Worship Without Knowledge Leads To Destruction
Hasan al-Basree (d. 110H) rahimahullaah said:
"The one who acts without knowledge is like the person who travels without any path; the one who acts without knowledge corrupts more than what he rectifies. So, endeavour in seeking knowledge so long as it does not harm worship and endeavour in seeking after worship as long as it does not harm (seeking) knowledge. For indeed a people (i.e. the Khawaarij) sought worship and neglected knowledge until they went out (revolting) against the Ummah of Muhammad (ﷺ) with their swords. But had they sought knowledge then it would not have led them to what they fell into."
Reference: Miftaah Daar as-Sa'aadah (1/83), Mukhtasir Naseehah Ahlil-Hadeeth (no.155).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Hasan al-Basree (d. 110H) rahimahullaah said:
"The one who acts without knowledge is like the person who travels without any path; the one who acts without knowledge corrupts more than what he rectifies. So, endeavour in seeking knowledge so long as it does not harm worship and endeavour in seeking after worship as long as it does not harm (seeking) knowledge. For indeed a people (i.e. the Khawaarij) sought worship and neglected knowledge until they went out (revolting) against the Ummah of Muhammad (ﷺ) with their swords. But had they sought knowledge then it would not have led them to what they fell into."
Reference: Miftaah Daar as-Sa'aadah (1/83), Mukhtasir Naseehah Ahlil-Hadeeth (no.155).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Death Upon Islaam & The Sunnah
Aboo Bakr al-Marroodhee (d. 275H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"I said to Aboo Abdillaah: 'Whoever dies upon Islaam and the Sunnah has died upon good (Khair)’. So he said to me: ‘Silence! Rather whoever dies upon Islaam and the Sunnah has died upon all good.'"
Reference: Manaaqibul-Imaam Ahmad of Ibnul-Jawzee (no.180).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Aboo Bakr al-Marroodhee (d. 275H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"I said to Aboo Abdillaah: 'Whoever dies upon Islaam and the Sunnah has died upon good (Khair)’. So he said to me: ‘Silence! Rather whoever dies upon Islaam and the Sunnah has died upon all good.'"
Reference: Manaaqibul-Imaam Ahmad of Ibnul-Jawzee (no.180).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
The Excellence Of Seeking Hadeeth
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee (d. 463H) rahimahullaah said:
"Seeking Hadeeth in this time is more virtuous than all the different types of optional worship due to it being the study of the Sunan (actions and statements of the Prophet) and its details, and (due to) the emergence of innovations and the predominance of its people."
Reference: Sharaf Ashaabul-Hadeeth (no.171).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee (d. 463H) rahimahullaah said:
"Seeking Hadeeth in this time is more virtuous than all the different types of optional worship due to it being the study of the Sunan (actions and statements of the Prophet) and its details, and (due to) the emergence of innovations and the predominance of its people."
Reference: Sharaf Ashaabul-Hadeeth (no.171).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Etiquettes Of Seeking Hadeeth
Khaalid b. Safwaan at-Tamimee (d. 135H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"If you see a Muhaddith (Hadeeth Scholar) narrate a Hadeeth which you have already heard, or he relates a narration which you already know, then do not participate with him in narrating it, in the desire to inform those present, that you already know of it. For indeed that is degrading and disdainful, and bad manners."
Reference: Al-Jaami' li-Akhlaaq ar-Raawee at-Tahhaan's checking (no.353) & 'Ajaaj's checking (no.356).
Translation by Aboo Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Khaalid b. Safwaan at-Tamimee (d. 135H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"If you see a Muhaddith (Hadeeth Scholar) narrate a Hadeeth which you have already heard, or he relates a narration which you already know, then do not participate with him in narrating it, in the desire to inform those present, that you already know of it. For indeed that is degrading and disdainful, and bad manners."
Reference: Al-Jaami' li-Akhlaaq ar-Raawee at-Tahhaan's checking (no.353) & 'Ajaaj's checking (no.356).
Translation by Aboo Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Knowledge Is Praiseworthy When Sought for Action
Az-Zubayr b. 'Arabee rahimahullaah said:
"A man asked Ibn 'Umar (radiallaahu 'anhumaa) concerning touching the Black Stone, so he said: 'I saw the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) touching it and kissing it.' He said: 'So I said: What do you see if it becomes crowded and what if I am overcome (by people)?’ He replied: 'Leave this 'what do you see' in Yemen, I saw the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) touching it and kissing it.'"
