Be Pleased With Allaah
Ibn al-Qayyim rahimahullaah mentions in Madaarij as-Saalikeen:
“Be pleased with everything that Allaah does with you.
For indeed He does not prevent you except to give you.
He does not test you except to protect and save you.
He does not give you ill health except to cure you.
He does not give you death except to give life to you.
So beware of not being pleased with Him even for a blink of an eye.
Such that you fall in His Eye.”
ارْضَ عَنِ اللهِ فِي جَمِيعِ مَا يَفْعَلُهُ بِكَ. فَإِنَّهُ مَا مَنَعَكَ إِلَّا لِيُعْطِيَكَ. وَلَا ابْتَلَاكَ إِلَّا لِيُعَافِيَكَ. وَلَا أَمْرَضَكَ إِلَّا لِيَشْفِيَكَ. وَلَا أَمَاتَكَ إِلَّا لِيُحْيِيَكَ. فَإِيَّاكَ أَنْ تُفَارِقَ الرِّضَا عَنْهُ طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ. فَتَسْقُطَ مِنْ عَيْنِهِ.
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: [Madaarij as-Saalikeen of Ibn al-Qayyim, (2/208), checked by Muhammad al-Baghdadee, Daar al-Kitab al-Arabee, Lebanon, Beirut, Seventh Print, 1423H].
Ibn al-Qayyim rahimahullaah mentions in Madaarij as-Saalikeen:
“Be pleased with everything that Allaah does with you.
For indeed He does not prevent you except to give you.
He does not test you except to protect and save you.
He does not give you ill health except to cure you.
He does not give you death except to give life to you.
So beware of not being pleased with Him even for a blink of an eye.
Such that you fall in His Eye.”
ارْضَ عَنِ اللهِ فِي جَمِيعِ مَا يَفْعَلُهُ بِكَ. فَإِنَّهُ مَا مَنَعَكَ إِلَّا لِيُعْطِيَكَ. وَلَا ابْتَلَاكَ إِلَّا لِيُعَافِيَكَ. وَلَا أَمْرَضَكَ إِلَّا لِيَشْفِيَكَ. وَلَا أَمَاتَكَ إِلَّا لِيُحْيِيَكَ. فَإِيَّاكَ أَنْ تُفَارِقَ الرِّضَا عَنْهُ طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ. فَتَسْقُطَ مِنْ عَيْنِهِ.
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: [Madaarij as-Saalikeen of Ibn al-Qayyim, (2/208), checked by Muhammad al-Baghdadee, Daar al-Kitab al-Arabee, Lebanon, Beirut, Seventh Print, 1423H].
The Excellence Of Fasting Three Days In Every Month
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen rahimahullaah mentioned:
Ayyaam al-Beed (the White Days) refers to the days when nights are white (due to the moonlight). So this denoscription is actually for the nights. That is because of the light from the moon makes it (the nights) become white. [...].
As we have mentioned many times, the physical benefits to the body should be considered to be a matter which is secondary in relation to acts of worship. Such that a person is worshipping Allaah, not due to a physical benefit nor a worldly one, but in order to draw near to Allaah through acts of worship.
So these three White Days (13th, 14th and 15th of each month) can be substituted for the fasting of three days from every month, regarding that the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) said: “Fasting three days from every month is (equal to) fasting the whole of the year.” That is because the good deeds are multiplied by ten times its like. Therefore, three days would be thirty good deeds which is equivalent to a month, and this is the same for the second month and third month (and so on), until it is as though he has fasted the whole year. And the Prophet (ﷺ) commanded three of his companions with it; Aboo Hurairah, Aboo ad-Dardaa and Aboo Dharr.
So we have with us two affairs; the first affair: The recommendation of fasting the three days from every month, whether that is at the beginning of the month, the middle of it or at its end. No matter if they are fasted together consecutively or separately. The Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) used to fast three days from every month. 'Aaishah (radiallaahu 'anhaa) said: "He did not mind whether he would fast at the beginning of the month, or at the middle of it, or at its end."
