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Author: Abdullah Jallow

It Is Better To Pray In The Salafi Masjid- By Shaykh Muqbil bin Haadee al-Waadi’ee

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Scholars of Islam.

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

Question:
There is a Masjid near us whose Imaam is an Ikhwaanee who has with him oppositions to the Sharee’ah and when we pray in this Masjid they ridicule us and flee from us, so should we remain calling in this Masjid whilst in the presence of this harm, considering that the Salafi Masjid is far away?

Answer:

If you are able to go to the Salafi Masjid then I advise you with that and you will gain benefit in performing your prayer in accordance to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah and also that you will benefit from tranquil affability with your brothers and much virtue and moral excellence. For indeed there is a Hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Jaabir Bin ?Abdullaah, who said:

Some plots of land became vacant around the Masjid therefore Banu Salimah decided to relocate near the Masjid. When the news of that reached the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) he said to them:

Indeed it has reached me that you intend to relocate near the Masjid.

They said: Yes, O Messenger of Allaah that is what we have decided. Thereupon he (the Prophet) said:

‘’O Banu Salimah, live in your houses, for your steps are recorded; live in your houses, for your steps are recorded.’’
Meaning: Stay in your houses which are far away from the Masjid so that your steps are recorded for you.
And in the Saheehayn (Sahih al-Bukharee and Saheeh al-Muslim) on the authority of Abu Hurairah (radiAllaahu -anhu) that verily the Prophet of Allaah(sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

He who performs ablution and purifies himself well, then leaves to go the Masjid and nothing causes him to go out except for the Prayer, he does not take a step except that it raises him in rank and a sin is removed from him. And if he prays the angels do not cease to pray for him, as long as he is at his Musalla (praying place): O Allaah, send prayers upon him, O Allaah, have mercy upon him?. And each one of you is regarded in prayer so long as he is waiting for the Prayer.

Hence, if they are able to attend the Salafi Masjid this is a pleasant affair if not then I advise them to acquire/obtain a Masjid for themselves which is not over burdensome in expenditure for truly the Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) says: ‘’I was not ordered with building lofty extravagant Masjids.’’

And he also said: The Hour will not be established until the people vie with one another in boastfulness with regards to the Masjids.

So the Sunnah is that the Masjid should be modest and simple. And if you are able to [construct] the Masjid, that it is like the Masjid of the Messenger of Allaah(sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) then do so, if you are not able to then do not overburden yourself and do not be lavish in building the Masjids for indeed it is opposes the Sunnah, likewise the adornments and the minarets. Also the likes of what they call al-Mihraab and that which they put up on the four corners of the Masjids and what they call ash-Shurufaat (balconies and terraces), this was not found in the Masjid of the Messenger of Allaah when he built it at that time and likewise the Mimbar which is elevated in excess of three steps.

Wa Laa Illaaha IllAllaah, for indeed there has not come to me a person regardless of whether he is from Eritrea or from Indonesia or from the Sudan and other than them from the Islamic countries except that he complains from the harms of Ikhwaan al-Mufliseen* (Brotherhood of the Bankrupt Ones) to the Ahlus-Sunnah. Then I say, to Allaah is the complaint, so they are ready to reconcile with the communist and with the Mulhid (atheist) and with the Secularist and with the Bathists, and with the Naasirites and with the Sufis and with the Shiites whilst they are not prepared to reconcile with the Sunni except when the time for elections draws near, indeed then they say: Be silent concerning us and we will remain silent concerning you.

[Source: Tuhfatul-Mujeeb ‘Alaa Asilatil-Haadhir wal-Ghareeb, page 129-131]

Translated by Abu ‘Abdillaah Bilaal al-Kashmiri

http://www.salafitalk.net/st/printthread.cfm?Forum=6&Topic=5007

 

This Man is from Ahlul Bidah! [Does This Necessitate That He is a Mubtadi?]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Scholars of Islam.

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

Questioner asked Shaikh Ubaid [may Allaah preserve him]: The questioner says: Assalaamu alaykum warahmatullaahi wabarakaatuhu. We hear a statement from some of the Mashaayihk of Ahlus Sunnah: ‘’This man is from the people of Bidah’’; is it understood that he is a Mubtadi [an innovator] or not?’’

