فَضْلُ الْعِلْمِ وَالْعُلَمَاءِ

 

THE EXCELLENCE OF KNOWLEDGE

AND THE ULAMA

 

by

Taajul Ulama wal Aarifeen, Raeesul Muhaqqiqeen,

Aarife-Billah, Badrul Foqaha Imam Muhammad Naqi Ali Al-Qaadiri Barkaati

 

  

Translated by

Durwesh Abu-Muhammad Abdul-Haadi

 Al-Qaadiri Barkaati

 

 

Published by

Imam Ahmad Raza Academy

 (Durban South Africa)

 

 

A Barkaatur-Raza Publication

 

COPYRIGHT

 

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.

 

Name of Original Kitaab: Fadlul-I’lm-wal-Ulama

Author: Taajul Ulama wal Aarifeen, Raeesul Muhaqqiqeen, Aarife-Billah, Badrul Foqaha Imam Muhammad Naqi Ali Al-Qaadiri Barkaati t

Translator: Durwesh Abu-Muhammad Abdul-Haadi Al-Qaadiri

 

First edition: Muharram 1421 - April 2000

No. of copies: 3 000

Publishers: Barkaatur-Raza Publications

Design and Typesetting: Raza Graphics

 

 

Available from:

Imam Ahmed Raza Academy

Imam Ahmed Raza Building

3rd Floor, 20-22 Lorne Street

Durban, 4 001

South Africa

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Website: http://www.raza.co.za

E-mail: raza786@mweb.co.za

Dedication

 

This book is dedicated to my beloved Parents. My father, the late Al-Haaj Sheikh Abdul-Wah’haab Chishti Nizaami

(رحمة الله عليه) and my mother, Haleema Bibi, who were a great source of inspiration for me in my quest for knowledge.

 

They had made immense sacrifices for me both financially and emotionally and always motivated me to continue my studies. I sincerely pray to ALLAH with the Waseela of His Beloved Rasool(Peace Be Upon Him) to grant my father Jannatul-Firdous. May the Almighty ALLAH also give my Beloved mother long virtuous life and good health so that she may make Du’as for me to continue my services for the Deen.

 

May the Merciful ALLAH bless their Souls.

Aameen

العلم نور يزاد النور بالنور الحديث

Knowledge is light and light only increases with light.

 

 

A BRIEF LIFE SKETCH OF

BADRUL FOQAHA IMAM MUHAMMAD NAQI ALI AL-QAADIRI BARKAATI t

 

Allama Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh), was born in Jamadi-ul-Akhir 1246 A.H. (1830). He was the son of the great Aarif and Scholar, Allama Khaja Raza Ali Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh),  s/o of Allama Mohammed Kaazim Ali Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh), s/o Allama Shah Mohammed Azam Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh), s/o Allama Sa'adat Yaar Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh), s/o Allama  Sa'eedullah Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh).

 

Allama Raza Ali Khan’s(Radi ALLAH Anh) father was one of the greatest Sufis of his time. Khaja Muhammad  Raza Ali Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh) was born in the year 1224 A.H. He was also a great warrior and fought with General Bakht Khan against English invaders in the year 1834. He received his early education at the hands of Allama Molwi Khaleerur Rahman Rampuri(Radi ALLAH Anh). At the age of 23, he had already completed his Islamic education, earning certificates of distinction in various fields of knowledge. His speciality was the field of Tasawwuf. He passed away in Jamaadi-ul-Awwal 1282 A.H. (1866).

 

It is interesting to note that the forefathers of Allama Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh)  migrated from Qandhaar (Kabul) during the Mogul rule and settled in Lahore. Allama Haafiz Sa'eedullah Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh), the first forefather of Ala’ Hadrat, Imam Ahmad Raza(Radi ALLAH Anh), held a high government post when he arrived in the Indo-Pak sub-continent. His son, Allama Sa'adat Yaar Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh), after gaining victory in the city of Ruhailah, was elected as the Governor of that city.

 

Allama Hafiz Kaazim Ali Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh), the son of Mawlana Azam Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh), was a Tax collector in the city of Badayun (Home and birth place of Khaja Sultaan Nizamudeen Mehboob-e-Elahi t). His son, Allama Khaja Muhammad Raza Ali Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh), the illustrious grandfather of Ala’Hadrat(Radi ALLAH Anh), did not serve in the Government. It was from this generation that the heads of the family began to adopt Tasawwuf as their way of life.

