The Adab of the 'Ulema Towards 'Ilm

[jinnzaman]

As-salamu alaikum

May this reach you all in the best state of health and iman. Ameen.

Does anyone have any information about how the 'Ulema used to respect 'ilm? For example, I've heard stories of Imam Malik (rahmutallah alayh) tying a specific turban for hadeeth.

How did the 'Ulema treat knowledge? How did they treat their teachers? How did they treat their learning instruments?

Jazakallah khairun.

masalama

[Saad]

As-salamu ‘alaykum,

Some time ago, on this blog, I announced my intention to post examples of Imam al-‘Asr ‘Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri’s reverence for knowledge; his teachers and books of knowledge. Unfortunately, due to a combination of laziness and other obvious shortcomings, I was unable to do so.

Anyone who has studied the biography of ‘Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri will know of his reverence for his teachers, particularly for the teacher whom he succeeded, the mujahid Shaykh al-Hind Mawlana Mahmud Hasan Deobandi. The ‘Allamah was a person of great humility and modesty. Many examples of this are found in his various biographies. He did not cease to lower himself in front of his masha’ikh and teachers and from serving them even after he had gained worldwide fame for his academic achievements. Below is one such example which I hope will portray this enviable trait. I pray that it is of benefit.

Hadrat Mawlana Anwar La’ilpuri, a prominent student of Imam al-‘Asr ‘Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri, relates:

‘‘Hadrat [‘Allamah Anwar] Shah was the head teacher (sadar mudarris) of Dar al- ‘Ulum Deoband, the highest position in this educational institute. When Hadrat Shaykh al-Hind [Mawlana Mahmud Hasan] returned to Deoband after his imprisonment on the Island of Malta, I travelled there with my father in order to enrol at Dar al- ‘Ulum. I had not yet been able to see Hadrat [‘Allamah Anwar] Shah but the recognition of his academic greatness was dominant in my heart and mind after having heard of it from many of his students.

After reaching Deoband, my father led me to the residence of Shaykh al-Hind. It was the summer season and the Zuhr prayer had just ended. There was a crowd of people seated in Hadrat’s [Shaykh al-Hind] parlour, surrounding him from all directions. A person – whose illuminated face gave view to a combined state of light and innocence and academic (‘ilmi) grandeur and glory - was operating the fans which were hanging from the ceiling, whilst quietly urging people to move back so that Hadrat would not be caused discomfort. My father whispered in my ear, ‘‘the person operating the fans is Mawlana Anwar Shah, the head teacher of Dar al-’Ulum.’’ After hearing this my feet fell beneath me [in amazement] at how this blessed person - whose academic fame was echoing around the world, and who despite having his own students in this gathering - was busy in the service of his teacher with such devotion and reverence (ihtiram).’’

Naqsh-e-Dawam (Deoband: Bayt al-Hikmat, 2nd ed. April 1996, p.104) by Mawlana Anzar Shah Mas‘udi Kashmiri ibn ‘Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri.

http://zakariyya.wordpress.com/2008/...-his-teachers/

[jinnzaman]

Jazakallah khairun!

[chitownmuslim]

As-salamu alaikum

May this reach you all in the best state of health and iman. Ameen.

Does anyone have any information about how the 'Ulema used to respect 'ilm? For example, I've heard stories of Imam Malik (rahmutallah alayh) tying a specific turban for hadeeth.

How did the 'Ulema treat knowledge? How did they treat their teachers? How did they treat their learning instruments?

Jazakallah khairun.

masalama

Sidi Jinnzaman,

If you read Arabic I highly suggest you get Shaykh Abdul Fattah Abu Ghudda's great work "Safahat min Sabr al-`Ulama" the book is full of reports about the Huffadh and Ulama'a and their high respect for Sacred Knowledge, and incredible himma to attain Ilm..

[Saad]

Imam al-’Asr Hadhrat ‘Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri (ra) had great respect for knowledge, and as a result, the sources of knowledge. Examples of his reverence and respect for his teachers and books of knowledge are many. It was due to this reverence and respect on his part that he was granted vast knowledge in all Islamic sciences and was distinguished as the greatest scholar of his age.

I hope, in future entries, if Allah wills, to highlight some instances which bear testimony to this particular quality of Hadhrat Shah sahib. (ra). I pray that they are a lesson to all, in particular, to seekers of knowledge.

One such example of his high respect for books of knowledge is found in a quote of Hadhrat Shah sahib (ra) himself.

Hadhrat ‘Allamah Sayyad Anwar Shah Kashmiri (ra) once said,

After the age of seven I have not touched any book of religious knowledge except that I was in the state of wudhu (ablution).

Quoted from: Naqsh-e-Dawam, Bayt al-Hikmat Deoband, Page 108

http://zakariyya.wordpress.com/2007/...for-knowledge/

[laughinglion]

Some excellent excerpts, brief 'bios' from Qadhi' `Iyad ibn Musa al-Yahsubi's , who I am certain needs no introduction (the author of "Ash-Shifa'," therefore this man understands the significance of biographical works in the teaching of the deen) phenomenal, "Tartiba'l-Madarik." The work is a significant work on the primacy of the Mother of all the Madhahib, the `Aml (actions) of the People of Medina Munawarrah (may Allah enoble and protect it). The significance of the 'bios' is one acquaints one's self with the men who carried this madhhab.

May Allah benefit you.

with peace

[jinnzaman]

Chitown Muslim,

Unfortunately, my grasp of Arabic is weak. However, I'm currently reading "The Value of Time" by Shaykh Abu Ghudda. That is what inspired me to create this thread, I wanted to learn more about the 'Ulema and how they respected 'ilm.

[jinnzaman]

http://zakariyya.wordpress.com/2007/...for-knowledge/

Jazakallah khair. Please do share more information!

[jinnzaman]

Some excellent excerpts, brief 'bios' from Qadhi' `Iyad ibn Musa al-Yahsubi's , who I am certain needs no introduction (the author of "Ash-Shifa'," therefore this man understands the significance of biographical works in the teaching of the deen) phenomenal, "Tartiba'l-Madarik." The work is a significant work on the primacy of the Mother of all the Madhahib, the `Aml (actions) of the People of Medina Munawarrah (may Allah enoble and protect it). The significance of the 'bios' is one acquaints one's self with the men who carried this madhhab.

May Allah benefit you.

with peace

Wa alaikum as-salam wa rahmutallahi wa barakatahu

Jazakallah khairun sidi! If you come across anything else, please do share!

masalama

[Saad]

Jazakallah khair. Please do share more information!

‘Allamah Kashmiri’s (ra) zeal for knowledge
http://zakariyya.wordpress.com/2007/...for-knowledge/

True Legacy: Mawlana Muhammad Badr ‘Alam Miruthi’s love for books
http://zakariyya.wordpress.com/2008/...ove-for-books/

Allamah Kashmiri’s (ra) Thirst For Knowledge.
http://zakariyya.wordpress.com/2007/...for-knowledge/