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An example of transgression in the field of knowledge

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

“Indeed, knowledge has transgression (associated with its possessor or seeker), similar to the transgression (associated with the owner of wealth)”.

Al-Allamah Ibn Al-Athir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

It can lead its possessor to permit concessions [I] through what is ambiguously derived from it, thus leading him to what is not permissible for him, looking down on those below him and not fulfilling its rights due to not acting upon it, just as the owner of wealth does (with wealth). [1]

“Beware of the disease of the despots because pride [a], avarice, and envy were the first (sins through which) Allah was disobeyed. Raising yourself above your teacher is pride, [b] being arrogant towards the one who benefits you from amongst those who are below you is pride, [c] and falling short in acting upon knowledge is a sludge of pride and an indication of being deprived.

Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

[a]The Prophet said, “Pride is to reject the truth and mock the people”. This refers to Shaytan’s behaviour when he was commanded to prostrate to Adam, but pride prevented him from doing so. He refused and was haughty. [b] Raising oneself can either be by way of the tongue and it can also be by way of sentiments (feelings, attitude, etc). He (the student) may be walking with his teacher, while swaggering and saying, “I did this, and I did this”. [c] Likewise, being arrogant towards the one who is below you in knowledge is pride. This also occurs with some of the students that if someone below him in knowledge informs him of something, you find him arrogant and does not accept. We ask Allah for well-being because this type of pride is a lack of acting upon the knowledge one knows. [2]

[I] https://salafidawah.uk/2021/11/20/unjustified-pursuit-of-concessions-and-mere-claim-of-khilaaf-unbefitting-a-people-who-want-to-be-regarded-as-followers-of-clear-proof/

Some factors leading to elevation or degradation of a possessor of knowledge.

[1] An-Niyahah Fee Ghareeb Al-Hadith 3/128
[2] An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Hilyah Talib Al-Ilm. 38-40. (1st Edition Rabi ul Awwal 1443AH)