بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

By the blessing of Allah سبحانه و تعالى the annual conference will be held at al-Masjid as-Salafi in Birmingham this weekend 21st – 23rd September. A gathering for 3 days wherein the hearts of Salafiyyoon nationally as well as globally will be united in one location, for indeed only yesterday we were informed of the impending arrival of brothers travelling thousands of miles from the Sub-Continent to attend and benefit, purely for the sake of knowledge…may Allah reward them and increase them in knowledge, as all others similarly who strive for the understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Upon this occasion we remind ourselves of an important affair; indeed it is the affair concerning the purpose of seeking knowledge. Shaikh Ahmad Baazmool stated in his book, “Explanation of the Statement of Ibn Seereen – Indeed this Knowledge is Religion” [p82 – 83], “The intent or purpose behind knowledge is that you can worship Allah upon insight and understanding, and that fear of Allah occurs for you, and that you follow that which the prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم and his companions were upon, and the purpose from knowledge is not [simply] gathering information nor to boast with it, for knowledge is not intended in of itself, rather it is a means to gaining closeness to Allah the Most High.

Ibn Mas’ood stated, ” Knowledge is not plentiful narrations, rather knowledge is fear of Allah”

Sufyaan at-Thawry stated, “Hadith is only sought in order to fear Allah with [in fulfilling obligations and refraining from prohibitions], consequently this knowledge is preferred over other [types] of knowledge, and was it not for that it would be just like the other sciences”

Malik bin Anas stated, “Knowledge is not plentiful narrations, rather it is a light Allah places in the hearts”

We advise ourselves and all our brothers and sisters who are able to attend to make the effort to do so, for indeed within such gatherings based upon the learning of the Qur’an and Sunnah upon the Methodology of the Salaf is great benefit. As we advise ourselves and others to purify our intentions for the sake of Allah and to indeed ask Allah for aid and assistance in seeking knowledge, in order that we remove the ignorance from ourselves, our parents and families and the people.

Indeed, as some of the Salaf us-Salih would state, perhaps a single word that enters the heart and is acted upon may ultimately be the saviour on the Day of Recompense, hence never delay in seeking knowledge of this blessed religion, nor feel at ease or comfort considering you have sufficed yourself….for certainly the Salaf never did.

May Allah reward our brothers in the organisation of this event, and may it be a means of guidance, goodness and benefit for all those who participate.