The second affair: Indeed it is desirable that the fasting is during the White Days; 13th, 14th and 15th (of the month). Specifying the White days is due to their excellence just like specifying the prayer at its earliest time. Meaning that the best time for fasting these three days are the three White Days. However, anyone who fasts these three days outside of the three White Days, will still receive the reward; and that is the reward for fasting the three days from every month and not (the reward for) fasting the White Days (since he didn’t fast them), and he will receive the reward for the whole year.
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Kitaab Ash-Sharh al-Mumti’ ‘Alaa Zaad al-Mustaqni’ by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen rahimahullaah (6/459-461).
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen rahimahullaah mentioned:
Ayyaam al-Beed (the White Days) refers to the days when nights are white (due to the moonlight). So this denoscription is actually for the nights. That is because of the light from the moon makes it (the nights) become white. [...].
As we have mentioned many times, the physical benefits to the body should be considered to be a matter which is secondary in relation to acts of worship. Such that a person is worshipping Allaah, not due to a physical benefit nor a worldly one, but in order to draw near to Allaah through acts of worship.
So these three White Days (13th, 14th and 15th of each month) can be substituted for the fasting of three days from every month, regarding that the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) said: “Fasting three days from every month is (equal to) fasting the whole of the year.” That is because the good deeds are multiplied by ten times its like. Therefore, three days would be thirty good deeds which is equivalent to a month, and this is the same for the second month and third month (and so on), until it is as though he has fasted the whole year. And the Prophet (ﷺ) commanded three of his companions with it; Aboo Hurairah, Aboo ad-Dardaa and Aboo Dharr.
So we have with us two affairs; the first affair: The recommendation of fasting the three days from every month, whether that is at the beginning of the month, the middle of it or at its end. No matter if they are fasted together consecutively or separately. The Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) used to fast three days from every month. 'Aaishah (radiallaahu 'anhaa) said: "He did not mind whether he would fast at the beginning of the month, or at the middle of it, or at its end."
The second affair: Indeed it is desirable that the fasting is during the White Days; 13th, 14th and 15th (of the month). Specifying the White days is due to their excellence just like specifying the prayer at its earliest time. Meaning that the best time for fasting these three days are the three White Days. However, anyone who fasts these three days outside of the three White Days, will still receive the reward; and that is the reward for fasting the three days from every month and not (the reward for) fasting the White Days (since he didn’t fast them), and he will receive the reward for the whole year.
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Kitaab Ash-Sharh al-Mumti’ ‘Alaa Zaad al-Mustaqni’ by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen rahimahullaah (6/459-461).
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Al-Awzaa’ee (d. 157H) rahimahullaah said:
“We follow the Sunnah wherever it takes (us)” [Al-Laalikaa’ee: (no.47), Miftaahul-Jannah: (p.64)]
Imaam an-Nawawee rahimahullaah mentions in his explanation of Saheeh Muslim:
"If the Sunnah is established (to be sound and authentic) then it is not to be abandoned due to the abandonment of it by some of the people, or most of them, or all of them." [Sharh Saheeh Muslim (no.1164)].
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
“We follow the Sunnah wherever it takes (us)” [Al-Laalikaa’ee: (no.47), Miftaahul-Jannah: (p.64)]
Imaam an-Nawawee rahimahullaah mentions in his explanation of Saheeh Muslim:
"If the Sunnah is established (to be sound and authentic) then it is not to be abandoned due to the abandonment of it by some of the people, or most of them, or all of them." [Sharh Saheeh Muslim (no.1164)].
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Evil Consequences Of Abandoning The Sunnah
'Abdullaah ad-Daylamee rahimahullaah - said:
“Indeed [from] the first steps of the religion dwindling away is by the abandonment of the Sunnah. The religion will disappear gradually, Sunnah by Sunnah, just like a rope loses its strength strand by strand.”
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Ad-Daarimee (no.97), Ibn Waddaah (p.73) & al-Laalikaa’ee (no.127).
'Abdullaah ad-Daylamee rahimahullaah - said:
“Indeed [from] the first steps of the religion dwindling away is by the abandonment of the Sunnah. The religion will disappear gradually, Sunnah by Sunnah, just like a rope loses its strength strand by strand.”
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Ad-Daarimee (no.97), Ibn Waddaah (p.73) & al-Laalikaa’ee (no.127).