Answer: What I have knowledge of is that this statement has two applications according to Ahlus Sunnah. The first of them and it is what is meant in most cases is that he is a Mubtadi [an innovator]. He knows the truth but he is an obstinate person. He refuses [truth], but not deviation; he knows the Sunnah, but refuses to follow it and [follows] Bidah. He commits Bidah whilst knowing that it is bidah.

The other meaning is that this man is a person upon innovation-meaning: He commits bidah even though he is not an innovator, because what we know regarding the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Jamaaa’ah is that they do not declare any specific person an innovator until the proofs are established against him.

[Source: Al-Haddul Faasil Bayna Mu-aamalah Ahl As-Sunnah Wa Ahl Al-Baatil 60. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

The Danger of Sitting With Ahlul Bidah – By Imaam Fudayl Ibn Iyaad [rahimahullaah]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Fudayl Ibn Iyaad (rahimahullaah) said: ‘Do not sit with a person of innovation, for I fear that curses will descend upon you.’

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] commented on the above statement, saying: [That is] because punishment, anger and deviation descend upon a person of innovation, so it is feared that you will be afflicted with some of what afflicts him, and for that reason Allaah [جَلَّ وَعلَا] stated:

وَإِذَا رَأَيۡتَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخُوضُونَ فِىٓ ءَايَـٰتِنَا فَأَعۡرِضۡ عَنۡہُمۡ حَتَّىٰ يَخُوضُواْ فِى حَدِيثٍ غَيۡرِهِۦ‌ۚ وَإِمَّا يُنسِيَنَّكَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ فَلَا تَقۡعُدۡ بَعۡدَ ٱلذِّڪۡرَىٰ مَعَ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

And when you [Muhammad] see those who engage in a false conversation about Our Verses (of the Qur’aan) by mocking at them, stay away from them till they turn to another topic.  And if shaitaan causes you to forget, then after the remembrance sit not you in the company of those people who are the Zaalimoon [polytheists and wrongdoers]. 6:68

And Allaah [تعالى ] said to the believers:

وَقَدۡ نَزَّلَ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ فِى ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ أَنۡ إِذَا سَمِعۡتُمۡ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ يُكۡفَرُ بِہَا وَيُسۡتَہۡزَأُ بِہَا فَلَا تَقۡعُدُواْ مَعَهُمۡ حَتَّىٰ يَخُوضُواْ فِى حَدِيثٍ غَيۡرِهِۦۤ‌ۚ إِنَّكُمۡ إِذً۬ا مِّثۡلُهُمۡ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ جَامِعُ ٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقِينَ وَٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ فِى جَهَنَّمَ جَمِيعًا

And it has already been revealed to you in the Book [this Qur’aan] that when you hear the Verses of Allaah being denied and mocked at, then sit not with them, until they engage in a talk other than that; (but if you stayed with them) certainly in that case you would be like them. Surely, Allaah will collect the hypocrites and disbelievers all together in Hell.’4:140

In this is a warning against sitting with the people of misguidance and desires, and against sitting, accompanying and listening to their speech or reading their books.  So it is upon you [i.e. obligated on you] to be distant from these affairs.  And Allaah’s Aid is sought! Nowadays, it is said about the one who acts upon this [i.e. the one who keeps away from the people of misguidance and desires] that he is an isolated [or unapproachable, secluded person etc], a boycotter and that he is one who harbours doubt towards the people.

[Source: It-haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharh As-Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree (rahimahullaah) by Sheikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (hafidha-hullaah) (2/318-319 ). Slightly paraphrased]

Your feedback is welcome to improve the content of this article…BaarakAllaahu Feekum

If People Desisted and Did Not Enter Into Bidah, Certainly They Would Have Attained Safety- By Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Al-Barbahaaree [rahimahullaah] said:

‘’May Allaah have mercy upon you! Know that if the people were to desist from newly introduced matters, not entering into any of them at all and did not say anything for which there was no narration from the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] or from his Companions, there would not be any innovation.” [1]

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] comments on the above statement:

And ‘’if the people were to desist from newly invented matters [in the religion]”-Meaning: If they desisted and did not enter into them; restricted themselves to the Sunnah and did not leave it for innovations, certainly they would have attained safety.  But whoever relinquishes the Sunnah and innovate statements which have no proof in the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] will eventually be with the innovators and the deviated sects.  And there is no safety except by way of the Sunnah which the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] left for us. He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘’Indeed, I have left amongst you two things, if you hold firmly to them, you will never go astray; the book of Allaah and my Sunnah.’’