 

Allama Naqi Ali Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh), received his education at the hands of his father, Allama Raza Ali Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh).  Allama Naqi Ali Khan(Radi ALLAH Anh) was a great Mudarris (Teacher) and a prolific writer. Most of his time was spent in teaching and instilling the excellence of knowledge in the hearts of the people. His students posed intricate questions to him thinking that the Ustaaz will not be able to reply to them. But to their amazement, the Master replied instantaneously with a smile. His deep insight in complicated matters dazzled the contemporary Ulama of his time so much so that they conferred the title of Ra’eesul-Muhaqqiqeen (The Master of the Research Scholars) on him. Indeed, this title befitted him.

 

He wrote more than 50 books on various subjects, among them, Suroorul Quloob fi Zikri Mouloodul Mahboob and Al-Kalaamul-Awdah fi Tafseer Sura Alam-Nash’rah, which received very high distinctive stature amongst Islamic literature. His treatises are characteristic in its condemnation of the enemies of Islam, both internally and externally.

 

He was a senior Mureed and Khalifa of the Grand Master Ghousul-Waqt Khatimul-Akaabir Sayyid Ale’Rasool Ahmadi Al-Husaini Barkaati(Radi ALLAH Anh) and also received the Ijaza of Hadith Shareef from the Murshid. The Murshid was a student of the celebrated Muhaddith, Allama Sha Abdul Azeez Muhaddith Dehlawi(Radi ALLAH Anh). Allama Naqi Ali(Radi ALLAH Anh) also received Ijaza of Hadith in Makkah Mukarrama from the illustrious Ustaazul-Ulama Sheikhul-Haram Sayyid Ahmad Zaini Dahlaan Makki(Radi ALLAH Anh).

 

It was in the 19th Century (13th Hijri) that Allama Naqi Ali(Radi ALLAH Anh) laid the foundation of a Darul-Ifta in Bareilly Shareef. This Darul-Ifta later became the nucleus and fountainhead of Fiqah in the whole world. Allama Naqi Ali(Radi ALLAH Anh) was a great Jurist. He personally groomed his noble son, Imam Ahmad Raza(Radi ALLAH Anh), and perfected him as a Master Jurist at the tender age of 13 years.

 

It is recorded that once a person came to the Darul-Ifta at Bareilly Shareef with an Islamic query and presented it to Allama Naqi Ali(Radi ALLAH Anh). He, in turn, referred the questioner to the Ifta office. The man went there and returned saying that there was no Mufti present there, but that only a child was sitting behind the desk. Allama Naqi Ali(Radi ALLAH Anh) smiled and lovingly said: “Nowadays he is the appointed Mufti and he will answer all your questions. Go to him and hand him your question”. The man stood in amazement and then said, “Moulana! I have traveled a long way for a Fatwa on a very important issue and you are in a mood of joking.” Allama Moulana Naqi Ali(Radi ALLAH Anh) said to the man, “I do not have time for jokes and I regard joking a serious offence especially in matters of the sacred Sharee’ah. Please take your question to the Mufti and Insha-Allah, he will give you your answer.”

 

However, the man went to the 13-year-old child (Imam Ahmad Raza) and presented him with the question. The young man instantly wrote the answer without consulting any Kitaab for reference. He then gave the paper to the man and asked him to verify it with his father who was in the other room. Allama Moulana Naqi Ali(Radi ALLAH Anh) read the flawless answer with great joy and verified it. He thanked Almighty Allah for bestowing His Divinely blessed Knowledge (Ilme-Ladunni) on his son.