The Foundations of the Sunnah
Imaam Ahmad (d. 241H) - rahimahullaah - said:
“The foundations of the Sunnah with us are:
Holding fast to that which the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) were upon and to follow them, and the abandoning of innovations and every innovation is misguidance...
And the Sunnah with us is the narrations of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam).”
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: As-Sunnah of [Imaam] Ahmad (no.14), al-Laalikaa’ee (no.317), Tabaqaatul-Hanaabilah (1/241), Dhamm at-Ta'weel (no.71), al-Maqsad al-Arshad (no.787)
Imaam Ahmad (d. 241H) - rahimahullaah - said:
“The foundations of the Sunnah with us are:
Holding fast to that which the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) were upon and to follow them, and the abandoning of innovations and every innovation is misguidance...
And the Sunnah with us is the narrations of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam).”
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: As-Sunnah of [Imaam] Ahmad (no.14), al-Laalikaa’ee (no.317), Tabaqaatul-Hanaabilah (1/241), Dhamm at-Ta'weel (no.71), al-Maqsad al-Arshad (no.787)
Reasons Why The People Of Innovation Have No Academic Integrity
Abdur-Rahmaan b. Mahdee (d.198H) and others have said:
“The people of knowledge write that which is for them and that which is against them, but the people of desires do not write except that which is for them.”
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728) said:
"He (Allaah) described them (i.e. the Jews) as “those who have earned Allaah’s Anger” because they conceal the knowledge. Sometimes it is due to being stingy with knowledge; sometimes it is because they are compensated with a worldly benefit for not manifesting it, and sometimes out of fear that if they were to make it manifest then it may be used as proof against them. And this is something that has put to trial many a group of people who are ascribed to knowledge (i.e. people of innovation). For indeed, they sometimes conceal knowledge out of stinginess for it and out of dislike that others may attain the excellence and virtue that they have achieved. And sometimes (he conceals knowledge) because he is being compensated for it by either status or wealth, so he fears that if he were to manifest that knowledge then that will diminish him in his wealth and his status. Moreover, sometimes (he conceals knowledge) because he may have opposed someone else in an issue, or that he affiliates himself to a group which has been opposed in an issue. Therefore, he conceals that knowledge which is proof for his antagonist and he does that even if he is not entirely sure whether his antagonist is upon falsehood or not."
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Refer to Iqtidaa as-Siraatul-Mustaqeem of Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, p.5, al-Matba’h ash-Sharafiyyah, First Print, Printed in 1907CE (1325H) & al-Fawaaid al-Ilmiyyah min al-Duroos al-Baaziyyah: Fawaaid min Sharh Iqtidaa as-Siraatul-Mustaqeem, p17, Daar Risaalah al-ilmiyyah.
Abdur-Rahmaan b. Mahdee (d.198H) and others have said:
“The people of knowledge write that which is for them and that which is against them, but the people of desires do not write except that which is for them.”
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728) said:
"He (Allaah) described them (i.e. the Jews) as “those who have earned Allaah’s Anger” because they conceal the knowledge. Sometimes it is due to being stingy with knowledge; sometimes it is because they are compensated with a worldly benefit for not manifesting it, and sometimes out of fear that if they were to make it manifest then it may be used as proof against them. And this is something that has put to trial many a group of people who are ascribed to knowledge (i.e. people of innovation). For indeed, they sometimes conceal knowledge out of stinginess for it and out of dislike that others may attain the excellence and virtue that they have achieved. And sometimes (he conceals knowledge) because he is being compensated for it by either status or wealth, so he fears that if he were to manifest that knowledge then that will diminish him in his wealth and his status. Moreover, sometimes (he conceals knowledge) because he may have opposed someone else in an issue, or that he affiliates himself to a group which has been opposed in an issue. Therefore, he conceals that knowledge which is proof for his antagonist and he does that even if he is not entirely sure whether his antagonist is upon falsehood or not."
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Refer to Iqtidaa as-Siraatul-Mustaqeem of Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, p.5, al-Matba’h ash-Sharafiyyah, First Print, Printed in 1907CE (1325H) & al-Fawaaid al-Ilmiyyah min al-Duroos al-Baaziyyah: Fawaaid min Sharh Iqtidaa as-Siraatul-Mustaqeem, p17, Daar Risaalah al-ilmiyyah.
