’ so they all said: ‘Clarify his affair.’ Someone said to Imaam Ahmad b. Hanbal: ‘I certainly find it very difficult to say so-and-so is like such-and-such and so-and-so is like such-and-such.’ So he replied: ‘If you were to remain silent and I was to remain silent then when would the ignorant person know about that which is authentic from that which is corrupt (weak).'
Similarly, the Imaams of innovation among the people of (innovated) statements that oppose the Book and the Sunnah, or acts of worship that conflict and oppose the Book and the Sunnah; then it is obligatory by agreement of the Muslims that their condition is made clear and the Ummah is warned from them. So much so that, it was said to Ahmad b. Hanbal: 'What is more beloved to you that a man fasts, prays and performs I'tikaaf (secludes himself in a masjid for worship) or that he speaks out against the people of innovation?’ So he replied: ‘If he fasts, prays and performs I'tikaaf then that is just for his own self but if he speaks out against the people of innovation then that is for (all) the Muslims and this is better (i.e. more virtuous in excellence).’ So he clarified that the benefit of this (i.e. speaking out against the people of innovation) is general for all the Muslims in (safeguarding) their religion. And it is a type of Jihaad (fighting and striving) in the Path of Allaah because purifying the path of Allaah, His religion, His Minhaaj (methodology), His legislation, and to repel the transgression of those people and having enmity towards them due to that is a collective obligation (duty) by unanimous agreement of the Muslims.
Furthermore, if it was not for the fact that Allaah establishes those who repel the harm of those (innovators) then the religion would certainly have become corrupted. In addition, the corruption of that (i.e. the innovators - the enemies within) is greater than the corruption resulting from the conquering of the enemies from the people of war (i.e. the enemy from outside the ranks of the Muslims - the Disbelievers). For indeed, when they (the disbelievers) dominate and conquer (the Muslims) they do not corrupt the hearts and whatever is within the hearts from the religion (i.e. faith) except gradually (i.e. after some time). As for them - the people of innovation - then they corrupt the hearts from the very beginning.
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Majmoo’ al-Fataawa of Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah rahimahullaah, (28/231)
Aboo Hurairah (d. 59H) radiallaahu 'anhu said:
“Whoever learns knowledge whilst he is a young man it is as if it has been etched in stone and whoever learns knowledge after he enters into old age is like the one who writes upon the surface of the water.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Jaami’ Bayaan al-'ilm wa Fadlihi (no.135), this narration also comes on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas in Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqeh (2/91), and on the authority of Ismaa'eel b. Raafi’ in Madkhal al-Haakim (no.641) who raised it (i.e. connected the narration to the Messenger) but it is in disconnected form. Refer also to Kashf al-Khafaa (no.1757)
“Whoever learns knowledge whilst he is a young man it is as if it has been etched in stone and whoever learns knowledge after he enters into old age is like the one who writes upon the surface of the water.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Jaami’ Bayaan al-'ilm wa Fadlihi (no.135), this narration also comes on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas in Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqeh (2/91), and on the authority of Ismaa'eel b. Raafi’ in Madkhal al-Haakim (no.641) who raised it (i.e. connected the narration to the Messenger) but it is in disconnected form. Refer also to Kashf al-Khafaa (no.1757)
Aboo Hurairah (d. 59H) radiallaahu 'anhu said:
“Whoever learns knowledge whilst he is a young man it is as if it has been etched in stone and whoever learns knowledge after he enters into old age is like the one who writes upon the surface of the water.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Jaami’ Bayaan al-'ilm wa Fadlihi (no.135), this narration also comes on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas in Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqeh (2/91), and on the authority of Ismaa'eel b. Raafi’ in Madkhal al-Haakim (no.641) who raised it (i.e. connected the narration to the Messenger) but it is in disconnected form. Refer also to Kashf al-Khafaa (no.1757)
“Whoever learns knowledge whilst he is a young man it is as if it has been etched in stone and whoever learns knowledge after he enters into old age is like the one who writes upon the surface of the water.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Jaami’ Bayaan al-'ilm wa Fadlihi (no.135), this narration also comes on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas in Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqeh (2/91), and on the authority of Ismaa'eel b. Raafi’ in Madkhal al-Haakim (no.641) who raised it (i.e. connected the narration to the Messenger) but it is in disconnected form. Refer also to Kashf al-Khafaa (no.1757)
Wakee' (d. 197H) rahimahullaah said:
“If you want to memorise a Hadeeth then act according to it.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Tadreeb ar-Raawee (2/144)
“If you want to memorise a Hadeeth then act according to it.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Tadreeb ar-Raawee (2/144)
Aboo Qilaabah (d.104H) rahimahullaah said:
“Writing is more beloved to me than forgetting.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Sharh 'ilal at-Tirmidhee (1/346)
“Writing is more beloved to me than forgetting.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Sharh 'ilal at-Tirmidhee (1/346)
'Abdullaah b. Mas'ood (d. 32H) radiallaahu 'anhu said:
“We imitate and we do not initiate, and we follow and we do not innovate; and we will never go astray so long as we cling to the narrations.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Sharh Usool I'tiqaad Ahlus-Sunnah al-Laalikaa’ee (no.201), al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqeh (1/147), Dhamm al-Kalaam (no.330), Dhamm at-Ta'weel (no.59), Miftaahul-Jannah (p.65).