And in another hadeeth:‘I have left you upon white plain [i.e. clear guidance], its night is like its day, and none deviates from it except he who is destroyed.’’

This is the path to safety- the Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and that which his companions were upon…. [2]

[Ref 1: Translated by Abu Talhah Daawud Burbank (may Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife)

[Ref 2: It-haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharh As-Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree’ Page: 82-83. Vol 2. Abridged and slightly paraphrased (Abdullah Jallow )]

Your feedback is welcome to improve the content of this post…

BaaraKAllaahu Feekum

Everyone Finds Pleasure In the Strength He [Or She] Is Given in an Affair- by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam.

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

Keep away from the one who shows enmity to the people of the Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah lest you are afflicted by his loss [or depravity].

Beware of two enemies through which many people were destroyed: The one who was hindered from the Path of Allaah due to his [i.e. the person’s] Shubuhaat and adorned speech; fascination with his Dunyah [i.e. worldly possessions, achievements etc] and leadership.

Whoever is given strength and facilitated [with the means] to something, then his pleasure will be found in utilising that strength [in that affair].

  1. Whoever is granted the strength to have sexual relations, he will find pleasure in utilising his strength in it.
  2. Whoever is given strength to become angry and overcome [others], he will utilise the strength of his anger to [obtain what he desires].
  3. Whoever is given the strength to eat and drink, his pleasure will be found in utilising his strength in [eating and drinking].
  4. Whoever is given the strength to [obtain] knowledge and understanding, his pleasure will be found in utilising his strength and directing it towards [obtaining] knowledge.
  5. Whoever is given strength in [having] love for Allaah, turning to Allaah in repentance, submission and obedience, being devoted to Allaah [sincerely with one’s] heart, having an ardent desire [to please, obey and meet Allaah] and [desiring to come close to Allaah, be recognised and loved by Allaah etc], he will find his pleasure and bliss in utilising this strength in that.

    All these pleasures [i.e. numbers 1, 2, 3 & 4] will dwindle and disappear, except this one [i.e. number 5]. And the most praiseworthy outcome of [numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5] is that they should be neither for nor against the person.  [Slightly paraphrased]

Your suggestions and comments are welcome to improve the content of this article. Baarakallaahu Feekumn

 

The Students of Hadeeth Must Strive to Be the Best People In Behaviour- by Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi [rahimahullaah]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi [rahimahullaah] said:

It is incumbent that the seekers of Hadeeth should be the [possessors of the] most perfect [behaviour, traits, manners, etiquettes etc] amongst the people; the most humble amongst the people, the greatest in their impartiality and adherence to the religion; the least in [deviating from good conduct] and [becoming] angry. And that is due to their constant listening to the narrations that combine the excellent manners and etiquettes of Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], 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 most refined and excellent [aspects of those traits, etiquettes, manners etc] and turn away from the most despised and lowly [traits, behaviour, manners, etiquettes etc]

[Source: (Jaami Bayaan Al-Ilm 1/78). Slightly paraphrased]

 

[3] Reminders From [Virtue of the Knowledge of the Salaf over the Knowledge of the Khalaf] -By Imaam Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties.

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

Imaam Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said:

As for the knowledge which Allaah [The Most High] mentioned by way of dispraise, it is that which He [The Most High] mentioned regarding magic:

وَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مَا يَضُرُّهُمۡ وَلَا يَنفَعُهُمۡ‌ۚ وَلَقَدۡ عَلِمُواْ لَمَنِ ٱشۡتَرَٮٰهُ مَا لَهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ مِنۡ خَلَـٰقٍ۬‌ۚ

And they learn that which harms them and profits them not. And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter. [2:102]

And the statement of Allaah [The Most High]:

فَلَمَّا جَآءَتۡهُمۡ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَرِحُواْ بِمَا عِندَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ وَحَاقَ بِهِم مَّا كَانُواْ بِهِۦ يَسۡتَہۡزِءُونَ

Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with that which they had of the knowledge (of worldly things): And that at which they used to mock, surrounded them (i.e. the punishment). [40:83]