Al-Bukhaaree (no.1533) & at-Tirmidhee (no.861).
Explanation:
Ibn Rajab (d. 795H) rahimahullaah said:
"The intent of Ibn 'Umar was that you should have no desire except to adhere and follow the Prophet (ﷺ). There is no need for hypothetical assumptions of inability or the difficulty of it before it even occurs, because it leads to weakening the resolve in observance of adhering and following [the texts]. So gaining insight and understanding in the religion, and asking questions about knowledge is only praiseworthy if it is sought for action and not for the sake of argumentation and disputation."
Jaami' ul-'Uloom wal-Hikam, explanation of Hadeeth (no.9).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Az-Zubayr b. 'Arabee rahimahullaah said:
"A man asked Ibn 'Umar (radiallaahu 'anhumaa) concerning touching the Black Stone, so he said: 'I saw the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) touching it and kissing it.' He said: 'So I said: What do you see if it becomes crowded and what if I am overcome (by people)?’ He replied: 'Leave this 'what do you see' in Yemen, I saw the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) touching it and kissing it.'"
Al-Bukhaaree (no.1533) & at-Tirmidhee (no.861).
Explanation:
Ibn Rajab (d. 795H) rahimahullaah said:
"The intent of Ibn 'Umar was that you should have no desire except to adhere and follow the Prophet (ﷺ). There is no need for hypothetical assumptions of inability or the difficulty of it before it even occurs, because it leads to weakening the resolve in observance of adhering and following [the texts]. So gaining insight and understanding in the religion, and asking questions about knowledge is only praiseworthy if it is sought for action and not for the sake of argumentation and disputation."
Jaami' ul-'Uloom wal-Hikam, explanation of Hadeeth (no.9).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
What Aids Memorisation?
'Alee b. Khashram al-Marwazee rahimahullaah (d. 257H) said:
"I asked Wakee'; I said: 'O Aboo Sufyaan, do you know of anything that helps with memorisation?' He said: 'I see you are a newcomer.' Then he said: 'Abandonment of sins aids in memorisation.'"
Benefit:
'Alee b. Kashram al-Marwazee became one of the great memorisers of Hadeeth and a trustworthy narrator.
Imaam adh-Dhahabee mentions about him: "The Imaam, Al-Haafidh (the great memoriser of Hadeeth), the truthful narrator..." [Siyar A'laamun-Nubalaa (9/430)].
Reference: Al-Jaami' li-Akhlaaq ar-Raawee (no.1785).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
'Alee b. Khashram al-Marwazee rahimahullaah (d. 257H) said:
"I asked Wakee'; I said: 'O Aboo Sufyaan, do you know of anything that helps with memorisation?' He said: 'I see you are a newcomer.' Then he said: 'Abandonment of sins aids in memorisation.'"
Benefit:
'Alee b. Kashram al-Marwazee became one of the great memorisers of Hadeeth and a trustworthy narrator.
Imaam adh-Dhahabee mentions about him: "The Imaam, Al-Haafidh (the great memoriser of Hadeeth), the truthful narrator..." [Siyar A'laamun-Nubalaa (9/430)].
Reference: Al-Jaami' li-Akhlaaq ar-Raawee (no.1785).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Honouring The Scholars Establishes The Deen
Az-Zuhree (d. 124H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"Our scholars who passed before us used to say: 'Holding fast to the Sunnah is salvation, and knowledge will be taken away swiftly, so the scholars remaining and being held in high esteem is the establishment of the religion and Dunya (worldly life), and the passing away of the scholars is the passing away of all of that in its entirety.'"
Reference: Ad-Daarimee (no.96), al-Laalikaa'ee (no.15, no.136 & no.137), al-Hilyah (3/369, 5/346), Taareekh ad-Damishq (55/359), as-Siyar (5/337, 18/343).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Az-Zuhree (d. 124H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"Our scholars who passed before us used to say: 'Holding fast to the Sunnah is salvation, and knowledge will be taken away swiftly, so the scholars remaining and being held in high esteem is the establishment of the religion and Dunya (worldly life), and the passing away of the scholars is the passing away of all of that in its entirety.'"
