Part of Rawnaq Al-Ilm (series completed)
· Lesson 38 of 50
The book of the elegance of knowledge among the wise | Episode (38) | The superiority of knowledge over worship
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Transcript
Machine translation — may contain errors
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In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
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“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)
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The Splendor of Knowledge and Wisdom.
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By Dr. Hamzah Ibn Fa'i' Al Fathi.
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May Allah preserve him: The superiority of knowledge over worship.
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The scholar ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, said—
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who passed away in the year 68 AH—
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"Studying knowledge for an hour during the night
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is better than spending the whole night in worship."
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There is no comparison between knowledge and worship,
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for knowledge is higher and more sublime.
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This is because its benefit is far-reaching and its radiance is magnificent,
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unlike worship,
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which is limited and exclusive to the one performing it.
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It is for this reason that the salaf favored it,
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such as Ibn ‘Abbas, Al-Shafi‘i, and others, as has been narrated.
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They preferred it over one who wavered between the two.
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The reason is that knowledge brings life to the heart and the intellect,
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and provides zakat for the soul and understanding,
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benefiting both the self and the creation,
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dispelling ignorance and folly,
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and removing harm and corruption.
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Worship, by contrast, may offer nothing beyond the reward and the expansion of the soul.
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Al-Qurtubi, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
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"If there were anything more noble than knowledge,
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Allah the Almighty would have commanded His Prophet, peace be upon him,
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to ask Him for an increase in it,
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just as He commanded him to seek an increase in knowledge."
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Sometimes, a worshiper may underestimate knowledge and fiqh,
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and thus fall into error and extremism,
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practicing religion based on ignorance and innovation,
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without even realizing it.
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He may remain in error for ages without being aware of it.
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Therefore, it is said to the student of knowledge:
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"Learn before you practice religion."
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Strive for knowledge that elevates you,
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not for worship that lets you down.
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An ignorant worshiper is shackled by Satan,
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and is a target for humiliation and manipulation.
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The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said,
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in what has been authentically narrated from him:
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"The superiority of the scholar over the worshiper
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is like my superiority over the lowest among you."
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There is no harm in staying up late occasionally,
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with moderation, in pursuit of knowledge,
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unless one fears missing the dawn prayer.
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It is not disliked for one who is diligent and benefits from it,
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provided he does not neglect a mandatory duty or obligation.
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Al-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
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"The scholars have stated
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that the hadith which is disliked after the night prayer (Isha')
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is that which concerns matters containing no benefit.
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As for that which contains benefit and goodness,
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there is no dislike in it."
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This includes studying knowledge,
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narrating the stories of the righteous,
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conversing with a guest,
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or with a bride to put her at ease,
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or a man conversing with his wife and children
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for the sake of kindness and necessity,
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or conversing with travelers
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to ensure the safety of their belongings or themselves,
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or speaking to reconcile between people.