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 and Wisdom.
By Dr. Hamzah Ibn Fa'i' Al Fathi.
May Allah preserve him: The Veil of Knowledge.
Mujahid Ibn Jabr Al Makki, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
He who passed away in the year 104 AH:
"Knowledge is not acquired by the bashful nor by the arrogant."
Knowledge is like pleasant gardens.
Yet some of us may turn away from these gardens out of bashfulness or arrogance.
Thus, one abandons knowledge and becomes preoccupied with worldly affairs.
Blameworthy bashfulness prevents one from seeking knowledge.
One fears being criticized for their questions or being mocked.
Or that some of their ignorance might be exposed.
Or that people might say, "You were not like this before; why have you changed?"
Or, "Why have you left our gatherings?"
So, one continues to fear the criticism of others until they abandon knowledge.
And they forsake its gardens and its delights.
Consequently, they are deprived of lasting benefits and brilliant treasures.
The other type is the arrogant person.
Their arrogance prevents them from being humble and attending gatherings with others.
They fear that some ignorance or need might appear that points to their shortcomings.
This drives them to abandon the sciences and neglect deep understanding.
They listen to the whispers of Satan and follow his footsteps.
Time passes them by, and they have learned nothing of the foundations of their religion.
They content themselves with the superstitions of the common folk.
Therefore, you notice in both types errors in matters of purification and prayer.
And in the etiquette of Islam.
Indeed, even in the recitation of the Qur'an.
Their ignorance is exposed when they are asked to lead a congregation in prayer.
Yet, circles of Qur'an study were right by their homes.
Calling out to them for a long time, but they did not respond.
Nor did their resolve stir for them.
The religious and rational obligation is:
To abandon bashfulness and arrogance.
And to step forward with courage to seek knowledge.
To strive to gather it and to purify the soul.
'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said:
"Excellent are the women of the Ansar;
bashfulness did not prevent them from seeking understanding in the religion."
And from Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, who said:
Umm Sulaym came to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,
and said, "O Messenger of Allah,
Allah is not ashamed of the truth.
Is it obligatory for a woman to perform ghusl if she has a wet dream?"
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
"Yes, if she sees the fluid."
Umm Salamah covered—
meaning her face—
and said, "O Messenger of Allah,
does a woman have wet dreams?"
He replied, "Yes, may your right hand be covered in dust;
otherwise, how would her child resemble her?"
And Allah is the Grantor of success.