In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Is There is a Single Salafi Teacher Who Can Give Me Everything Needed?! Food For Thought When This Crosses The Mind!

Firstly, can you name an elder Salafi Scholar in the Muslim lands or an elder Salafi teacher in the UK who has excelled his contemporaries – amongst the people of knowledge – in every aspect of knowledge?! Therefore, remember the statement of Imaam Al-Bukhaari [may Allaah have mercy upon him] when he said: “A man will not become well facilitated until he takes knowledge from one above him, one similar to him and one below him.” [Quoted by Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhaari in Sharh Umdatul Ahkaam. Lesson 1]

Imaam Abdullaah Ibnul Mubaarak [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “A man will not be from the (students or scholars) of Hadeeth until he writes from someone similar to him, someone above him and someone below him.” [Taareekh Baghdaad by Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee 5/68]

Imaam Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “A man will not be from the (students or scholars) of Hadeeth until he takes from someone above him, someone below him and someone similar to him.” [Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawee 2/218]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] said: Musa [peace be upon him] was spoken to directly by Allaah and the Tawraat was revealed to him, which contained Hudaa [i.e. that which guides a person to Eemaan, truth and protects one from misguidance] and Noor [i.e. a guiding light in the midst of the darkness of ignorance, confusion, doubts, beliefs and deeds that appear to be truth but are falsehood in reality and evil desires], but when he knew that another person possessed knowledge of that which he did not possess, [Allaah informed us he (Musa) said]: [لَا أَبْرَحُ حَتَّىٰ أَبْلُغَ مَجْمَعَ الْبَحْرَيْنِ أَوْ أَمْضِيَ حُقُبًا – I will not give up (travelling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travelling]. [Surah Al-Kahf. Verse 60]

He went on foot – neither had a car nor a riding beast, nor a horse; (rather) he travelled on foot”. [Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. 245-248. Slightly paraphrased]

Secondly, the methodology of the Salaf is the best and it includes everything – Aqeedah, Manhaj, Manners, Mutual Dealings. Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated that the Salaf authored small books of Aqeedah in order to briefly present the foundation of what distinguishes the Aqeedah of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah from the Aqeedah of the unbelievers, and the Mubtadi’ah, such as the Jahmiyyah, the Mutazilah, the Qadariyyah, the khawaarij, the Mur’ji’ah, the Raafidah etc.

These summarised books of Aqeedah are a beginning for the student and paves the way for him to study the books of Aqeedah that are more detailed. Therefore, after knowing this, it not befitting [or appropriate] for a person to say that such and such scholar fell short in mentioning such and such in this or that summarised book. Those who utter this statement do not know the aim of the Salaf behind these summarised books of Aqeedah. That is because these summarised books of Aqeedah were written to make a brief distinction between the Aqeedah of Ahlus Sunnah and the Aqeedah of Ahlul bidah – accompanied by few examples in the subject matter. For example, when writing about the Attributes of Allaah in these summarised books of Aqeedah, they [i.e. Salaf and the scholars who followed their path] only mentioned some of the Attributes of Allaah, quoted their evidences and the principles regarding how to approach this subject matter, because the same principle applies to the rest of the Sifaat [i.e. the Attributes of Allaah]. Therefore, these summarised books of Aqeedah are very beneficial for the student of knowledge regarding the Aqeedah of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah based on the Qur’aan and Sunnah as opposed to what ahlul bidah wal ahwaa are upon. [An Excerpt from Sharh Al-Aqeedah At-Tahaawiyyah. Lesson 1]

Thirdly, Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: It is necessary (or crucial) that the seekers of Hadeeth should have the most perfect [behaviour, manners, etiquettes etc] amongst the people, be the most humble amongst the people, the greatest in their impartiality and adherence to the religion, the least in (deviating from good conduct) and (being overcome with) anger, because they constantly listen to the narrations that gathers the excellent manners and etiquettes of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], the lives of the virtuous pious predecessors, the path of the scholars of Hadeeth and the virtues of the (pious ones and scholars) who have passed away; so they adhere to the purest and excellent (aspects of those traits, etiquettes, manners etc) and turn away from the most despised and lowly [(traits, behaviour, manners, etiquettes etc). [An Excerpt from ‘Jaami Bayaan Al-Ilm 1/78. By Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi]