“We imitate and we do not initiate, and we follow and we do not innovate; and we will never go astray so long as we cling to the narrations.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Sharh Usool I'tiqaad Ahlus-Sunnah al-Laalikaa’ee (no.201), al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqeh (1/147), Dhamm al-Kalaam (no.330), Dhamm at-Ta'weel (no.59), Miftaahul-Jannah (p.65).
'Abdullaah b. Mas'ood (d. 32H) radiallaahu 'anhu said:
“We imitate and we do not initiate, and we follow and we do not innovate; and we will never go astray so long as we cling to the narrations.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Sharh Usool I'tiqaad Ahlus-Sunnah al-Laalikaa’ee (no.201), al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqeh (1/147), Dhamm al-Kalaam (no.330), Dhamm at-Ta'weel (no.59), Miftaahul-Jannah (p.65)
“We imitate and we do not initiate, and we follow and we do not innovate; and we will never go astray so long as we cling to the narrations.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Sharh Usool I'tiqaad Ahlus-Sunnah al-Laalikaa’ee (no.201), al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqeh (1/147), Dhamm al-Kalaam (no.330), Dhamm at-Ta'weel (no.59), Miftaahul-Jannah (p.65)
'Abdullaah b. al-Mubaarak (d. 181H) rahimahullaah said:
“If it was not for writing we would not have memorised.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Sharh 'ilal at-Tirmidhee (1/346)
“If it was not for writing we would not have memorised.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Sharh 'ilal at-Tirmidhee (1/346)
Ash-Shaafi’ee (d. 204H) rahimahullaah said:
“The example of the one who seeks Hadeeth without Isnaad is like the example of the person who gathers wood at night (Haatib al-Layl)*.”
* Translators Note: A person who collects firewood at night (Haatib al-Layl) and he cannot decipher between a piece of wood and a snake because he cannot see well at night.
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Fathul-Mugheeth, Indian print (3/333), al-Hittah Fee Dhikr as-Sihaah as-Sittah (no.41)
“The example of the one who seeks Hadeeth without Isnaad is like the example of the person who gathers wood at night (Haatib al-Layl)*.”
* Translators Note: A person who collects firewood at night (Haatib al-Layl) and he cannot decipher between a piece of wood and a snake because he cannot see well at night.
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Fathul-Mugheeth, Indian print (3/333), al-Hittah Fee Dhikr as-Sihaah as-Sittah (no.41)
Ash-Shaafi’ee (d. 204H) rahimahullaah said:
“The example of the one who seeks Hadeeth without Isnaad is like the example of the person who gathers wood at night (Haatib al-Layl)*.”
* Translators Note: A person who collects firewood at night (Haatib al-Layl) and he cannot decipher between a piece of wood and a snake because he cannot see well at night.
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Fathul-Mugheeth, Indian print (3/333), al-Hittah Fee Dhikr as-Sihaah as-Sittah (no.41)
“The example of the one who seeks Hadeeth without Isnaad is like the example of the person who gathers wood at night (Haatib al-Layl)*.”
* Translators Note: A person who collects firewood at night (Haatib al-Layl) and he cannot decipher between a piece of wood and a snake because he cannot see well at night.
