Lives Cherished, Deaths Mourned
It is said, “The death of a scholar is like the death of a world.” This poignant statement isn't merely a play on words "scholar" (alim) and "world" (alam). Undoubtedly, it is through knowledge that one grasps the reality of the world. When one remains unaware of whence they came and where they are headed or of the purpose of their existence, the universe loses its essence, becoming void of meaning for them. Knowledge, in turn, is sustained and propagated by scholars, bridging the vast expanse between humans and the truths of life.
Prophetic traditions underscore this sentiment. In one such hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) highlights the paramount significance of a scholar to Islam and humanity by stating:
“Allah does not take away the knowledge, by taking it away from (the hearts of) the people, but takes it away by the death of the (righteous) scholars till when none of the (scholars) remains, people will take as their leaders ignorant persons who when consulted will give their fatwa without knowledge. So they will go astray and will lead the people astray.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Throughout history, knowledge has been primarily transmitted through the sacred relationship of scholar and student, forming a continuous chain passed down to successive generations. This hadith, in essence, underscores the significance of this traditional mode of transmission. For the true conduits of knowledge aren't merely books, treatises, or libraries. Indeed, our libraries today are brimming with Islam's foundational sources. Access to vast troves of information is, in this age, remarkably straightforward. Yet, despite this, there remains an acute need for individuals who can properly interpret knowledge, guiding others towards its intended direction — and such individuals are a rarity.
Herein lies the unparalleled significance of the scholar. Our heritage of Islamic knowledge has been handed down through generations by an esteemed lineage of masters tracing back to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and is fundamentally grounded in impeccable adab. Any seeker of knowledge, first and foremost, embraces this adab from their mentor. This all-important adab instills reverence for scholars, a surrendering of the heart, and the profound understanding that sometimes, silence speaks louder than words in grasping the truth. Scholars trained in this venerable tradition always relay teachings from the great scholars who came before them, transmitting what they learned from their masters. This approach safeguards scholars from placing their personal perceptions at the center, thereby averting potential discord. Such strife manifests in our age as a grave peril: the tendency of many to interpret the Holy Qur'an based on one’s arbitrary impressions and whims and to casually comment upon the hadiths.
Our sacred book, the Qur'an, proclaims a divine decree from Allah the Most High: "The fitnah is worse than killing." (Al-Baqarah, 191)
The dwindling number of scholars on this earth signifies not just the fading of knowledge but portends a profound loss of direction for humanity, becoming one of our gravest trials. At this juncture, the wisdom of the hadith, "The death of a scholar is like the death of a world," becomes all the more palpable. For as scholars depart, ignorance emerges and spreads unopposed. People, in their desperation, turn to the uninformed for guidance. Such individuals, despite their lack of knowledge, audaciously render religious verdicts. They not only stray from the path but lead others astray too.
Through the annals of Islamic history, countless tribulations were quelled through our scholars’ relentless efforts and wisdom. They have vanquished those who threatened the fabric of faith and sought to misguide the masses. They stood as an insurmountable barrier against those who sowed discord within Muslim communities, aiming to fragment our cherished Islamic world.
The countless works of these scholars stand as a testament to their valorous struggles. In their respective eras, they penned treatises addressing prevailing tribulations, enlightening the populace, and persuading those whose intellects had been ensnared by divisive ideas.