The Importance of Reading The Biographies of The Salafus Saaleh [The Pious Predecessors]: https://salaficentre.com/2019/03/10/the-importance-of-reading-the-biographies-of-the-salafus-saaleh-the-pious-predecessors/

Read: Valuable Experiences: [Some Scholars and Students Speaking About The Path to Acquiring Knowledge and Solidifying One’s Salafiyyah From Day One]:

Valuable Experiences: [Some Scholars and Students Speaking About The Path to Acquiring Knowledge and Solidifying One’s Salafiyyah From Day One]

Fourthly, Allaah Detailed The Evidences In Order That Truth and Falsehood Are Distinguished:

Allaah [The Most High] said:[ وَكَذَٲلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ وَلِتَسۡتَبِينَ سَبِيلُ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ – And thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail, so that the way of the Mujrimun (criminals, polytheists, sinners) become manifest. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 55]

Imaam Ibn Katheer [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated regarding this Aayah: “Allaah [The Exalted] stated that just as He explained what was previously explained of the arguments and evidence on the path of guidance and sound judgement, and censured argumentation and stubbornness; likewise He explain the signs (proofs, evidences, lessons), which those being addressed are in need of; [ولتستبين سبيل المجرمين – and so that the way of the criminals may become evident (to you)], Meaning, so that the path of the criminals – those who oppose the Messengers – may become evident”. (1)

Imaam At-Tabari [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated regarding the statement of Allaah: [وكذلك نفصل الآيات – And thus do We explain the signs (to you O Muḥammad) in detail]- Meaning, O Muhammad! Just as We have detailed for you in this Surah – from its beginning and introduction up to this point – our proofs and evidences against the idolaters and worshippers of images, and distinguished and clarified it for you; likewise, We explain to you our signs and evidences for every truth denied by the people of falsehood, the sects and other than them, until its truth is distinguished from its falsehood, and its right is distinguished from its wrong. (2)

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: Those who know Allaah, His Book and His Religion are acquainted with the path of the believers and that of the criminals in detail- the two paths are clearly visible to them, just as a path leading to its destination and the path leading to destruction are made clearly visible. They are the most knowledgeable amongst the creation- the ones who benefit [the people] the most, the ones with the most useful advice and they are an evidence of right guidance. This is why the Sahaabah have excelled all those to come after them until the Day of Judgment, for indeed they were brought up upon the path of misguidance, shirk and paths leading to destruction, and they knew them in detail; then the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] came to them and took them out from darkness [an entered them] into complete light- from shirk into Tawheed; from ignorance into knowledge; from misguidance into guidance; from injustice into justice; from confusion and blindness into guidance and clear-sightedness. They knew the worth of that which they received and were triumphant by way of it. [They knew the worth] of that which was contained in what they [received], since what is in opposition to the [truth and right guidance] reveals the goodness of what it opposes, because [upright] affairs are made clear by way of their opposites. So they increased in desire and love of that which they embraced, disliked and hated that which they had turned away from. And of all the people, they had the most love for Tawheed, Imaan and Islaam, and had the most hatred for that which was in opposition to it. They were the most knowledgeable of the path in detail.

As for those who came after the Sahaabah, amongst them is that one who was brought up in Islaam but knows not what is in opposition to it. Therefore, some of the details of the path of the believers and that of the criminals became confusing to him, for indeed confusion occurs due to the weakness of one’s knowledge regarding both paths or one of them, as Umar Ibnul Khattaab [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “The bonds of Islaam will be undone one after the other when a people who grew up in Islaam know not what Jaahiliyyah [Pre-Islamic Ignorance] is.’’ This [statement shows an aspect of] Umar’s perfect knowledge [of Islaam].

