WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.500 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 00:00:03.500 --> 00:00:10.000 “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) 00:00:10.740 --> 00:00:16.739 The Splendors of Knowledge according to the Sages. 00:00:16.739 --> 00:00:21.739 By Dr. Hamzah Ibn Fayi' Al Fathi. 00:00:21.739 --> 00:00:27.769 May Allah preserve him. 00:00:27.769 --> 00:00:29.769 The Spans of Knowledge. 00:00:29.769 --> 00:00:36.759 Imam 'Amir al-Sha'bi, may Allah the Exalted have mercy upon him, said: 00:00:36.759 --> 00:00:40.759 He who passed away in the year 103 AH. 00:00:40.759 --> 00:00:43.859 Knowledge consists of three spans. 00:00:43.859 --> 00:00:45.859 Whoever attains the first span, 00:00:45.859 --> 00:00:49.890 Becomes arrogant and thinks he has attained it all. 00:00:49.890 --> 00:00:51.890 And whoever attains the second span, 00:00:51.890 --> 00:00:55.890 Becomes humble before himself and realizes he has attained nothing. 00:00:55.890 --> 00:00:57.890 As for the third span, 00:00:57.890 --> 00:01:01.890 Alas, no one ever attains it. 00:01:01.890 --> 00:01:05.819 Knowledge is both a trial and a gift. 00:01:05.819 --> 00:01:07.819 It is a gift for the pious, 00:01:07.819 --> 00:01:09.819 And a trial for the wretched, 00:01:09.819 --> 00:01:11.819 Those who do not grasp its lessons, 00:01:11.819 --> 00:01:14.819 And do not take heed of its etiquette. 00:01:14.819 --> 00:01:16.819 Among its most important etiquettes, 00:01:16.819 --> 00:01:18.819 Is not to be deluded, 00:01:18.819 --> 00:01:20.819 To remain humble within it, 00:01:20.819 --> 00:01:22.819 And to be certain of its vastness and depth. 00:01:22.819 --> 00:01:25.819 Therefore, as some have said: 00:01:25.819 --> 00:01:27.819 Do not be a "man of one span," 00:01:27.819 --> 00:01:31.819 Meaning that arrogant person who has memorized a matter or two, 00:01:31.819 --> 00:01:33.819 Then goes about, 00:01:33.819 --> 00:01:35.819 With his nose held high, 00:01:35.819 --> 00:01:37.819 Looking down upon his brothers, 00:01:37.819 --> 00:01:42.079 Devoid of all manners, forbearance, and mercy. 00:01:42.079 --> 00:01:46.079 Thus, al-Sha'bi, may Allah have mercy on him, warns against these spans of knowledge. 00:01:46.079 --> 00:01:51.079 The first is the beginner who is arrogant. 00:01:51.079 --> 00:01:53.079 The second is the one who humbles himself, 00:01:53.079 --> 00:01:58.079 Realizing he has neither reached the goal nor achieved the objective. 00:01:58.079 --> 00:02:00.079 He is akin to the truly humble, 00:02:00.079 --> 00:02:03.079 Who has studied fiqh but does not claim to be a jurist, 00:02:03.079 --> 00:02:04.079 And has learned, 00:02:04.079 --> 00:02:08.080 Yet deflects the role of the seeker out of humility and compassion. 00:02:08.080 --> 00:02:12.240 The third span is the best and highest of them, 00:02:12.240 --> 00:02:15.240 Where one realizes he knows nothing at all. 00:02:15.240 --> 00:02:18.240 He believes in a state beyond humility, 00:02:18.240 --> 00:02:22.240 Always highlighting his own ignorance and shortcomings, 00:02:22.240 --> 00:02:24.240 Knowing that what he possesses is but a meager amount, 00:02:24.240 --> 00:02:26.240 A superficial understanding, 00:02:26.240 --> 00:02:28.240 And limited insight. 00:02:28.240 --> 00:02:32.240 He sits the way the humble poor sit, 00:02:32.240 --> 00:02:34.240 He greets everyone, 00:02:34.240 --> 00:02:37.240 And does not distinguish himself with titles or ranks, 00:02:37.240 --> 00:02:41.240 Or specific signs or symbols. 00:02:41.240 --> 00:02:43.300 That is the scholar in truth, 00:02:43.300 --> 00:02:45.300 And the jurist in sincerity, 00:02:45.300 --> 00:02:49.300 For those who reach it or touch its branches. 00:02:49.300 --> 00:02:51.300 Peace.