Al-Hasan al-Basree (d. 110H) - rahimahullaah said:
“Indeed when this Fitnah first approaches, every 'Aalim (Scholar) already knows about it and when it passes by, then every Jaahil (ignorant person) comes to know of it.”
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reported by Ibn Sa’d (7/166)
“Indeed when this Fitnah first approaches, every 'Aalim (Scholar) already knows about it and when it passes by, then every Jaahil (ignorant person) comes to know of it.”
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reported by Ibn Sa’d (7/166)
'Abdullaah b. Mas'ood (radiallaahu 'anhu) said:
“The Jamaa’ah (the united body of the Muslims) is what conforms to the truth even if you are alone.”
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reported by Ibn Asaakir in Taareekh Damishq (46/409) under the bioghraphy of 'Amr b. Maymoon, Muhib-ad-Deen checking, Daar al-Fikr print, al-Laalikaaee in Sharh Usool (no.160).
Shaykh al-Albaanee declared the Isnaad to be Saheeh, refer to Mishkaatul-Masaabeeh (1/61).
“The Jamaa’ah (the united body of the Muslims) is what conforms to the truth even if you are alone.”
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reported by Ibn Asaakir in Taareekh Damishq (46/409) under the bioghraphy of 'Amr b. Maymoon, Muhib-ad-Deen checking, Daar al-Fikr print, al-Laalikaaee in Sharh Usool (no.160).
Shaykh al-Albaanee declared the Isnaad to be Saheeh, refer to Mishkaatul-Masaabeeh (1/61).
Allaah Protects The Callers To The Sunnah
Say: “This is my way; I invite unto Allaah with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me.” [Surah Yusuf: 108].
In explanation of this Aayah Ibn al-Qayyim rahimahullaah mentions:
“For indeed Allaah, the One free from all imperfections, commanded him (ﷺ) to convey that his path is to call to Allaah. So whoever calls to Allaah, the Most High, then he is upon the path of His Messenger (ﷺ), and he is upon Baseerah (sure knowledge and insight) and he is from his (ﷺ) followers. And whoever calls to other than that then he is not upon his path, he is not upon Baseerah and he is not from his (ﷺ) followers.
So the Da'wah (call) to Allaah, the Most High, is the occupation and mission of the Messengers and their followers, and they are the successors of the Messengers among their nations and the people follow them (upon that).
Allaah, the One free from all imperfections, commanded his Messenger (ﷺ) to convey what was revealed to him, and He has guaranteed for him (ﷺ) His safety and His protection from the people. And similarly for the conveyors (of the truth) from him (ﷺ) from his Ummah, then Allaah will safeguard and protect them in accordance to their establishment of His religion and their conveyance of it to the people. Indeed the Prophet of Allaah (ﷺ) commanded with conveying it, even if it were an Ayaah, and he supplicated for anyone who conveys even a single Hadeeth.
And conveying his Sunnah to the ummah is better than sending arrows into the throats of the enemy; since that type of conveyance (i.e. fighting in the path of Allaah) many people participate in it. As for conveying the Sunan then none establish it except for the inheritors of the Prophets and their successors among the nations.
May Allaah through his generosity and bounty make us from among them.” (End of quote).
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Jalaa al-Af'haam by Ibn al-Qayyim, (p.415), printed by Daar al-'Aroobah, Kuwait, Second Edition,1987].
Say: “This is my way; I invite unto Allaah with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me.” [Surah Yusuf: 108].
In explanation of this Aayah Ibn al-Qayyim rahimahullaah mentions:
“For indeed Allaah, the One free from all imperfections, commanded him (ﷺ) to convey that his path is to call to Allaah. So whoever calls to Allaah, the Most High, then he is upon the path of His Messenger (ﷺ), and he is upon Baseerah (sure knowledge and insight) and he is from his (ﷺ) followers. And whoever calls to other than that then he is not upon his path, he is not upon Baseerah and he is not from his (ﷺ) followers.