And there is that one who is neither acquainted with the path of the criminals nor has it been made clear to him, or he has doubts and thus thinks that some of their ways are from the ways of the believers. This has occurred in this Ummah in many affairs of Aqeedah, Knowledge and Action regarding the path of the criminals, the disbelievers and the enemies of the Messengers, [which] was brought into the path of the believers by the one who does not know the [detailed distinction between] the path of believers and the path of the criminals, so he called to [this path], excommunicate the one in opposition and declares lawful that which Allaah and His Messenger made unlawful, just as what has occurred with many of the people of bidah, such as the Jahmiyyah, the Qadariyyah, the Khawaarij, the Rawaafid and their ilk- among those who initiated an innovation, called to it and excommunicated those who opposed it.

The people are four categories in this subject matter [i.e. the obligation of having knowledge of the path of the believers and that of the criminals in detail].

The First Group: They are those who know the path of the believers and that of the criminals in detail-in both knowledge and action. They are the most knowledgeable amongst the creation.
The Second Group: They are those who are blind to both paths- those resembling animals. The path of the criminals comes [to them] and they follow it.

The Third Group: It is that one who concerns himself with (seeking) knowledge of the path of the believers and not its opposite. He only knows (the path of the criminals) by way of its opposition to the (path of the believers) and in a general way, and [holds] that all that is in opposition to the path of the believers is falsehood, even though that is not illustrated to him in detail. Rather, when he hears some of that which contradicts the path of the believers, he turns away and does not preoccupy himself in understanding and knowing its falsity. This person is in a state (similar) to one who is safeguarded from following desires- whose heart is neither put at risk nor is he called to (such desires), as opposed to those who are aware of (such desires) and their souls are inclined towards them, but they strive against it for the Sake of Allaah. A letter was written to Umar Ibnul Khattaab (radiyallaahu-anhu) and he was asked about this affair, as to which of the two men is the better- a man who is not put at risk by way of desires and does not go through its difficulties, or a man who is pushed towards it but abandons it for the Sake of Allaah? Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu) wrote back saying: The one who is desirous of sin but abandons it for the Sake of Allaah is from ‘those whose hearts Allaah has tested for piety. For them there is forgiveness and a great reward.’ [Surah Hujuraat. Ayah: 3]

The Fourth Group: This group knows the path of evil, bidah and kufr in detail and the path of the believers in general. This is the situation of many of those who concern themselves with the beliefs of the previous nations and that of the people of bidah. They are acquainted with (these affairs) in detail, but not with what the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) came with; rather they are acquainted with it in general even though they may know some of its affairs in detail. Whoever examines their books will see that. Likewise, those who know the paths of evil, oppression and corruption in detail and are followers of it; if they repent, abandon these (affairs) and return to the path of the pious believers, then their knowledge of it will only be general. They will not be acquainted with it in that detailed manner known to those who spend their lives (studying) its regulations and ways.

The Objective: Indeed, Allaah (Glorified be He) loves that one should know the path of His enemies in order to avoid and hate it, just as the path of the His awliyaa (close friends) is known and followed. (3)

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “There is no good thing except that he [i.e. the Messenger (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) has urged the person towards it and there is no evil except that he warned the Ummah against it”.

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] commented on the above statement, saying: “This is correct, because indeed good is something one seeks to do, therefore he clarified it specifically and urged a person towards it. And regarding evil, we say, ‘There is no evil except that he warned against it’ and he [Shaikhul Islaam] did not say, ‘There’s no evil except he (i.e. the Messenger) has clarified it [i.e. in detail]’, because there are evil affairs which he clarified (in detail) and warned against, and there are evil affairs which he did not clarify (in detail), rather he warned against it in general. For example, fornication, killing a person (i.e. without a justified reason based on the sharee’ah) and what is similar to these deeds are manifest evils; and Bidah is a manifest evil, but did he mention every Bidah specifically by its description in a text or rather mentioned in general? Answer: They are mentioned in general and warned against. The distinction between (evil) and good is that good is something one seeks to do, therefore it is in need of being clarified specifically – clarify every affair so that we do it, unlike evil because it is something to be abandoned, therefore sometimes it is mentioned in detail and sometimes in general. (4)

