The amazing generosity of Ibn Taymiyyah with his knowledge

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

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, spoke about generosity and its different levels, then he said that to be generous with one’s knowledge is one of the 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 them a detail and sufficient answer (i.e. if the scholar or teacher is able to do so).

Then he said: Indeed I have witnessed something amazing about Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, regarding this affair. When he used to be asked about matter 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 that may even be more beneficial for the questioner than the issue they asked about.

The companions, may Allah be pleased with them, asked the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about performing ablution with sea water, so he said, “Its water is purifying (i.e. can be used for ablution) and its dead (animals) are lawful (to eat)”. [Bulugh Al-Maram. Hadith 1. Book of Purification].

So, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, answered their question and then generously gave them (an extra response) regarding what they would be more in need of -at certain times- than the initial matter they asked about.

An Excerpt from Madaarij As-Salikeen 2/43-44. فصل : مراتب الجود