 

Imam Ahmad Raza(Radi ALLAH Anh) records this incident in his own words as follows: “This question was regarding the ruling of Sharee’ah if the milk of a woman some how enters the throat of an infant. Will foster-ship apply? My reply to this question was as follows: ‘If the milk of a woman enters through the nostril or mouth of a child and reaches the stomach, then the law of foster-ship will apply. That child will be regarded as the women's foster child.’  This was the very first Fatwa I had answered on 14th Shabaan 1289 Hijri and it was on this date that I was appointed a Mufti (Mansabe-Iftah). It was also on this day that Salaah became Fard on me (age of puberty).  I was born at the time of Zohr Salaah on Saturday 10 Shawwaal 1272 Hijri, coinciding with 14 June 1856. My age was 13 years, 10 months and 4 days when I was blessed with the title of Mufti.  Alhamdulillah, till this day I am constantly engaged in the service of Deen”.  

 

The noble Imam, Imam Ahmad Raza(Radi ALLAH Anh), (May ALLAH sanctify his soul) passed away on Friday 25 Safar 1340 Hijri, 28 October 1921).

 

Allama Naqi Ali(Radi ALLAH Anh) was a great lover of the Beloved Habeeb Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him) and also remained engrossed in this love all his life. Once he fell very ill and was confined to bed. He laid there in a very depressed mood. The beloved Habeeb(Peace Be Upon Him) saw the state of pain and depression of his true Aashiq and blessed him. One night, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him) appeared in his dream and compassionately gave him a cup of water to drink. As soon as he drank it, he was instantly cured. He awoke the next morning totally cured and once again healthy. It seemed if he was never sick.  

 

Allama Naqi Ali(Radi ALLAH Anh) passed away in Jamadi-ul-Ula 1297 A.H. (1880) and was laid to rest besides his illustrious father, Taajul-Aarifeen Imam Muhammad Raza Ali(Radi ALLAH Anh). His Mazaar Shareef is in Bareilly Shareef, India. Every moment of his life was devoted to ALLAH and His Rasool(Peace Be Upon Him) and the service of Islam. Due to this sincerity, the last thing that he wrote on a piece of paper was لبسم الله الرحمن الرحيم  . The last word that he uttered before he passed away was الله . May Almighty ALLAH sanctify his soul and grant him proximity to his Creator I.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

لبسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الحمد لله رب العالمين والعاملين و الصلوة و السلام على سيدنا محمد

* و اله و أصحابه أجمعين

   

A

ll Praise is due to ALLAH and Choicest Salaams upon His august Habeeb(Peace Be Upon Him).

 

I (Imam Muhammad Naqi Ali Khan Al-Qaadiri t) compiled this brief book on the excellence of Ilme-Deen (Sciences of Religion) and pray that this book will enlighten the hearts and encourage my Muslim brothers to acquire the knowledge of Deen.

 

Hujjatul-Islam Imam Muhammad Al-Ghazaali(Radi ALLAH Anh) states that knowledge is the foundation of every action and the pivot of religion. The goodness in this world or the Hereafter cannot be achieved without knowledge, nor can belief (Imaan) be perfected without it. The wise say:

كه بي علم نتوان خدا را شناخت *     

An ignorant cannot recognise ALLAH.

 

Therefore, it is said:

العلم باب الله الأقرب و الجهل اعظم حجاب بينك و بين الله * 

There is no path that leads to ALLAH that is faster than knowledge and the biggest obstacle between one and

ALLAH is ignorance.

It is also recorded:

و لنعم ما قيل لا تعجب على الجهول حيلته  فذالك ميت و ثوابه كفن *

Knowledge is the basis of life. In fact, it is life itself, ignorance is the basis of death, in other words, death itself.

 

If there was anything more excellent and revered to ALLAH than knowledge then it would have been given to Sayyiduna Adam(Alaihis Salam) in opposition to the Angels. The Tasbeeh (Glorification) and Taqdees (Sanctification) of the Angels could not equal to the knowledge and names of things blessed to Sayyiduna Adam(Alaihis Salam), then what would not be the height and uniqueness of the other spiritual sciences bestowed upon him?

 

Almighty ALLAH states in the Holy Quran:

شهد الله انه لا اله إلا هو و الملائكة و اولو العلم قائما بالقسط *

ALLAH bears Witness that there is none is to be worshipped other than Him and the Angels and Ulama too standing with justice.