The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] stated: “Indeed the one who lives long amongst you will see differences; so upon you is to (adhere) to my Sunnah”. Imaam Abu Haatim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “This is clear evidence that the Messenger commanded his Ummah to know the Du’afaa amongst them and (distinguish) them from the Thiqaat. That is because the Sunnah cannot be adhered to alongside the lies and falsehood mixed with it, except by way of knowing the Du’afaa and (distinguishing them) from the Thiqaat”. (5)

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah preserve him] stated, “It is obligated on the people of truth to exercise patience and increase in adhering to this religion of truth. Whenever the desires become abundant, it becomes necessary to increase in acquainting (oneself) with the truth and adhering to it, as the Messenger (alayhis salaatu was-salaam) said: ‘The one who lives long amongst you will see a lot of differences, so upon you is that you follow my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa. Bite onto it with your molar teeth (i.e. hold onto it firmly) and beware of newly invented matters (in the religion), for every newly invented matter (in the religion) is a bidah and every bidah is misguidance”. (6)

Hudhaifah Bin al Yamaan [may Allaah be pleased with him] said: ‘’People used to ask the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] about the good times, but I used to ask him about bad times fearing lest they overtake me. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! We were in a state of pre-Islamic ignorance and evil, and then Allaah brought us this good [time through Islam], is there any evil time after this good one?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I asked, ‘Will there be a good time again after that evil?’ He said, ‘Yes, but therein will be a hidden evil.’ I asked, ‘What will be the evil hidden therein?’ He said, ‘[That time will witness the rise of] the people who will follow ways other than mine and seek guidance other than mine. You will know [their] good points as well as [their] bad points.’ I asked, ‘Will there be an evil time after this good one?’ He said, ‘Yes. [A time will come] when there will be people standing and inviting at the gates of Hell. Whosoever responds to their call they will throw them into the fire.’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Describe them for us.’ He said, ‘They will be a people having the same complexion as ours and speaking our language.’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! What do you suggest if I happen to live in that time?’ He said, ‘You should stick to the main body of the Muslims and their leader.’ I said, ‘If they have no [such thing as the] main body and have no leader?’ He said, ‘Separate yourself from all these factions, though you may have to eat the roots of trees [in a jungle] until death comes to you and you are in this state.’’’ [Bukhari and Muslim…. The wording of the above is that of Imaam Muslim]

Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] stated: They used to ask him [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] about the good related to righteous actions, affairs of the correct Islamic creed and dealings, but Hudhaifah used to ask him [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] about the evil times fearing lest they overcome him. Therefore, in this is evidence that it is not enough to only learn about the good; rather one must know about the evil in order to avoid it. If you do not know about the evil, you will come close to falling into it, as the poet said: ”I acquaint myself with the evil not for the sake of evil, but to be safeguarded from it. The one who does not know [the distinction between] evil and good will fall into evil.

A person must learn about the truth-its proofs and evidences. He must learn and know what falsehood is and the doubts associated with it, in order that he can be saved from falsehood and warn people against it. How can he avoid and warn people against it if he is unaware of it? And with regards to this, the Qur’aan has clarified truth and falsehood; it has clarified Eemaan and Kufr, Tawheed and Shirk, and Halaal and Haraam. It has not only clarified Tawheed, Halaal and truth; rather it clarified that which is in opposition to them, so that the Muslim can avoid them.
Likewise, the Prophet – in his Sunnah- clarified good and evil, truth and falsehood in all affairs of the religion. The scholars [may Allaah have mercy upon them] clarified – in their written works- what Tawheed, Shirk, disbelief and hypocrisy are. They have clarified the belief of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa-ah and the beliefs of the deviated sects, such as the Jahmiyyah, the Mutazilah, the Ashaa-irah…..and other than that.