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Fathul-Mugheeth, Indian print (3/333), al-Hittah Fee Dhikr as-Sihaah as-Sittah (no.41)
Muhammad b. Seereen (d. 110H) rahimahullaah said:
“In the early period they never used to ask about the Isnaad. But when the Fitnah occurred, they started to ask for the Isnaad in order to accept the Hadeeth of Ahlus-Sunnah, and reject the Hadeeth of the people of innovation.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Ahwaal ar-Rijaal [of al-Jawzjanee (d.259H)] (p.35-36), Muslim (1/15) [in the introduction], al-'ilal as-Sagheer (no.739), al-Muhaddith al-Faasil (no.209), al-Qira'atu Khalf al-Imaam (no.442), Al-Kifaayah (no.197), Adabul-Imlaa wal-Istimlaa: (no.10), Jaami' at-Tahseel fee Ahkaam al-Maraaseel (no.59), Sharh 'ilal at-Tirmidhee (1/354), ad-Du'afaa al-'Uqaylee (1/11), Tadreebur-Raawee (1/203), Miftaahul-Jannah (p.40)
“In the early period they never used to ask about the Isnaad. But when the Fitnah occurred, they started to ask for the Isnaad in order to accept the Hadeeth of Ahlus-Sunnah, and reject the Hadeeth of the people of innovation.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Ahwaal ar-Rijaal [of al-Jawzjanee (d.259H)] (p.35-36), Muslim (1/15) [in the introduction], al-'ilal as-Sagheer (no.739), al-Muhaddith al-Faasil (no.209), al-Qira'atu Khalf al-Imaam (no.442), Al-Kifaayah (no.197), Adabul-Imlaa wal-Istimlaa: (no.10), Jaami' at-Tahseel fee Ahkaam al-Maraaseel (no.59), Sharh 'ilal at-Tirmidhee (1/354), ad-Du'afaa al-'Uqaylee (1/11), Tadreebur-Raawee (1/203), Miftaahul-Jannah (p.40)
Muhammad b. Seereen (d. 110H) rahimahullaah said:
“In the early period they never used to ask about the Isnaad. But when the Fitnah occurred, they started to ask for the Isnaad in order to accept the Hadeeth of Ahlus-Sunnah, and reject the Hadeeth of the people of innovation.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Ahwaal ar-Rijaal [of al-Jawzjanee (d.259H)] (p.35-36), Muslim (1/15) [in the introduction], al-'ilal as-Sagheer (no.739), al-Muhaddith al-Faasil (no.209), al-Qira'atu Khalf al-Imaam (no.442), Al-Kifaayah (no.197), Adabul-Imlaa wal-Istimlaa: (no.10), Jaami' at-Tahseel fee Ahkaam al-Maraaseel (no.59), Sharh 'ilal at-Tirmidhee (1/354), ad-Du'afaa al-'Uqaylee (1/11), Tadreebur-Raawee (1/203), Miftaahul-Jannah (p.40)
“In the early period they never used to ask about the Isnaad. But when the Fitnah occurred, they started to ask for the Isnaad in order to accept the Hadeeth of Ahlus-Sunnah, and reject the Hadeeth of the people of innovation.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Ahwaal ar-Rijaal [of al-Jawzjanee (d.259H)] (p.35-36), Muslim (1/15) [in the introduction], al-'ilal as-Sagheer (no.739), al-Muhaddith al-Faasil (no.209), al-Qira'atu Khalf al-Imaam (no.442), Al-Kifaayah (no.197), Adabul-Imlaa wal-Istimlaa: (no.10), Jaami' at-Tahseel fee Ahkaam al-Maraaseel (no.59), Sharh 'ilal at-Tirmidhee (1/354), ad-Du'afaa al-'Uqaylee (1/11), Tadreebur-Raawee (1/203), Miftaahul-Jannah (p.40)
Muhammad b. Haatim al-Mudhaffar rahimahullaah said:
“Indeed Allaah ennobled this Ummah, and honoured and preferred it with the Isnaad and not a single one from all the previous nations whether the earlier ones from them or the latter ones have the Isnaad.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Sharaf Ashaabul-Hadeeth (no.71)
“Indeed Allaah ennobled this Ummah, and honoured and preferred it with the Isnaad and not a single one from all the previous nations whether the earlier ones from them or the latter ones have the Isnaad.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Sharaf Ashaabul-Hadeeth (no.71)
Muhammad b. Haatim al-Mudhaffar rahimahullaah said:
“Indeed Allaah ennobled this Ummah, and honoured and preferred it with the Isnaad and not a single one from all the previous nations whether the earlier ones from them or the latter ones have the Isnaad.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Sharaf Ashaabul-Hadeeth (no.71)
“Indeed Allaah ennobled this Ummah, and honoured and preferred it with the Isnaad and not a single one from all the previous nations whether the earlier ones from them or the latter ones have the Isnaad.”
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Sharaf Ashaabul-Hadeeth (no.71)
Imaam Ahmad (d. 241H) rahimahullaah said:
“The Sunnah with us are the narrations."
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Miftaahul-Jannah (p.65) and as-Suyootee attributed it to al-Laalikaa’ee
“The Sunnah with us are the narrations."
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Miftaahul-Jannah (p.65) and as-Suyootee attributed it to al-Laalikaa’ee