 

There are three qualities of knowledge found in the above Ayah. Firstly, along with Him and His Angels, ALLAH mentions the Ulama. This is a unique status that has no bounds. Secondly, ALLAH classifies the Ulama with His Angels as witness to His Divine Tauheed and regards their testimony as a proof of His Divinity. Thirdly, similar to the Angels, the testimonies of the Ulama are accepted as authentic. 

 

In another Ayah, ALLAH regards His testimony and that of the Ulama as sufficient. Thus, ALLAH says:

قل كفى بالله شهيدا بيني و بينكم و من عنده علم الكتاب *

Say you, ALLAH is sufficient as a Witness between you and me, and he who has knowledge of the Book (Quran).

 

The third Ayah states:

يرفع الله الذين أمنوا منكم و الذين اوتو العلم درجات *

ALLAH will raise, in degree, those of you who believe and those who are endowed with knowledge.

 

We understand from the above Ayahs that knowledge elevates Imaan.

 

The fourth Ayah states:

و الراسخون في العلم يقولون أمنا به كلّ من عند ربّنا و ما يذكّر إلا اولوا الألباب *

And those of firm knowledge say, “We testify that everything comes from our Lord ALLAH and only the knowledgeable accept the advice (from ALLAH).”

 

The above Ayah confirms the high status of Imaan and unique intelligence of the learned.

 

The fifth Ayah records:

إنما يخشى الله من عباده العلماء *

Verily, the servants who fear ALLAH are the Ulama.

 

The reason for this distinction is obvious. Surely, one cannot understand and develop the fear and Anger of ALLAH, the punishment of Hell and the hardship of Qiyamah without knowledge. Therefore, no one can understand these realities besides the Ulama!

 

The sixth Ayah of the Holy Quran states:

و لاكن كونوا ربّانيين بما كنتم تعلّمون الكتاب و بما كنتم تدرسون *

And become the true servants of ALLAH through the Ulama of the Quran and through those who teach the Quran.

 

This Ayah tells us that the demands of the Ilme Deen is that one must divorce oneself from the mundane world and totally submit oneself to the Almighty ALLAH. The Merciful ALLAH must always be one’s goal. Therefore, a knowledgeable person is called a Mowlawi.  Mowlawi refers to Mowla (ALLAH), meaning a man of ALLAH.

 

The seventh Ayah says:

من يؤتى الحكمة  فقد اوتى خيراً كثيراً *

When wisdom is given, a great blessing is given.

 

The eighth Ayah reads:

و تلك الأمثال نضربها لنّاس و ما يعلمها إلا العالمون *

And these examples are mentioned to the people and only

the learned understand them.

 

This Ayah explains that besides the Ulama no one can better understand the Words and Secrets of ALLAH.

 

The ninth Ayah says:

و قال الذين اوتوا العلم ويلكم ثواب الله خير لمن امن و عمل صالحاً *

And the learned said, “Destruction to those who do not

understand that piety and blessings of ALLAH is only

for those who believe in ALLAH and do good”.

 

This proves that an ignorant person can never attain the status of an Aalim. It is recorded in Tirmidi Shareef that two persons were mentioned in the presence of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him), an Aabid (worshipper) and an Aalim (learned). The Beloved Prophet of Allah(Peace Be Upon Him) said:

فضل العالم على العابد كفضلي على أدناكم *

The merit of an Aalim over an Aabid is like my prominence

over an insignificant amongst you.

 

It is also reported that on the Day of Judgement, when ALLAH will Ascend His Divine Throne to Judge His servants, He will Compassionately say to the Ulama:

انّي لم اجعل علمي و حلمي فيكم إلا و أنا أتريد اَن اغفر لكم و لا اُبالي *

Verily, the only reason that I gave you knowledge and wisdom was that I may Bless and Forgive you and I do not care (for anyone because I am the Almighty I).

 

It is reported in Bay’haqi that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him) said: “ALLAH is Most Generous and I am the most charitable amongst mankind, and after me the most generous amongst you is he who seeks knowledge and propagates it.” 

 

Imam Zah’bi(Radi ALLAH Anh) reports that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him) said that on the Day of Judgment, the inkpots of the Ulama and blood of the Martyrs will be brought forward. The ink of the Ulama will be superior to the blood of Martyrs.