They have clarified the correct and forbidden [deeds related] to mutual dealings. They have clarified the correct [Islamic] marriage, the false and corrupt marriage and the women forbidden [for one to marry]. They have clarified the [good manners legislated in the sharee’ah] and the evil manners that are in opposition to it. All of this gives the Muslim an insight into his affairs, so that he knows the truth by its evidences, knows what falsehood is and the doubts associated with it, in order that he can avoid falsehood and tell the people avoid it.

This is why you find in the books of belief: clarification of the belief in Tawheed and the belief of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa-ah, clarification of the beliefs [that are tantamount] to misguidance, the doubts associated with it and refutation against it, in order that the Muslim is not misled by beliefs [that are tantamount to] deviation, false beliefs and deviated schools of thought; and in order that the Muslims can be upon a correct understanding with regards to the affairs of their religion and that which is in opposition to it.

Some of the people at present- the majority of them ignorant ones and amongst them misguided ones- say, “Do not learn about the false beliefs; suffice yourselves with learning the correct belief only and do not involve yourself in seeking to know the beliefs of the people of misguidance and the refutations against their doubts. Leave this and teach the children of the Muslims the correct belief only. Do not inform them about the statements that are in opposition [to the truth], the doubts and refutation against them.” This one [i.e. the one who makes these statements] is either one of the ignorant people who knows nothing about knowledge or he is one of those motivated by personal desires-those who want to spread the false schools of thought and their doubts; rather it may be that they say, ‘’It is sufficient for a person to say, ‘I am a Muslim; I am a believer….. a general Islaam suffices, do not say, ‘Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa-ah, [do not say], ‘the people of misguidance, splitting and differing; do not say this, because it will cause division between the Muslims.’’’

These [statements are tantamount to] misguidance because Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] has clarified the truth in opposition to falsehood, guidance in opposition to misguidance and Tawheed in opposition to shirk. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] has clarified all the affairs of the Religion- a detailed clarification of the affairs related to worship, mutual dealings and manners. Therefore, this must be clarified in order that it is made clear to the people, [and in order] that they can be upon clarity, and so that the true Muslim is distinguished from the so-called Muslim and no deviation and forgery enters into Islaam. We must make a distinction between this and that one, in order that truth is not confounded with falsehood, and [in order] to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and [between] good and wickedness. We do not suffice ourselves with a general Islaam because this is misleading, and it is deception. We warn against this propaganda. The truth must be clarified and distinguished from falsehood, and guidance must be distinguished from misguidance. Hudhaifah [radiyallaahu-anhu] used to ask the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] about the evil and did not suffice himself by only asking the Prophet about the good. The Prophet affirmed that for him and did not say to him: ”Suffice yourself with knowing what good is’’ rather he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] affirmed and clarified- for him- the evil that was to occur, in order that he may beware and warn others. This is the Sunnah; this is the path of the Qur’aan and that of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]. (7)

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah preserve him] stated: Many trials have occurred and from them the trial of the khawaarij, the Rawaafid and killing. Deviation and misguidance have occurred – either fighting and trials (related) to politics, creed, methodology and what is similar to them. Many people who were to be destroyed were destroyed and the one whom Allaah protected was saved and adhered to the true methodology. Indeed, all praises and thanks be to Allaah, many were saved due to the clarity and establishment of this methodology (of the Salaf), just as the Messenger promised that “There will not cease to be a group from my Ummah manifest and upon the truth, neither harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them until the hour is established”.

