In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
“Is he who payeth adoration in the watches of the night, prostrate and standing, bewaring of the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, (to be accounted equal with a disbeliever)? Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Are those who know equal with those who know not? But only men of understanding will pay heed.” (39:9)
The Splendor of Knowledge according to the Sages.
By Dr. Hamza Ibn Fayi' Al Fathi.
May Allah preserve him.
Rectifying Academic Intent.
Hisham Al Dastawa'i, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
He who passed away in the year 154 AH.
"By Allah, I cannot say—"
"—that I ever went out one day—"
"—seeking hadith—"
"—intending by it the Face of Allah, the Almighty and Majestic."
The most difficult challenge for a student and seeker of knowledge—
—is refining his intention and directing it properly—
—so that his path remains sound—
—and his interactions remain wholesome—
—so that his efforts and journey are not corrupted for him.
Here, Hisham, may Allah have mercy on him, is being truthful with himself and with others—
—acknowledging that worldly inclinations compete with his intention and purpose.
Therefore, Imam Al Dhahabi, may Allah have mercy on him, comments on the words of Al Dastawa'i, saying:
"By Allah, neither can I."
For the salaf used to seek knowledge for the sake of Allah—
—so they became noble and emerged as imams to be followed.
Others among them sought it initially for reasons other than Allah—
—and they acquired it—
—then they awakened and held themselves to account—
—so the knowledge drew them toward sincerity along the way.
As Mujahid and others said:
"We sought this knowledge—"
"—while we had no great intention in it—"
"—then Allah granted us the intention afterward."
And some of them say:
"We sought this knowledge for other than Allah—"
"—but it refused to be for anything but Allah."
This, too, is good.
Then they disseminated it with a righteous intention.
As for those who sought it with a corrupt intention—
—for the sake of the world—
—and to be praised—
—then they shall have what they intended.
These are the intentions of people regarding knowledge.
Al Dhahabi categorizes them—
—and clarifies the superiority of those who came before over those who came after—
—and that they were in a state of struggle and treatment—
—until their affairs were set straight—
—and their conditions were rectified.
The fact that some of them admitted to a weakness in their intention does not mean—
—that they were content with it—
—rather, they were in a state of diligence, perseverance, and rectification of it—
—until they triumphed over the desires of the self—
—and sincerity shone in their hearts.
Otherwise, Al Dastawa'i and Al Dhahabi—
—may Allah have mercy on them—
—are among the great imams of Islam—
—and among those whose legacies have benefited the people.
Perhaps this was a form of spiritual struggle—
—or a matter of humility.
And Allah is the Grantor of success.