 

There is a chain of narrations in Ahyaul-Uloom that ALLAH will order the Ulama and Shuhada to enter Jannah. The Ulama will say, “O Allah I! It is we who taught the people to worship You and make Jihad.”  ALLAH will Say: “To Me, you are like My Angels. Seek pardon for whom you desire and I will accept it.”  The Ulama will intercede for the people and they will be sent to Jannah.

 

It is reported in the Hadith Shareef that if one dies while seeking knowledge, one will meet ALLAH in a state that, besides the sacred station of Prophethood (Nubuwwah), one will be in the same level of the Prophets.

 

Another Hadith Shareef says: “If a person seeks one section of knowledge to educate others, ALLAH will bless him with the reward of seventy Siddiqeen.”

 

It is recorded in Mu’aalimut-Tanzeel that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him) said: “When a person travels in search of knowledge, the Angels spread their wings under his feet; the earth, skies and fishes of the ocean make Du’as for him.”

 

Imam Ghazaali(Radi ALLAH Anh) reports that a single sight of the face of an Aalim is more virtuous than an entire year’s devotion of Salaah and Fasting.

 

Both, Bukhari(Radi ALLAH Anh) and Tirmidi(Radi ALLAH Anh) reported the following Sahih Hadith Shareef, in which Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him) said:

من يرد الله به خيرا يفقّهه في الدين *

When ALLAH Ordains to do good to anyone, He makes

 him knowledgeable in the matters of Deen.

 

Ishbaa’un-Nazaa’ir records that no one is certain about one’s end (death) besides a Faqhi (Jurist). This is so because he is certain about the assurances of ALLAH Who promised salvation for them.

 

Durre-Mukhtaar reports that Imam Isma’eel bin Abi-Rajaa(Radi ALLAH Anh) said that he saw Imam Muhammad(Radi ALLAH Anh) in a dream and inquired of his welfare. The Imam(Radi ALLAH Anh) said that ALLAH Pardoned him and Said: “If I had Ordained to punish you then I would not have blessed you with knowledge.”

 

Imam Abu-Da’ood(Radi ALLAH Anh) narrates from Sayyiduna Abu-Darda(Radi ALLAH Anh) that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him) said: “If one takes a single step in search of knowledge, then ALLAH will lead him on one of the paths of Jannah, and verily, the Angels spread their wings of mercy for a student. Indeed, all the dwellers of earth, the skies and also the fishes of the oceans seek pardon for a scholar of Deen. And, verily, the prominence of a scholar over a worshipper is similar to the excellence of the full moon over the stars. Undoubtedly, the Ulama are the successors of the Prophets and they do not leave any wealth behind besides knowledge. Hence, one who has acquired knowledge has indeed achieved a great share of wealth.”

 

Sahih Muslim reports: “When a person travels in search of knowledge, then ALLAH makes his journey easy towards Jannah. And when people leave the Musjid and assemble to recite the Holy Quran and teach it, Divine Mercy (Sakeena) descends on them and the Rahmah of ALLAH enshrouds them. The Angels of Mercy also surround them while ALLAH Praises them and tells the Angels how pleased He is with them.”

 

Sayyiduna Abu-Zarr(Radi ALLAH Anh) narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him) said: “To be present in the Majlis of an Aalim is better than performing thousand Rakaats of Salaah, visiting thousand sick people and being present in thousand Janazas.” Someone asked, “Ya Rasoolullah! And what about the Tilaawat of the Quran?” (Referring to the presence of an Aalim in a Majlis as better than the recitation of the Quran?) Sayyiduna Rasoolullah(Peace Be Upon Him) replied, “Can one derive the benefits of the Quran without knowledge?” (It means that reading the Quran without knowledge is like giving a blind man a bunch of roses to admire.)

 

Imam Muhyus-Sunnah Baghawi(Radi ALLAH Anh) records in his Ma’aalimut-Tanzeel that the Beloved Prophet of Allah(Peace Be Upon Him) said: “A single Faqhi (Jurist) is more heavy on the Cursed Shaytaan than a thousand worshippers.” This is obvious because a worshipper worships to save his own soul while a Faqhi educates and saves a nation from the evils of the Shaytaan.

