By Sh Muhammad Al-‘Uthaymeen

 

Praise be to Allaah, Who has created the heavens and the earth and the types of darkness and light. Praise be to Allaah, Who preferred knowledge to ignorance. He, the Exalted and Almighty, said what means: “Is one who worships devoutly during the hours of the night, prostrating himself or standing (in adoration), who takes heed of the hereafter, and who places his hope in the Mercy of his Lord (line one who does not)? Say: “Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?” It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition.” (Az-Zumar: 9).

I testify that there is no god but Allaah, with Whom there are no partners, Who is Well-Aware of what sustains the viability of knowledge and the validity of religion. I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, who said: “When Allaah desires good for someone, He gives him understanding of religion.” (Bukhaari & Muslim) May Allaah bless him, his family, his Companions, and those who will follow their example until the Day of Judgment!

O people! Fear Allaah! Learn the wisdom and rulings of His Laws, through seeking useful knowledge. Knowledge is enlightenment and guidance, while ignorance is darkness and misguidance.

Learn the revelation sent down to your Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam, since scholars are the heirs of prophets, peace be upon them. Prophets left no heritage in the form of Dinars or Dirhams, but they left behind knowledge as a legacy. Whoever seeks it, will get an abundant share of their legacy. Seek knowledge, since it leads to a supreme status in the worldly life and in the Hereafter. It accrues a continuous reward until the Day of Judgment. Allah says which means: “… Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.” (Al-Mujaadalah: 11).

The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam said: “When a servant (of Allaah) dies, his (good) deeds will cease, except for three (kinds of deeds): A charity with continuous effect, a kind of knowledge from which people draw benefit, and a good son who prays to Allaah for him.” (Bukhaari & Muslim)

Look at the heritage of the religious scholars that still exists today. Their endeavors are praised, their methodology is adopted, and their memory is highly esteemed. If their mention is made in a company, the audience of that group of people or gathering always asks Allaah to shower His Mercy on them. Whenever people talk about righteous deeds or esteemed manners, these scholars are mentioned as a good example to be followed.

O people! Acquire knowledge and apply it, since acquiring knowledge is a kind of Jihaad in the cause of Allaah and acting according to it is a cause of guidance and insight granted by Allaah. Allaah says which means: “Is he who was dead and We gave him life whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who is in the darkness from which he can never come out? Thus, it is made fair seeming to the disbelievers that which they used to do.” (Al-An’aam: 122)

O people! We are on the threshold of a new academic year in which learners receive different kinds of knowledge, while teachers meet the students to whom they impart the knowledge of sciences, arts, and liberal arts. I wonder what every party has prepared for his mission. Learners should be well prepared to receive the new academic year with firm resolution and energetic readiness. They should be keen to acquire knowledge by all might and means from any possible source. They should exert efforts to implant knowledge in their hearts from the very beginning of the year. Studying from the beginning of the year renders the gradual process of acquiring knowledge to an easy job. However, slackening to acquire knowledge from the very start causes accumulation of the materials and subjects, which leads to hazy retention of information which, in turn, easily drifts from memory.

After a learner absorbs a question, he should apply it to himself and act according to it so that he may benefit from his knowledge. Useful knowledge is that which is applicable in theory and practice. The application of knowledge is its real fruit. An ignorant man is far better than a scholar who does not apply his knowledge.

Knowledge is like a double-edged sword. If one learns a judicial question, one should act upon it. Otherwise, what is the benefit of unapplied wisdom? What can medicine avail one who learns it, when he fails to cure himself and others by virtue of it? The example of religious knowledge is the same or even more serious: if not applied, it will be a point held against its holder.

O teachers! Fulfill sincerely the great duties that you owe towards your Muslim Ummah and towards those who receive knowledge from you. Seek only the pleasure of Allaah for your efforts and seek His help to accomplish your mission. Lead the easiest approach to inculcate knowledge in the minds of your students, maintaining the proper gradation in teaching different levels of education, distinguishing between those in the preliminary stages and those at the graduation stage.

You should show a good example of superior morals and avoid bad behavior in front of your students. Students are impressed by the morals of their teachers, especially since they receive knowledge from them. You should guide your students at every timely occasion. A prudent teacher combines the abilities of giving good instruction and education. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an which means: “Alif – Laam – Raa. (This is) a Book which We have revealed unto you in order that you might lead mankind out of darkness into light by their Lord’s Leave to the Path of the All-Mighty, the Owner of all Praise.” (Ibraahim: 1-2).

May Allaah bless the Glorious Qur’an for you and me.