Reference: Ad-Daarimee (no.96), al-Laalikaa'ee (no.15, no.136 & no.137), al-Hilyah (3/369, 5/346), Taareekh ad-Damishq (55/359), as-Siyar (5/337, 18/343).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Innovations Distance You From Allaah
Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaanee (d. 131H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"A person of innovation does not increase in striving except that he only increases in distancing himself from Allaah."
EXPLANATION:
Aboo Ishaaq ash-Shaatibee (d. 790H) - rahimahullaah - said:
This narration is corroborated by what is indicated in this authentic Hadeeth from his statement (ﷺ) about the Khawaarij (renegades)...
Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaanee (d. 131H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"A person of innovation does not increase in striving except that he only increases in distancing himself from Allaah."
EXPLANATION:
Aboo Ishaaq ash-Shaatibee (d. 790H) - rahimahullaah - said:
This narration is corroborated by what is indicated in this authentic Hadeeth from his statement (ﷺ) about the Khawaarij (renegades)...
Innovations Distance You From Allaah
Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaanee (d. 131H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"A person of innovation does not increase in striving except that he only increases in distancing himself from Allaah."
EXPLANATION:
Aboo Ishaaq ash-Shaatibee (d. 790H) - rahimahullaah - said:
This narration is corroborated by what is indicated in this authentic Hadeeth from his statement (ﷺ) about the Khawaarij (renegades): "There will come from the progeny of this man a people who will make your prayer (Salaah) look insignificant compared to their prayer and your fasting with their fasting" till he mentioned: "They will pass through this religion just as the arrow goes through the bow." So he (ﷺ) firstly explained about their Ijtihaad (striving); and then at the end, he (ﷺ) explained about them being distant from Allaah, the Most High.
And from another angle, he (ﷺ) also clarified that neither any Sarf (the obligatory deeds) nor 'Adl (the supererogatory deeds) will be accepted from him. So every action that he performs based upon innovation then it is as if he has never performed it at all. And he exceeds and goes further than the person who abandons action, due to the 'Inaad (obstinate rejection) which is comprised in his innovation. And also due to the corruption that befalls the people through it (i.e. innovation) in the foundation of the Sharee'ah (Divine legislation), in the subsidiary actions, and in the beliefs. And with all that, he still believes that his innovation brings him closer to Allaah and will take him to Jannah.
Furthermore, there is an established narration which is authentic and clear that there is no gaining nearness to Allaah except with acting in accordance to what He legislated, and upon the way which He legislated and that innovations render actions futile."
Reference: Al-I'tisaam of ash-Shaatibee (1/155-156).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaanee (d. 131H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"A person of innovation does not increase in striving except that he only increases in distancing himself from Allaah."
EXPLANATION:
Aboo Ishaaq ash-Shaatibee (d. 790H) - rahimahullaah - said:
This narration is corroborated by what is indicated in this authentic Hadeeth from his statement (ﷺ) about the Khawaarij (renegades): "There will come from the progeny of this man a people who will make your prayer (Salaah) look insignificant compared to their prayer and your fasting with their fasting" till he mentioned: "They will pass through this religion just as the arrow goes through the bow." So he (ﷺ) firstly explained about their Ijtihaad (striving); and then at the end, he (ﷺ) explained about them being distant from Allaah, the Most High.
And from another angle, he (ﷺ) also clarified that neither any Sarf (the obligatory deeds) nor 'Adl (the supererogatory deeds) will be accepted from him. So every action that he performs based upon innovation then it is as if he has never performed it at all. And he exceeds and goes further than the person who abandons action, due to the 'Inaad (obstinate rejection) which is comprised in his innovation. And also due to the corruption that befalls the people through it (i.e. innovation) in the foundation of the Sharee'ah (Divine legislation), in the subsidiary actions, and in the beliefs. And with all that, he still believes that his innovation brings him closer to Allaah and will take him to Jannah.
Furthermore, there is an established narration which is authentic and clear that there is no gaining nearness to Allaah except with acting in accordance to what He legislated, and upon the way which He legislated and that innovations render actions futile."