 

Imam Tirmidi(Radi ALLAH Anh) records that indeed Allah the Almighty, His Angels, the dwellers of the earth and skies, the ants in their holes and the fishes collectively send blessings on one who seeks knowledge and teaches others.

 

Imam Muhammad Ghazaali(Radi ALLAH Anh) records in his Ahyaul-Uloom that the Glorious Prophet of Islam(Peace Be Upon Him) said, “The closest rank after Prophethood is that of the Ulama and Mujahideen. This is so because the Ulama propagate the message of the Prophets and the Mujahideen defend it with their swords.”

 

Sahih Muslim narrates that all the deeds of a person, besides three things, ceases when he dies. They are, any continuous charity by which people benefit, or any knowledge from which people benefit or a virtuous son that prays for him. The deceased will continue enjoying the rewards of any one of the above deeds as long as they exist.

 

Once, Almighty ALLAH said to Sayyiduna Ibra'heem(Alaihis Salam), “Ibra’heem! I am Aleem (Most Knowledgeable) and I love every Aleem.” This means that knowledge is an Attribute of ALLAH and whoso adorns this attribute, becomes the beloved of ALLAH.

 

Sayyiduna Ali Al-Murtudah(Radi ALLAH Anh) states: “An Aalim is more superior than a Mujaahid, one who observes fast and stays awake all night in Ibadah.” 

 

Someone asked the great Mujtahid Imam Abu-Bakr(Radi ALLAH Anh) whether the recitation of the Quran for the Faqhi is more virtuous than teaching Fiqh? He replied: “Imam Abu-Muteeh(Radi ALLAH Anh) said that by merely  looking at the Kitaabs on Fiqh of our Elders without the intention of studying them is more excellent than staying awake all night in Ibadah.”

 

Sayyiduna Abu-Darda(Radi ALLAH Anh) states that he regards the learning of a single rule of Islam as more virtuous than staying awake all night in Ibadah.

 

Sayyiduna Omar Al-Farooq(Radi ALLAH Anh) states that the death of a thousand devotees, who stay awake at night in worship and observe fast in the day, is of no comparison to the Sabr (patience) that a single Aalim exercises on the Haraam and Halaal of ALLAH.

 

Imam Ghazaali(Radi ALLAH Anh) records that Sayyiduna Esa(Alaihis Salam) states: “A practising pious Aalim is called Azeem in the Heavens.  Azeem means mighty.”

 

There are many similar narration’s pertaining to the excellence of knowledge, which are too many to mention. All that is enough to understand the loftiness of knowledge is that it is an Attributive Quality of Almighty ALLAH and His Beloved Rasool(Peace Be Upon Him). Salvation and prosperity in both the worlds can only be achieved through knowledge. In reality, an ignorant is an animal while the uniqueness and superiority of man is in his knowledge and speech. Hence, it very important for us to sincerely devote ourselves to attain this great wealth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obstacles in the Path of Knowledge

 

There are some obstacles to the path of seeking knowledge, which are as follows:

 

F

irstly, the strong resistance from the cursed Shaytaan. Be aware that the most hated and dangerous thing to the Cursed Shaytaan is the seeking of knowledge. Therefore, he uses all his powers and resources to stop a student from learning. The Shaytaan puts the most Waswasa (interference) on a student of Deen. No other deed or worship besides the seeking of knowledge experiences such intensified opposition. The methods of combating these interferences are very simple. All the student has to do is remember all the Ayahs and Ahadith pertaining to the excellence of Ilme-Deen and never pay attention to the obstruction of the evil Shaytaan. Surely, an intelligent man will not give preference to the Cursed Shaytaan over the Bounties of the Merciful Lord I.

 

S

econdly, carnal desires (Nafs) are very demanding. It hates hardship and loves relaxing. But when one realises that this world (Duniya) is temporary and that the Hereafter (Akhirah) is the everlasting and original abode, then indeed, the hardship of seeking knowledge becomes a pleasure. One must realise that the hardship of seeking knowledge lasts for a very short period and its benefits and pleasures are limitless. As time passes and the student gets the taste of knowledge, he will develop such pleasure that he will never be at peace without reading a book. No matter where he goes or what he does, he will never be relaxed if he does not read a book on Deen.