So the Da'wah (call) to Allaah, the Most High, is the occupation and mission of the Messengers and their followers, and they are the successors of the Messengers among their nations and the people follow them (upon that).
Allaah, the One free from all imperfections, commanded his Messenger (ﷺ) to convey what was revealed to him, and He has guaranteed for him (ﷺ) His safety and His protection from the people. And similarly for the conveyors (of the truth) from him (ﷺ) from his Ummah, then Allaah will safeguard and protect them in accordance to their establishment of His religion and their conveyance of it to the people. Indeed the Prophet of Allaah (ﷺ) commanded with conveying it, even if it were an Ayaah, and he supplicated for anyone who conveys even a single Hadeeth.
And conveying his Sunnah to the ummah is better than sending arrows into the throats of the enemy; since that type of conveyance (i.e. fighting in the path of Allaah) many people participate in it. As for conveying the Sunan then none establish it except for the inheritors of the Prophets and their successors among the nations.
May Allaah through his generosity and bounty make us from among them.” (End of quote).
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Jalaa al-Af'haam by Ibn al-Qayyim, (p.415), printed by Daar al-'Aroobah, Kuwait, Second Edition,1987].
'Abdullaah b. Mas'ood (d. 32H) radiallaahu ‘anhu said:
“Moderation upon the Sunnah is better than striving upon Innovation”
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: As-Sunnah of Ibn Nasr [al-Marwazee] (p.30), al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer (no.10484), al-Ibaanah: (no.161) & al-Laalikaa’ee: (no.114-115).
“Moderation upon the Sunnah is better than striving upon Innovation”
Translated by: Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: As-Sunnah of Ibn Nasr [al-Marwazee] (p.30), al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer (no.10484), al-Ibaanah: (no.161) & al-Laalikaa’ee: (no.114-115).
Name Us Your Men
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728H) rahimahullaah mentions:
“And whoever wants to narrate a statement from a faction/group then let him name the person who said it and the person who narrates it. Otherwise, every person is capable of lying.”
قال شيخ الإسلام ابن تيمية رحمه الله:
《ومن أراد أن ينقل مقالة عن طائفة فليسم القائل والناقل، وإلا فكل أحد يقدر على الكذب.》
[منهاج السنة النبوية (٢/٥١٨)]
Translated by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain Al-Kashmiree
Reference: Minhaaj as-Sunnah (2/518)
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728H) rahimahullaah mentions:
“And whoever wants to narrate a statement from a faction/group then let him name the person who said it and the person who narrates it. Otherwise, every person is capable of lying.”
قال شيخ الإسلام ابن تيمية رحمه الله:
《ومن أراد أن ينقل مقالة عن طائفة فليسم القائل والناقل، وإلا فكل أحد يقدر على الكذب.》
[منهاج السنة النبوية (٢/٥١٨)]
Translated by Aboo 'Abdillaah Bilal Hussain Al-Kashmiree
Reference: Minhaaj as-Sunnah (2/518)
The Companions Had The Purest Of Hearts & Were The Deepest In Knowledge
'Abdullaah b. Mas'ood (radiallaahu 'anhu) said: "Whosoever wants to follow a path then let him follow the path of the one who has died; for indeed the living one is not safe from the Fitnah (trials and tribulations). Those were the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) they were the best of this Ummah, the purest and the most pious of hearts from them, the deepest of them in knowledge and they were the least of them in Takalluf (overburdening themselves). They were a people that Allaah chose to accompany His Prophet (ﷺ) and to establish His religion. So recognise their rights and adhere to their guidance, since they were upon correct guidance."
In explanation of this statement of Ibn Mas'ood (radiallaahu 'anhu) Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah mentions: "So he described them with having perfection in purity of heart, alongside with completeness in having deep knowledge. And few among the latecomers (later generations) have this (quality). As is said - from the bizarre and astonishing affairs is - that 'he is a Faqeeh but yet a Soofee' or that 'he is an 'Aalim (a scholar i.e. one possessing much knowledge) but yet he is a Zaahid (a person who does not possess anything)' and things similar to that. For indeed the people who have piety and purity of heart, good intents and purposes are commended for their hearts being safe and sound from evil intents and purposes, however, it is often combined with them not having knowledge and understanding of certain realities and conditions of the creation which is obligated for the criticism of evil, forbidding from it, and fighting in the path of Allaah.