Therefore, during every trial, they (the scholars of Ahlus Sunnah) must openly proclaim the truth and clarify it for the people. They should distinguish – for them – between guidance and misguidance, truth and falsehood, the manner in which the people will be safeguarded from these trials, the path through which they will be saved from entering into trials and other affairs (by way of which) Allaah guides this group when faced with every trial. And indeed the author [i.e. Imaam Al-Aajurree] reiterated this hadeeth, “A man will wake up in the morning as a Muslim and by evening he becomes a disbeliever”. Yes, a man may be upon truth and then you do not see him thereafter except that he has become a disbeliever or a misguided innovator! This is nothing else but humiliation! He used to claim that he is upon good, a possessor of knowledge and upon the truth, but then he falls into disbelief-either major disbelief that exits a person from the fold of Islam or the one that does not exit a person from the fold of Islam. This is ignominy and Allaah’s Protection is sought. How many people have been humiliated and exposed by a trial! You come to know of them and their false claims are unveiled, and their reality is clarified for you. [An Excerpt from ‘Adh-Dharee’ah Ilaa Bayaan Maqaasid Kitaab Ash-Sharee’ah – 1/200-202]

The Shaikh also said: By Allaah! We have clarified the misguidance they [i.e. ahlul bidah] are upon in order to enlighten our children [i.e. the youth] and brothers, and distinguish- for them – between truth and falsehood, guidance and misguidance, sunnah and bidah, the people of truth and the people of falsehood, the people guidance and the people of misguidance. This is not a new path, rather it is a path legislated by Allaah, legislated by Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and established by the Sahaabah, the Taabi’een and the Imaams of [upright] guidance. [Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ page 28]

The Shaikh also said: The scholar who fears Allaah – the one who is [constantly conscious of the fact that Allah sees, hears and knows everything about him] – will act upon what he knows, seek after Allaah’s pleasure and keep away from what angers Allaah. He knows what pleases Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] and what angers Allaah.

Indeed, Allaah and His Messenger praised knowledge and the scholars, and the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] informed us that the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets; however, not every scholar is an inheritor of the prophets; rather one has to be sincere in the path of knowledge, implement knowledge, act upon it and spread it amongst the people. So, he rectifies himself through this knowledge and rectifies others. If he does not act, knowledge will be a tool of corruption and destruction, and Allaah’s refuge is sought. And because of this, Allaah dispraised the one who does not act upon the knowledge he has acquired and promises him the severest punishment. Allaah said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِنَّ ڪَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡأَحۡبَارِ وَٱلرُّهۡبَانِ لَيَأۡكُلُونَ أَمۡوَٲلَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلۡبَـٰطِلِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَكۡنِزُونَ ٱلذَّهَبَ وَٱلۡفِضَّةَ وَلَا يُنفِقُونَہَا فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَبَشِّرۡهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ۬

O you who believe! Verily, there are many of the (Jewish) rabbis and the (Christian) monks who devour the wealth of mankind in falsehood, and hinder (them) from the Way of Allah (i.e. Allah’s Religion of Islamic Monotheism). And those who hoard up gold and silver [Al-Kanz: the money, the Zakat of which has not been paid], and spend it not in the Way of Allah, -announce unto them a painful torment. [Surah at-Tawbah. Aayah 34]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفۡعَلُونَ
ڪَبُرَ مَقۡتًا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُواْ مَا لَا تَفۡعَلُونَ

O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do. [Surah Saff. Aayah 3]

One of the most hateful [deeds] is that one speaks and gives admonition based on knowledge, but he does not act. Allaah said:

أَلَمۡ يَأۡنِ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَن تَخۡشَعَ قُلُوبُہُمۡ لِذِڪۡرِ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَلَا يَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ مِن قَبۡلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلۡأَمَدُ فَقَسَتۡ قُلُوبُہُمۡ‌ۖ وَكَثِيرٌ۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ فَـٰسِقُونَ

Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) to be affected by Allah’s Reminder (this Qur’an), and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e. Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [Suarah Al-Hadeed. Aayah 16]

It is obligated on the Islamic Ummah to avoid the path of these misguided ones amongst the people of the scripture – those who acquired knowledge but did not act, so their hearts became corrupt and the majority of them became rebellious, disobedient. That is because not acting on knowledge leads to hardness of the heart. And when this hardness afflicts the heart, it destroys it and thus neither does the heart accept truth nor act upon knowledge. It leads to concealment of knowledge, acting contrary to knowledge, leads [the person to] follow desires and rejects truth that is a clear as the sun.

