abu hafs
18th February 2007, 02:34 PM
The Quran is the Priority
Hudhayfah said:The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa
sallam) related matters to us. I have seen one of them, and I am
waiting for the other. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) informed
us: "Trustworthiness was sent down in depths of the heart of the
people, then they learnt it from the Qur'aan, then they learnt it
from the Sunnah" 2
Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar (852H) said: "His (`azza wa jall) saying: 'then
they learnt it from the Qur'aan, then they learnt it from the
Sunnah' So it occurs in this narration with the repetition
of "then", which contains and indication that they would learn the
Qur'aan before learning the details of the sunnah. And what is meant
by the details of the sunnah is anything that they would learn from
Prophet (saallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) whether it was obligatory
or recommended." 3
Al-Maymoonee said:I asked Abu 'Abdullaah Imaam Ahmed which is more
beloved to you, that I should I begin teaching my son the Qur'aan or
the hadeeth He said: "No! The Qur'aan." I said: Shall I teach him
all of it? He replied: "Unless that is difficult, in which case
teach him some of it." Then. he said to me: "If he begins reciting
first, then he will learn correct recitation and will persevere in
it." 4
Ibn Muflih said: "Upon this are the followers of Imaam Ahmad right
up until our time." 5
Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 718H) said: "As for seeking to memorize the
Qur'aan then this is to be given preference over many of the things
that the people consider to be knowledge, but are -in reality -
either totally useless, or having little benefit. It is also to be
given precedence in learning especially by those who wish to acquire
knowledge of the Deen, its principles and its particulars. Since
what is prescribed for such a person at this time is that he should
begin by memorizing the Qur'aan, as it is the foundation of the
branches of knowledge of the deen. This is contrary to what is done
by many of the people on innovation, in that one of them will
preoccupy himself with superfluous parts of knowledge; such as
kalaam (rhetorical speech) and argumentation; or very rare matters
of differences; and blind following, which there is no need for; or
very strange and rare ahaadeeth which are not established, nor of
benefit; and many discussions do not establish proofs. And he
abandons memorizing the Qur'aan which is more important than all of
this." 6
Muhammad ibn al-Fadl said: "I heard my grandfather say: I asked my
father for permission to study under Qutaybah, so he said: "First
learn the Qur'aan and then I will give you permission." So I
memorized the Qur'aan by heart. Then he said to me: "Remain until
you have led the people in prayer with it (i.e. for taraweeh
prayer)." So I did so, and after the "eed prayer he gave me
permission, so I left for Marw." 7
Ibn 'Abdul-Barr (d. 463H) said: "Seeking knowledge is of levels and
is of different stages which should not be skipped over. Whoever
skips over them altogether, then he has overstepped the path of the
Companions and those that follow them. Whoever deliberately takes a
path other than this has seriously deviated. However, whoever
oversteps due to an ijtihaad (a knowledge-based judgment that a
qualified scholar makes, intending to reach the truth), then such a
person has erred So the first knowledge is memorization of the Book
of Allaah and seeking to understand it. And it-is obligatory to seek
everything which will aid in understanding it. However, I do not say
that it is obligatory to memorize all of the Qur 'aan but I do say
that it is obligatory and essential for anyone who wishes to become
a scholar - not that it is something obligatory in itself." 8
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee (d. 463H) said: "It is fitting for a
student that he begins with memorization of the Book of Allaah -
since it is the greatest of the branches of knowledge and that which
should be placed first and given precedence." 9
Al-Haafidh an-Nawawee (d. 676H) said: "The first thing he should
begin with-is memorization of the mighty Qur'aan, which is the most
important of the branches of knowledge. And the Companions and those
that follow them did not use to teach hadeeth or fiqh except to one
who had memorized the Qur'aan When he has memorized it, let him
beware of preoccupying himself from it with hadeeth, fiqh or other
things, to the extent that it leads him to forget anything of the
Qur'aan, or makes that likely." 10
Seeking knowledge in due proportions 11
Allaah (`azza wa jall) said: "And it is a Qur'aan which We have
divided into parts, in order that you may recite it to men at
intervals. And We have sent it down in stages." 12
The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said to `Abdullaah ibn
`Amr ibn al-`Aas: "Read the Qur'aan in every month." I said: I find
that I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa
sallam) said: "Recite it in every twenty nights." I said: I find
that I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa
sallam) said: "Then recite it in every seven days and do not
increase upon that." 13
'Abdullaah ibn 'Amr ibn al-'Aas also related from the Prophet
(sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) that he said: "He does not
understand the Qur'aan who recites it in less than three days " 14
Umar ibn 'Abdul-Waahid, a companion of al-Awzaa'ee said: We read in
al-Muwattaa to Maalik (d. 179H) in forty days, so he said: "A book
that took me forty years to compile, you take from me in forty days!