(On the other hand), the people who delve too deeply into the 'Uloom (different types of knowledge and sciences) at times they attain understanding of evils and doubts which cause them to fall into different types of misguidance and deviancy. Whereas, the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) were the purest in heart alongside possessing the deepest of knowledge.
Moreover, then most of those who are deeply absorbed and immersed in the sciences from the latecomers, their delving deeply into affairs is coupled with blameworthy Takalluf (imposing overburdening excesses upon themselves) that are taken from the Mutakallimeen and the worshippers; it is statement and action without knowledge, and seeking that which is not possible to reach and attain. And the Companions of Muhammad (ﷺ) along with being the most complete of people in beneficial knowledge and righteous action - they were the least of them in Takalluf (overburdening). You would only find one or two statements coming from anyone of them about wisdom or about knowledge; yet Allaah guides by way of it a whole Ummah. And this is from what Allaah has blessed this Ummah with.
Furthermore, you will find other than them filling pages with overburdening excesses and unbridled thoughts. It is what is considered to be from the greatest redundancy and excess of the innovators, and concocted opinions; for which they do not have any Salaf except for the frivolity and foolishness of the souls that is taken from one who had evil intent towards the Deen.
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Naqd al-Mantaq by Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah rahimahullaah (p.97).
'Abdullaah b. Mas'ood (radiallaahu 'anhu) said: "Whosoever wants to follow a path then let him follow the path of the one who has died; for indeed the living one is not safe from the Fitnah (trials and tribulations). Those were the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) they were the best of this Ummah, the purest and the most pious of hearts from them, the deepest of them in knowledge and they were the least of them in Takalluf (overburdening themselves). They were a people that Allaah chose to accompany His Prophet (ﷺ) and to establish His religion. So recognise their rights and adhere to their guidance, since they were upon correct guidance."
In explanation of this statement of Ibn Mas'ood (radiallaahu 'anhu) Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah mentions: "So he described them with having perfection in purity of heart, alongside with completeness in having deep knowledge. And few among the latecomers (later generations) have this (quality). As is said - from the bizarre and astonishing affairs is - that 'he is a Faqeeh but yet a Soofee' or that 'he is an 'Aalim (a scholar i.e. one possessing much knowledge) but yet he is a Zaahid (a person who does not possess anything)' and things similar to that. For indeed the people who have piety and purity of heart, good intents and purposes are commended for their hearts being safe and sound from evil intents and purposes, however, it is often combined with them not having knowledge and understanding of certain realities and conditions of the creation which is obligated for the criticism of evil, forbidding from it, and fighting in the path of Allaah.
(On the other hand), the people who delve too deeply into the 'Uloom (different types of knowledge and sciences) at times they attain understanding of evils and doubts which cause them to fall into different types of misguidance and deviancy. Whereas, the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) were the purest in heart alongside possessing the deepest of knowledge.
Moreover, then most of those who are deeply absorbed and immersed in the sciences from the latecomers, their delving deeply into affairs is coupled with blameworthy Takalluf (imposing overburdening excesses upon themselves) that are taken from the Mutakallimeen and the worshippers; it is statement and action without knowledge, and seeking that which is not possible to reach and attain. And the Companions of Muhammad (ﷺ) along with being the most complete of people in beneficial knowledge and righteous action - they were the least of them in Takalluf (overburdening). You would only find one or two statements coming from anyone of them about wisdom or about knowledge; yet Allaah guides by way of it a whole Ummah. And this is from what Allaah has blessed this Ummah with.
Furthermore, you will find other than them filling pages with overburdening excesses and unbridled thoughts. It is what is considered to be from the greatest redundancy and excess of the innovators, and concocted opinions; for which they do not have any Salaf except for the frivolity and foolishness of the souls that is taken from one who had evil intent towards the Deen.
Translated by: Aboo ‘Abdillaah Bilal Hussain al-Kashmiree
Reference: Naqd al-Mantaq by Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah rahimahullaah (p.97).