This is found in this Ummah, just as the Prophet [alayhis salaatu wassalaam] said: ‘’The best of the people are those living in my generation, then those who will follow the latter and then those who come after them. Then there will come after them people who will be treacherous and will not be trustworthy, they will bear witness without being asked to do so (a), and they will vow, but will never fulfil their vows, and fatness will appear among them.’’ (b).
They give false testimony, act treacherously and deceitfully. They behave a very sinful manner and follow evil desires, except those whom Allaah safeguards amongst the Taa’ifatul Mansoorah [i.e. the aided group of Muslims upon the straight path] – those whom Allaah’s Messenger [alayhis salaatu wassalaam] praised. Therefore, it is obligated on us to acquire knowledge for the sake of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] and act upon it. Ignorance is a deadly disease and knowledge is a weapon that will destroy you if you do not act upon it, and Allaah’s refuge is sought. [Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm pages 268-270]

Allaah Does Not Burden a Soul Beyond What It Can Bear

Al-Allaamah Zaid Bin Haadee Al-Madkhali [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: It is not permissible for the one who knows something concerning the innovations of Ikhwaan Al-Muslimeen (The Muslim Brotherhood- illegal partisan group) or other than them amongst the people of innovation and error that he remains silent about clarifying (their affair), whilst he has the ability to clarify; because refuting the people of innovation and errors is obligatory upon those who have the ability to do so from amongst the People of Knowledge. And when it is established by some of them, the obligation is lifted from the rest. As for fearing splitting as a result of refutation against the sects, then there is no legislated Islamic excuse for refraining (from such); because having love for unity (upon the sound creed and methodology of the salaf) is what is correct and more deserving to be desired and followed. The innovator is the cause for the splitting in the Ummah; because splitting is connected to innovation and unity is connected to the Sunnah. And the obligation of refutation against the Mukhaalif (the one in opposition to the truth) is not lifted from the scholar due to anticipation of harm, unless it is harm he is not able to bear; then (in this case), Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear. The earth is not devoid of people of knowledge to carry out refutation against the innovator and the one in opposition to the (truth). [Al Ajwibah Al Mukhtasar Alaa As-ila Al-Ashrati Page43-44]

Generosity In Knowledge When One Is Able to Give More

In Madaarij As-Saalikeen Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] spoke about generosity and its different levels, then he said that to be generous with one’s knowledge is from those loftiest levels of generosity. *To be generous with knowledge is more virtuous than generosity with wealth, because knowledge is more noble than wealth. *To be generous with knowledge necessitates that when a questioner asks a question related to the religion, you give him [or her] a detail and sufficient answer and not an answer that is only sufficient to address the needs of the questioner. *Indeed I [i.e. Ibnul Qayyim] have witnessed something amazing about Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] in relation to this affair. When he [Ibn Taymiyyah] used to be asked about an affair that requires a ruling, he would mention in his response-if he was able to do so- the Madhab of the four Imaams, the reason behind the difference of opinion and the position that carries more weight. He would also mention the other issues related to the subject matter which might even be more beneficial for the questioner than the issue he [or she] asked about. *The Sahaabah [radiyallaahu-anhum] asked the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] about performing ablution with sea water, so he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’Its water is purifying [i.e. can be used for ablution] and its dead [animals] are lawful [to eat].’’ [Bulooghul Maraam’ Hadeeth 1. Book of Purification]. So, the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] answered their [main] question and then generously gave them [an extra response] regarding what they would be more in need of -at certain times- than the initial affair they asked about. [An Excerpt from Madaarij As-Saalikeen 2/43-44. فصل : مراتب الجود – Slightly paraphrased]