How little you understand of it." 15
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee said: "It is fitting that he takes care in
acquiring knowledge and that he should not take too much in one go.
Rather, he should take a little at a time, such that he can bear
it., memorize it and be able to understand it. Because Allaah says
which means: "And those who disbelieve say: Why is the Qur'aan not
send down to him all at once? Thus (is it sent down in parts) that
We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you
gradually, in stages."16" 17
Al-Khateeb also said: "And know that the heart in an organ from the
organs. It is able to bear somethings and unable to bear others—just
like the rest of the body. Thus, some people are able to carry one-
hundred pounds, whereas others are unable to carry even twenty. Some
people are able to walk a number of miles in a day without tiring,
whereas others are unable to even walk a mile a day before they
become tired... So let each person limit himself to what he is able
without expending all his energies, because that will better aid him
in learning with a good mind, from a firm and proficient teacher.''
18
Supplicating for an Increase in Knowledge
Allaah (`azza wa jall) said which means: "Say: My Lord! Increase me
in knowledge." (Soorah TaaHaa 20:114)
Umm Salamah said:Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam)
used to supplicate in the morning prayer: "O Allaah! I ask you fur
beneficial knowledge, righteous action and pure sustenance."20Anas
bin Maalik (be) said: I heard Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu
`alayhi wa sallam) supplicate:"O Allaah! Benefit me with knowledge.
Teach me that which will benefit me, and provide me with knowledge
from which I can derive benefit."21
Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Ja'far said: I heard Ibn Khuzaymah (d. 311H)
being asked: From where did you acquire this knowledge? So he
said: "Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Zam-
zam water is that for which it is drunk." 22 So when I drunk zam-zam
water, I supplicate to Allaah for beneficial knowledge." 23
Shaykhul-lslaarn Ibn Taymiyyah said: 24 "The reality of this matter
that the servant differs in what he asks of knowledge and guidance,
and of what he seeks to ask. So with remembrance of Allaah and
turning towards Him, Allaah guides such a person—as He said which
means: "O My servants! All of you are misguided, except whomsoever I
guide. So seek your guidance from me."25
And as the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to say: "O
Allaah! Lord of Jibreel, Meekaa 'eel and Israafeel. The Originator
of the heavens and the earth. Knower of the Unseen and the apparent.
You judge between Your servant in that which he differs. So guide me
in that which I differ from the truth—by Your permission. Indeed,
You guide whomsoever You please, to a Path that is straight." 26
Notes:
1. From An-Nubadh fee Aadaabit-Talabil-'ilm (pp.61-66), slightly
abridged.
2. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 7086)
3. Fathul-Baaree (13/39)
4. Related by Ibn Muflih in Al-Aadaabush-Shar'iyyah.
5. Related by Ibn Abee Ya'laa in Tabaqaatul-Hanaabilah (1/41).
6. Fataawaa al-Kubra (2/54-55).
7. Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul-Huffaadh (2/722).
8. Jaami' Bayaanul-'llm wa fadlihi (pp. 526-528)
9. Al-Jaami' li-Akhlaaqir-Raawee wa Aadaabis-Saami'(1/106).
10. From the introduction to Al-Majmoo' Sharhul-Muhadhhab (1/38)
11. From An-Nubadh (pp.67-69)
12. Soorah al-lsraa 17:106.
13. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5052) and Muslim (no. 1159) and the
wording is from Muslim).
14. Saheeh: related by Abu Daawood in his Sunan (no. 1394) and it
was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood (no.
1294).
15. Related by Ibn 'Abdul-Barr in at-Tawheed (1/77)
16. Soorah al-Furqaan 25:32.
17. Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/101).
18. Al-Fapeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/107).
19. An-Nubadh (pp. 97-99).
20. Hasan: related by Ahmad (6/305) and atTiyaalasee (p.224). It was
authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn Hair in Nataa'ijul Aflkaar (2/313).
21. Related by Haakim (1/510) and he said: "It is authentic upon the
condition of Muslim." Adh-Dhahabee also agreed.
22. Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul-Huffaadh (2/721).
23. Hasan: It has been narrated by many different ways. Refer to al-
MaqaasidulHasanah (no. 928) of as-Sakhaawee for its authentication
and sources.
