بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In reality there is no life for mankind, except by having understanding (fiqh) of the religion.

The people are in two situations; those who benefit from this religion and those who are bankrupt and deprived of benefit. Those who turn away from having understanding in the religion are much more than those who apply themselves in gaining understanding in the religion.

And in general, the people of evil and misguidance are more abundant than the people of good and righteousness (those upon the obedience of Allah) throughout the various nations, and the plentitude of their evil is because of ignorance and disinclination (towards knowledge), as has come in the hadith,

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“On the day of resurrection, Allah, The Most High will say, ‘O Adam!’ and Adam will reply, ‘’I respond to your call and I am obedient to Your Orders,’ Then there will be a loud call (saying), Allah orders you to take out from amongst your offspring the group for the Hellfire.’ Adam will say, ‘Who are the group for the Hellfire?’ Allah will say, ‘Out of every thousand, take out nine hundred and ninety nine.’ (2)

Shaykh Zayd (Allah have mercy upon him) continues, “and one is in paradise, and that is a proof that the people of good are few in all times, however the people of good are more in this nation, as the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said,

“The people of jannah on the day of resurrection are 120 rows and you (ummah of Muhammad) are 80 rows of them.” (3)

These are tremendous glad tidings, those who are guided are increased in this nation in guidance and enthusiasm (for good deeds), because they utilise the means (to attain reward) and compete in the performance of righteous actions; because Allah commanded with this,

وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqun (4)

So, rush, rush to gaining understanding of the religion, and encourage whoever you find at any time and any place to gain understanding of the religion, so they can gain the Pleasure of the Lord of all that exists, and so they are saved from a disgracing torment.

(1) Slightly Abridged from Sharh Kitab al-Ilm pgs 38-39 by Shaykh Zayd ibn Haadi al Madkhali
(2) Sahih al-Bukhari 4372 translation of Muhsin Khan
(3) Imam Ahmad 4100, Authenticate by Shaykh Al Albaani Al-Mishkaat 5640
(4) Surah Aali Imran: 133 – translation by Muhsin Khan and Taqi ud deen Al-Hilaali