Finally, we live in an era in which we have access to numerous upright Salafi scholars and Salafi students of knowledge – both elders and those younger than them. All praise and thanks be to Allaah that some brothers have had access to senior scholars, such as the likes of Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen, Imaam al Albaanee, Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi, Al-Allaamah Ubaid Bin Abdillaah Al-Jaabiri, Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan, Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Luhaydaan, Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Ghudayyaan, Al-Allaamah Hammaad Al-Ansaaree, Al-Allaamah Muhammad Amaa Al-Jaami, Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi, Al-Allaamah Ahmad An-Najmi, Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadi Al-Waadi’ee and others. And at present, some brothers – elders and youth – have access to some of the students of these senior scholars, such as Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhari and others. Likewise, in the UK and America at present, we have access to the elder students who have met and sat with many of the senior scholars mentioned above. We benefit from all of them and travel to the various cities when we are able to do so. If you cannot attend the lessons of Shaikh Abu Iyaadh due to distance or any other reason, you have access to his audio lessons, and likewise you have access to the lessons of many other well-known upright Salafi teachers. Some of us often attend – in person – one lesson of Shaikh Abu Khadeejah and regularly – by the Tawfeeq of Allaah – read many articles written by Shaikh Abu Iyaadh on different subject matters; however, we have colleagues and friends who regularly attend- in person, (or listen to) the lessons of Shaikh Abu Hakeem, Shaikh Abu Idrees, Shaikh Abdul Ilaah and Shaikh Uwais; rather, we are eager to receive Fawaa’id and reminders from younger teachers. Therefore, do not deprive yourself of this good because there is not a single teacher who can give you everything needed; rather, benefit from all these teachers in different subject matters. May Allaah grant us beneficial knowledge and the ability to act upon it Aameen.

Listen here: benefit from the elder teachers. This is an audio clip was recorded by a young sister, even though the speaker (Abu Aa’isha) does not allow anyone to record; however, the audio contains a beautiful reminder about benefitting from elders:

[Footnote a]: Regarding the statement, ‘’They will bear witness without being asked to do so.’’ This can mean that they bear witness before being asked, or they bear witness based on falsehood, or they give witness without being from those who are worthy of it. (For further details see Sharh Saheeh Muslim 12/17)]. However, there is another Hadeeth in which the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] stated: ‘’Should I not inform you about the best of witnesses, they are those who bear witness before being asked.’’ The scholars say that what is intended by this hadeeth is for example: someone has a witness to give on behalf of another person based on truth, but the person does not know about it, so he [i.e. the one who should give the witness] informs the person about it; or for example, a person has already passed away and another person knows what the deceased person has left behind as inheritance, so he bears witness to that and makes it known. [For further details see Fat-hul Baari 5/260]

[Footnote b]: And regarding the statement, ‘’And fatness will appear among them.’’ – Meaning: These people give importance to the means of fattening themselves – food, drink and over-abundance. So, their only concern is their bodies and fattening themselves. As for being fat without choice, then one cannot be blamed for that, just as a person cannot be blamed for being tall, short, black or white…[For further details, see Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 10/1056 -By Shaikh Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah)]

Medication For Those Who Still Experience Butterflies in The Stomach or Chest Flutters When Islam, The Pure Sunnah and Salafi Path Are Detailed and Made Distinct: https://salaficentre.com/2021/09/29/medication-for-those-who-still-experience-butterflies-in-the-stomach-or-chest-flutters-when-islam-the-pure-sunnah-and-salafi-path-are-detailed-and-made-distinct/

[Ref 1: Tafseer ibn Katheer]

[Ref 2: Tafseer at-Tabari]

[Ref 3: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’d pages 167-180’. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4: An Excerpt from ‘Ad-Duratu Al-Uthaymeeniyyah Bi-Sharhi Fat’hi Rabbil Bariyyati Bi-Talkhees Al-Hamawiyya. Page 34]

[Ref 5: Muqaddimah Kitaab Al-Majrooheem Minal Muhadditheen of Imaam Ibn Hibbaan. Page 66]

[Ref 6: Majmoo 14/294 (3rd paragraph)]

[Ref 7: https://salaficentre.com/2019/08/27/admonition-from-the-hadeeth-of-hudhaifah-people-used-to-ask-the-messenger-of-allaah-about-the-good-times-but-i-used-to-ask-him-about-bad/ ]