24. Majmoo`ul fataawaa (4/39)
25. Related by Muslim (no. 2577) form Abu Dharr.
26. Related by Muslim (no. 770) from `Aaishah.
Written by Shaykh Abu Anas Hamad al-`Uthmaan (hafidhahullaah)
Taken from the YahyaIbrahim Mailing List
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/yahyaibrahimlist/message/57
Hudhayfah said:The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa
sallam) related matters to us. I have seen one of them, and I am
waiting for the other. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) informed
us: "Trustworthiness was sent down in depths of the heart of the
people, then they learnt it from the Qur'aan, then they learnt it
from the Sunnah" 2
Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar (852H) said: "His (`azza wa jall) saying: 'then
they learnt it from the Qur'aan, then they learnt it from the
Sunnah' So it occurs in this narration with the repetition
of "then", which contains and indication that they would learn the
Qur'aan before learning the details of the sunnah. And what is meant
by the details of the sunnah is anything that they would learn from
Prophet (saallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) whether it was obligatory
or recommended." 3
Al-Maymoonee said:I asked Abu 'Abdullaah Imaam Ahmed which is more
beloved to you, that I should I begin teaching my son the Qur'aan or
the hadeeth He said: "No! The Qur'aan." I said: Shall I teach him
all of it? He replied: "Unless that is difficult, in which case
teach him some of it." Then. he said to me: "If he begins reciting
first, then he will learn correct recitation and will persevere in
it." 4
Ibn Muflih said: "Upon this are the followers of Imaam Ahmad right
up until our time." 5
Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 718H) said: "As for seeking to memorize the
Qur'aan then this is to be given preference over many of the things
that the people consider to be knowledge, but are -in reality -
either totally useless, or having little benefit. It is also to be
given precedence in learning especially by those who wish to acquire
knowledge of the Deen, its principles and its particulars. Since
what is prescribed for such a person at this time is that he should
begin by memorizing the Qur'aan, as it is the foundation of the
branches of knowledge of the deen. This is contrary to what is done
by many of the people on innovation, in that one of them will
preoccupy himself with superfluous parts of knowledge; such as
kalaam (rhetorical speech) and argumentation; or very rare matters
of differences; and blind following, which there is no need for; or
very strange and rare ahaadeeth which are not established, nor of
benefit; and many discussions do not establish proofs. And he
abandons memorizing the Qur'aan which is more important than all of
this." 6
Muhammad ibn al-Fadl said: "I heard my grandfather say: I asked my
father for permission to study under Qutaybah, so he said: "First
learn the Qur'aan and then I will give you permission." So I
memorized the Qur'aan by heart. Then he said to me: "Remain until
you have led the people in prayer with it (i.e. for taraweeh
prayer)." So I did so, and after the "eed prayer he gave me
permission, so I left for Marw." 7
Ibn 'Abdul-Barr (d. 463H) said: "Seeking knowledge is of levels and
is of different stages which should not be skipped over. Whoever
skips over them altogether, then he has overstepped the path of the
Companions and those that follow them. Whoever deliberately takes a
path other than this has seriously deviated. However, whoever
oversteps due to an ijtihaad (a knowledge-based judgment that a
qualified scholar makes, intending to reach the truth), then such a
person has erred So the first knowledge is memorization of the Book
of Allaah and seeking to understand it. And it-is obligatory to seek
everything which will aid in understanding it. However, I do not say
that it is obligatory to memorize all of the Qur 'aan but I do say
that it is obligatory and essential for anyone who wishes to become
a scholar - not that it is something obligatory in itself." 8
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee (d. 463H) said: "It is fitting for a
student that he begins with memorization of the Book of Allaah -
since it is the greatest of the branches of knowledge and that which
should be placed first and given precedence." 9
Al-Haafidh an-Nawawee (d. 676H) said: "The first thing he should
begin with-is memorization of the mighty Qur'aan, which is the most
important of the branches of knowledge. And the Companions and those
that follow them did not use to teach hadeeth or fiqh except to one
who had memorized the Qur'aan When he has memorized it, let him
beware of preoccupying himself from it with hadeeth, fiqh or other
things, to the extent that it leads him to forget anything of the
Qur'aan, or makes that likely." 10
Seeking knowledge in due proportions 11
Allaah (`azza wa jall) said: "And it is a Qur'aan which We have
divided into parts, in order that you may recite it to men at
intervals. And We have sent it down in stages." 12
The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said to `Abdullaah ibn
`Amr ibn al-`Aas: "Read the Qur'aan in every month." I said: I find
that I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa
sallam) said: "Recite it in every twenty nights." I said: I find
that I have more strength than that. He (sallallaahu `alayhi wa
sallam) said: "Then recite it in every seven days and do not
increase upon that." 13
'Abdullaah ibn 'Amr ibn al-'Aas also related from the Prophet
(sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) that he said: "He does not
understand the Qur'aan who recites it in less than three days " 14
Umar ibn 'Abdul-Waahid, a companion of al-Awzaa'ee said: We read in
al-Muwattaa to Maalik (d. 179H) in forty days, so he said: "A book
that took me forty years to compile, you take from me in forty days!