And the statement of Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَعۡلَمُونَ ظَـٰهِرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَهُمۡ عَنِ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ هُمۡ غَـٰفِلُونَ

They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world (i.e. the matters of their livelihood, like irrigating or sowing or reaping, etc.), and they are heedless of the Hereafter. [30:7]

Likewise, the Sunnah categorises knowledge into ‘Beneficial Knowledge ‘ and ‘Unbeneficial Knowledge’, and that [one should] seek refuge with Allaah from ‘Unbeneficial knowledge’ and to ask Allaah for ‘Beneficial Knowledge’. Imaam Muslim [rahimahullaah] reports from Zaid Ibn Arqam [radiyallaahu-anhu] that the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] used to say:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ ‏لَا تَشْبَعُ ‏ ‏وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا

O Allaah! I seek refuge with You from knowledge that does not benefit; from a heart that fears not; from a soul that does not become satisfied and a supplication that is not answered. [Muslim 2722]

[Source: Fadl Ilmis Salaf Alaa Ilmil Khalaf’ pages 44-45. (Abridged and slightly paraphrased)]

To be continued…InShaaAllaah

 

The People of Jaahiliyyah Claimed That They Followed Their Pious Predecessors, Even Though Their Beliefs and Practices Opposed That of Their Pious Predecessors

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhaab [rahimahullaah] said: ‘’They [People of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance] claimed to follow [their Salaf – pious predecessors], while they clearly opposed and contradicted them.

Shaikh Saaleh al Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] commented on the above statement saying:

The common [people] amongst the Jews and the Christians and the people of misguidance amongst those who attribute themselves to Islaam– all of them claim to follow the believers who preceded them.  So the Jews claim that they follow Moosaa [alyahis-salaam] and those who believed in him; the Christians claim that they follow the Messiah [alayhis-salaam] and those who believed in him; the people of misguidance of this Ummah claim that they follow the pious predecessors of this Ummah- the Sahaabah, the Taa’bi’een and the At’baa At-Taabi’een- and that what they are upon is the way of the pious predecessors. The claim of everyone who claims to be upon the path of the pious predecessors or upon the methodology of the pious predecessors cannot be  sound, until he makes apparent what he is upon based on the Methodology of the pious predecessors. So if that conforms to [the Methodology of the pious predecessors], then he is upon the Methodology of the pious predecessors, and if it is in opposition, then he is not upon the Methodology of the pious predecessors, even if he makes that claim.

Every deviated party [or sect] at present claims to be upon the way of the pious predecessors, but they are not upon the Methodology of the pious predecessors- because the statement of the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] regarding the way of the pious predecessors is: ‘’those upon that which I [Muhamad] and my companions are upon’’ is not applicable to them. This is what it [means] to be upon the methodology of the pious predecessors.  As for the one who is in opposition to this, then he is not upon the methodology of the pious predecessors even if he claims that.  Those who claim Salafiyyah are many, but they must make apparent what they are upon and if that is in conformity [with Salafiyyah], then it is truth; but if in opposition, then they are not upon the Methodology of the pious predecessors.

Likewise, there are those who attribute themselves to the Madhabs of the Four Imaams whilst being in opposition to the Imaams in Aqeedah, so their ascription is not correct because they oppose [the Imaams] in the most important of affairs and that is the Aqeedah.

[Sharh- Ma’saa’ilil Jaahiliyyah of Sheikh Fawzaan (Page: 295-296). Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

[2] Reminders From [Virtue of the Knowledge of the Salaf over the Knowledge of the Khalaf] -By Imaam Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge.

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

Indeed, [we] have been told about a people who were given knowledge but their knowledge did not benefit them; for even though this [knowledge] is actually ‘Beneficial Knowledge’, however its possessor was not benefited by it. Allaah [The Most High] said:

[مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ حُمِّلُواْ ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةَ ثُمَّ لَمۡ يَحۡمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ ٱلۡحِمَارِ يَحۡمِلُ أَسۡفَارَۢا‌ۚ  – The likeness of those who were entrusted with the (obligation of the) Taurat (Torah) (i.e. to obey its commandments and to practise its legal laws), but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is as the likeness of a donkey who carries huge burdens of books (but understands nothing from them). [Surah Al-Jumu’ah Ayah 5]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

[وَٱتۡلُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ نَبَأَ ٱلَّذِىٓ ءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُ ءَايَـٰتِنَا فَٱنسَلَخَ مِنۡهَا فَأَتۡبَعَهُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ فَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡغَاوِينَ  – And recite (O Muhammad ) to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), but he threw them away, so Shaitan (Satan) followed him up, and he became of those who went astray….up to the statement of Allaah: [وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ‌ۚ   – and followed his own vain desire] [Surah Al-A’raaf Aayaat 175-176] [Ref 1]

And Allaah [The Most High] said:

[فَخَلَفَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ خَلۡفٌ۬ وَرِثُواْ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ يَأۡخُذُونَ عَرَضَ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡأَدۡنَىٰ  – Then after them succeeded an (evil) generation, which inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the goods of this low life (evil pleasures of this world)…[up to the statement of Allaah]: وَدَرَسُواْ مَا فِيهِ‌ۗ And they have studied what is in it (the Book). [Surah Al-Araaf Aayaat 169-170]

[Source: Fadl Ilmis Salaf Alaa Ilmil Khalaf’ page43-44. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

To be continued..InShaaAllaah

Ref 1: See more benefits by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] here:

https://www.salaficentre.com/2017/03/part-1-one-likened-dog-abandoned-allaahs-aayaat-eager-dunyah/

https://www.salaficentre.com/2017/03/part-2-one-likened-dog-abandoned-allaahs-aayaat-eager-dunyah/

https://www.salaficentre.com/2017/03/part-3-one-likened-dog-abandoned-allaahs-aayaat-eager-dunyah/

[1] Reminders From [Virtue of the Knowledge of the Salaf over the Knowledge of the Khalaf] -By Imaam Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

Imaam Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said: All praises and thanks be to Allaah, the Lord of Aalameen [mankind, jinns and all that exists]. And may Allaah exalt and grant Muhammad a lot of peace, his family and Sahaabah. To proceed:

These are brief statements regarding the meaning of knowledge and its categorization into ‘Beneficial knowledge’, ‘Unbeneficial knowledge’, Blameworthy knowledge’ and a notification regarding the virtue of the knowledge of the Salaf [i.e. the pious predecessors] over the knowledge of the khalaf [i.e. those who came after the Salaf]. Therefore, I say- and Allaah’s aid is sought, I place my trust in Him and there is neither strength nor power except with Allaah.

The Meaning of Knowledge and Its Categorization

Indeed, Allaah mentioned-sometimes- knowledge in His Book with praise and that is [in reference to] ‘Beneficial Knowledge’.  And at other times, He mentioned knowledge with dispraise and that is [in reference to] ‘Unbeneficial knowledge’. As for the first type [i.e. Beneficial Knowledge], then its example is mentioned in the statement of Allaah [The Most High]:

[قُلۡ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوِى ٱلَّذِينَ يَعۡلَمُونَ- Are those who know equal to those who know not? [39:9]

And the statement of Allaah [The Most High]: [شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ وَأُوْلُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ   – Allah bears witness that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness) [3:18]

And the statement of Allaah [The Most High]: [وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدۡنِى عِلۡمً۬ا   -And say: “My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” [20:114]

And the statement of Allaah [The Most High]: [إِنَّمَا يَخۡشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنۡ عِبَادِهِ ٱلۡعُلَمَـٰٓؤُاْۗ – It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah. [35:28]

And what Allaah has stated regarding the story of Aadam- when Aadam was taught the names of those things and were then presented to the Angels, so the Angels – [as Allaah informed us] – said: [سُبۡحَـٰنَكَ لَا عِلۡمَ لَنَآ إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمۡتَنَآ‌ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ – Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us. [2:32]

And what Allaah [The Most High] has stated regarding the story of Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] and Khidr- that Moosaa said to him: [هَلۡ أَتَّبِعُكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُعَلِّمَنِ مِمَّا عُلِّمۡتَ رُشۡدً۬ا – “May I follow you so that you teach me something of that knowledge (guidance and true path) which you have been taught (by Allah)?” [18: 66]

This is beneficial knowledge

To be continued…InShaaAllaah

[Fadl Ilmis Salaf Alaa Ilmil Khalaf’ pages 42-43. Slightly paraphrased]