How beautifully does the Lord Most High declare in our Sacred Book: "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Az-Zumar, 9)
Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) underlined the significance of Islamic scholars with the following hadith:
"Scholars on earth are akin to the stars in the sky. Through them, one finds guidance in the darkness on land and at sea. When the stars fade, those who once found their way are on the verge of being lost." (Ahmad bin Hanbal)
Eminent fiqh and hadith scholar of the tenth century, Abu Bakr Al-Ajurri (rahmatullahi alayh), elaborated on the subject of scholars as follows:
"Allah the Exalted has chosen His beloved servants among His creations, gracing them with faith, favoring them with the teachings of the book and wisdom, endowing them with the depth of fiqh in understanding the religion. He has imparted insights into them and taught them the principles of ta’wil, thus elevating them above other believers. He has blessed them with wisdom and knowledge persisting across ages and regions and graced them with hilm. Through them, the delineations of halal and haram, truth and falsehood, beneficial and detrimental, and beauty and blemish become manifest. Their virtues are immense, their stature sublime. They are the rightful heirs of the prophets, the apple of the awliya’s eyes. Even the fish in the depths pray for their forgiveness. Angels extend their wings in deference to them. On the Day of Judgment, after the prophets, it is the scholars who will intercede. Their gatherings resonate with wisdom. With their actions, they rouse the heedless from their slumber of oblivion. They are the most exalted among the people, ranking higher than even the devout worshipers. Their lives are a treasure, their demise, a catastrophe. They admonish the sinner and educate the uninformed. All creations are in dire need of their knowledge. Those who heed them find the righteous path, while those who defy them are led astray. When a caliph is in doubt, it is to them he turns. Generals, when faced with the unknown, act upon their perspicacious counsel. Judges, when confounded by the complexity of their judiciary duties, seek their guidance and rule according to their words. They are the radiant beacons of this ummah, the fountains of wisdom, the nemesis of shaytans. They are to people as stars to the sky. Through their enlightenment, one finds their way amid the darkness of land and sea."
A true scholar is not merely an individual engrossed in the pursuit of knowledge or one who imparts wisdom. A genuine scholar is one who embodies the teachings he acquires, guides humanity through it, and illuminates the righteous path. As recounted by Sayyid Muhammed Raşid Elhüseyni (quddisa sirruhu) in one of his discourses:
"In days of old, scholars were plentiful. They traveled in congregations, enlightening souls and teaching people the tenets of our faith. Such were the scholars of righteousness, who lived by the knowledge they possessed. Their very presence evoked the remembrance of Allah in the hearts of those who beheld them."
Today, while there are those who, under the guise of knowledge, sow seeds of confusion, our venerable scholars of the past have addressed such misconceptions, and the tradition continues. As affirmed by Hujjatul Islam, Imam Ghazali (rahmatullahi alayh), in every era there have been scholars dispelling doubts, challenging innovators with their works of refutation, engaging in these realms of knowledge, and purifying the hearts of the righteous from harmful innovations. Such scholars are indeed a mercy for the Muslim ummah.
Yet, nowadays, with the proliferation of untraditional, erratic interpretations and practices, there is an ever-pressing need for heightened dedication. Now, more than ever, there is an increased need for scholars who can dispel these uncertainties and for institutions to cultivate such enlightened people of learning.
The mere proliferation of books and libraries is not the solution. In fact, unchecked knowledge, without guidance, carries a high potential for discord. The crux lies in discerning from whom such knowledge should be sought. Esteemed scholars of Islam have consistently advocated acquiring knowledge under the tutelage of a seasoned scholar or mentor. Such a method not only simplifies learning but ensures queries are addressed, Islamic morals and etiquette are imparted, and a genuine understanding is constructed.
Merely increasing the number of books and libraries isn't enough. On the contrary, knowledge without proper guidance can even lead to disputes and confusion. The essential principle in learning is to know from whom knowledge should be acquired. Islamic scholars have always emphasized the importance of learning from a knowledgeable teacher or mentor. This approach not only facilitates easier learning but also ensures questions are answered, Islamic morals and manners that are inextricably linked to healthy learning are conveyed, and a true understanding is developed.
Regrettably, the true worth of scholars often goes unrecognized in their lifetimes. To truly honor them, one must revere their knowledge, tread the path they've cast their light on, and support their students, if any. It is through such gestures that the chain of scholarly tradition remains unbroken, ensuring that succeeding generations are not bereft of knowledge.
May Allah the Most High keep us steadfast on the path of scholars who embody their knowledge. May He never let our ummah witness a dearth of such illuminating guides.
With His tawfiq and inayah...
Sheikh Sayyid M. Mübarek Elhüseyni