How little you understand of it." 15
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee said: "It is fitting that he takes care in
acquiring knowledge and that he should not take too much in one go.
Rather, he should take a little at a time, such that he can bear
it., memorize it and be able to understand it. Because Allaah says
which means: "And those who disbelieve say: Why is the Qur'aan not
send down to him all at once? Thus (is it sent down in parts) that
We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you
gradually, in stages."16" 17
Al-Khateeb also said: "And know that the heart in an organ from the
organs. It is able to bear somethings and unable to bear others—just
like the rest of the body. Thus, some people are able to carry one-
hundred pounds, whereas others are unable to carry even twenty. Some
people are able to walk a number of miles in a day without tiring,
whereas others are unable to even walk a mile a day before they
become tired... So let each person limit himself to what he is able
without expending all his energies, because that will better aid him
in learning with a good mind, from a firm and proficient teacher.''
18
Supplicating for an Increase in Knowledge
Allaah (`azza wa jall) said which means: "Say: My Lord! Increase me
in knowledge." (Soorah TaaHaa 20:114)
Umm Salamah said:Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam)
used to supplicate in the morning prayer: "O Allaah! I ask you fur
beneficial knowledge, righteous action and pure sustenance."20Anas
bin Maalik (be) said: I heard Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu
`alayhi wa sallam) supplicate:"O Allaah! Benefit me with knowledge.
Teach me that which will benefit me, and provide me with knowledge
from which I can derive benefit."21
Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Ja'far said: I heard Ibn Khuzaymah (d. 311H)
being asked: From where did you acquire this knowledge? So he
said: "Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Zam-
zam water is that for which it is drunk." 22 So when I drunk zam-zam
water, I supplicate to Allaah for beneficial knowledge." 23
Shaykhul-lslaarn Ibn Taymiyyah said: 24 "The reality of this matter
that the servant differs in what he asks of knowledge and guidance,
and of what he seeks to ask. So with remembrance of Allaah and
turning towards Him, Allaah guides such a person—as He said which
means: "O My servants! All of you are misguided, except whomsoever I
guide. So seek your guidance from me."25
And as the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to say: "O
Allaah! Lord of Jibreel, Meekaa 'eel and Israafeel. The Originator
of the heavens and the earth. Knower of the Unseen and the apparent.
You judge between Your servant in that which he differs. So guide me
in that which I differ from the truth—by Your permission. Indeed,
You guide whomsoever You please, to a Path that is straight." 26
Notes:
1. From An-Nubadh fee Aadaabit-Talabil-'ilm (pp.61-66), slightly
abridged.
2. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 7086)
3. Fathul-Baaree (13/39)
4. Related by Ibn Muflih in Al-Aadaabush-Shar'iyyah.
5. Related by Ibn Abee Ya'laa in Tabaqaatul-Hanaabilah (1/41).
6. Fataawaa al-Kubra (2/54-55).
7. Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul-Huffaadh (2/722).
8. Jaami' Bayaanul-'llm wa fadlihi (pp. 526-528)
9. Al-Jaami' li-Akhlaaqir-Raawee wa Aadaabis-Saami'(1/106).
10. From the introduction to Al-Majmoo' Sharhul-Muhadhhab (1/38)
11. From An-Nubadh (pp.67-69)
12. Soorah al-lsraa 17:106.
13. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5052) and Muslim (no. 1159) and the
wording is from Muslim).
14. Saheeh: related by Abu Daawood in his Sunan (no. 1394) and it
was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood (no.
1294).
15. Related by Ibn 'Abdul-Barr in at-Tawheed (1/77)
16. Soorah al-Furqaan 25:32.
17. Al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/101).
18. Al-Fapeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/107).
19. An-Nubadh (pp. 97-99).
20. Hasan: related by Ahmad (6/305) and atTiyaalasee (p.224). It was
authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn Hair in Nataa'ijul Aflkaar (2/313).
21. Related by Haakim (1/510) and he said: "It is authentic upon the
condition of Muslim." Adh-Dhahabee also agreed.
22. Related by adh-Dhahabee in Tadhkiratul-Huffaadh (2/721).
23. Hasan: It has been narrated by many different ways. Refer to al-
MaqaasidulHasanah (no. 928) of as-Sakhaawee for its authentication
and sources.
24. Majmoo`ul fataawaa (4/39)
25. Related by Muslim (no. 2577) form Abu Dharr.
26. Related by Muslim (no. 770) from `Aaishah.
Written by Shaykh Abu Anas Hamad al-`Uthmaan (hafidhahullaah)
Taken from the YahyaIbrahim Mailing List
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/yahyaibrahimlist/message/57