Reference: Al-I'tisaam of ash-Shaatibee (1/155-156).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
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Why You Should Not Sit With The Innovators
Abul-Qaasim Isma’eel b. Muhammad al-Asbahaanee (d. 535H) known as 'Qawwam as-Sunnah' - rahimahullaah - said:
"The abandonment of sitting with the people of innovations and socialising with them is a Sunnah; so that perhaps the hearts of the weak amongst the Muslims do not become attached to any of their innovations, and so that the people realise that they are indeed Ahlul-Bid'ah (people of innovation), and likewise that sitting with them does not become a way for their innovation to become apparent and widespread.”
Reference: Al-Hujjah Fee Bayaanil-Mahajjah of Qawwam as-Sunnah (2/529).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Abul-Qaasim Isma’eel b. Muhammad al-Asbahaanee (d. 535H) known as 'Qawwam as-Sunnah' - rahimahullaah - said:
"The abandonment of sitting with the people of innovations and socialising with them is a Sunnah; so that perhaps the hearts of the weak amongst the Muslims do not become attached to any of their innovations, and so that the people realise that they are indeed Ahlul-Bid'ah (people of innovation), and likewise that sitting with them does not become a way for their innovation to become apparent and widespread.”
Reference: Al-Hujjah Fee Bayaanil-Mahajjah of Qawwam as-Sunnah (2/529).
Translation by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
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Why Do The People Of Desires Malign Hadeeth
Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab (rahimahullaah) said in Sharh ‘ilal At-Tirmidhee:
"Many of those who attack the people (i.e. scholars) of Hadeeth become overwhelmed (i.e. cannot help themselves) in mentioning something from these ‘ilal (the defects present in some weak Hadeeth). And the intended purpose of that is to totally discredit and cast doubts in Hadeeth; or (for example), to malign the Hadeeth that are not from the people of Hijaaz, similar to what Hussain al-Karaabeesee did in his book which he called ‘Kitaabul-Mudalliseen’. And indeed his book was mentioned to Imaam Ahmad, so he criticised and rebuked him very harshly for it. Likewise, Aboo Thawr and other scholars renounced and rejected him for it.
Al-Marroodhee (d. 275H) said: “I went to Al-Karaabeesee and at that time he was Mastoor (his evil condition and innovation were hidden) because he used to defend the Sunnah and show (feign) being with and supporting Aboo 'Abdillaah (Ahmad b. Hanbal). So I said to him: 'Indeed, ‘Kitaabul-Mudalliseen’ some people want to present it to Aboo 'Abdillaah. So openly declare that you have regret so that I can go and inform Aboo 'Abdillaah.' So he replied to me: ‘Indeed Aboo ‘Abdillaah is a righteous man, the likes of him is granted success in reaching the truth. And I am very pleased that my book will be presented to him.’ He also said: ‘Aboo Thawr (d. 240H), Ibn ‘Aqeel and Hubaysh (d. 252H) have asked me to efface this book; but I refused to do it and I said: ‘Rather, I will make additions to it.' So he stubbornly persisted and continued upon that and he obstinately refused to turn back from it.”
Therefore, the book was brought to Aboo 'Abdillaah and he did not know who had authored it. And the book had disparagement of al-‘Amash in it and support for al-Hasan b. Saalih. And it had in it: ‘If you claim that al-Hasan b. Saalih used to see the opinion of the Khawaarij, then this is Ibn az-Zubayr who revolted (against the ruler!).’ So when it was read out to Aboo ‘Abdillaah, he said: “This man has gathered for the opponents that which they will never be able to use as Hujjah (decisive proof). Warn from him." And he forbade from it.
Subsequently, groups from the People of Innovation - the Mu'tazilah and others beside them - were greatly affected and influenced by this book, such that they would vilify and speak ill of Ahlul-Hadeeth, the likes of Ibn ‘Abbaad as-Saahib and those of his ilk...
However, as for the People of Knowledge, (the People of) Ma'rifah, (the People of) Sunnah and the Jamaa'ah then they mention the defects in Hadeeth as a form of advice in the religion, and to preserve the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ), and as a protection for the Sunnah. And also to distinguish from that which there has entered upon its narrators something from error, slip or misunderstanding, and with them (i.e. Ahlul-Hadeeth) that does not necessitate maligning other Ahaadeeth which do not have any defects. Rather, they strengthen the Sound Ahaadeeth by that because they are free from any defects and they are safe from any calamities. So they are in reality the truly knowledgeable and well-acquainted experts of the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ), and they are the greatest of the scholars who specialise in the critique of Hadeeth. They are like the specialist Goldsmiths who can decipher between the pure gold from the impure or low grade gold, or the gemstone expert who can decipher between the real gems from the counterfeit ones."
Reference: Sharh 'ilal at-Tirmidhee of Ibn Rajab, (2/806-808) checking by 'Itar, Daar as-Salaam edition, 1433H/2012CE.
Translation by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab (rahimahullaah) said in Sharh ‘ilal At-Tirmidhee:
"Many of those who attack the people (i.e. scholars) of Hadeeth become overwhelmed (i.e. cannot help themselves) in mentioning something from these ‘ilal (the defects present in some weak Hadeeth). And the intended purpose of that is to totally discredit and cast doubts in Hadeeth; or (for example), to malign the Hadeeth that are not from the people of Hijaaz, similar to what Hussain al-Karaabeesee did in his book which he called ‘Kitaabul-Mudalliseen’. And indeed his book was mentioned to Imaam Ahmad, so he criticised and rebuked him very harshly for it. Likewise, Aboo Thawr and other scholars renounced and rejected him for it.
Al-Marroodhee (d. 275H) said: “I went to Al-Karaabeesee and at that time he was Mastoor (his evil condition and innovation were hidden) because he used to defend the Sunnah and show (feign) being with and supporting Aboo 'Abdillaah (Ahmad b. Hanbal). So I said to him: 'Indeed, ‘Kitaabul-Mudalliseen’ some people want to present it to Aboo 'Abdillaah. So openly declare that you have regret so that I can go and inform Aboo 'Abdillaah.' So he replied to me: ‘Indeed Aboo ‘Abdillaah is a righteous man, the likes of him is granted success in reaching the truth. And I am very pleased that my book will be presented to him.’ He also said: ‘Aboo Thawr (d. 240H), Ibn ‘Aqeel and Hubaysh (d. 252H) have asked me to efface this book; but I refused to do it and I said: ‘Rather, I will make additions to it.' So he stubbornly persisted and continued upon that and he obstinately refused to turn back from it.”
Therefore, the book was brought to Aboo 'Abdillaah and he did not know who had authored it. And the book had disparagement of al-‘Amash in it and support for al-Hasan b. Saalih. And it had in it: ‘If you claim that al-Hasan b. Saalih used to see the opinion of the Khawaarij, then this is Ibn az-Zubayr who revolted (against the ruler!).’ So when it was read out to Aboo ‘Abdillaah, he said: “This man has gathered for the opponents that which they will never be able to use as Hujjah (decisive proof). Warn from him." And he forbade from it.
Subsequently, groups from the People of Innovation - the Mu'tazilah and others beside them - were greatly affected and influenced by this book, such that they would vilify and speak ill of Ahlul-Hadeeth, the likes of Ibn ‘Abbaad as-Saahib and those of his ilk...
However, as for the People of Knowledge, (the People of) Ma'rifah, (the People of) Sunnah and the Jamaa'ah then they mention the defects in Hadeeth as a form of advice in the religion, and to preserve the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ), and as a protection for the Sunnah. And also to distinguish from that which there has entered upon its narrators something from error, slip or misunderstanding, and with them (i.e. Ahlul-Hadeeth) that does not necessitate maligning other Ahaadeeth which do not have any defects. Rather, they strengthen the Sound Ahaadeeth by that because they are free from any defects and they are safe from any calamities. So they are in reality the truly knowledgeable and well-acquainted experts of the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ), and they are the greatest of the scholars who specialise in the critique of Hadeeth. They are like the specialist Goldsmiths who can decipher between the pure gold from the impure or low grade gold, or the gemstone expert who can decipher between the real gems from the counterfeit ones."
Reference: Sharh 'ilal at-Tirmidhee of Ibn Rajab, (2/806-808) checking by 'Itar, Daar as-Salaam edition, 1433H/2012CE.
Translation by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilaal Hussain al-Kashmiree.
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