To acquire knowledge under the expertise and guidance of a fully qualified ʿĀlim of Dīn is absolutely essential. Failure to do so generally results in absolute guidance. This has been the practice of our pious predecessors and even the Ambiyā عليهم السلام.

Question:

How does a Muslim scholar, serious student, and others who have devoted their lives to the service of Islam and the Muslims support himself/herself? I ask because this is perhaps one of the main reasons why parents don’t wish for their children to become scholars of Islam — they are usually poor, they don’t get paid much at all (if at all), and they attract trouble from different extremist groups.

I come from an upper middle-class family. How can I convince my parents that I can become a Muslim scholar and have sufficient finances to support myself and my family?

Title: The Beginning of Guidance – Bidāyah al-Hidāyah

Author: Imām Abū Hāmid al-Ghazālī (May Allāh have mercy on him)

Translator: Dr. Mashhad al-Allaf

Publisher: White Thread Press

This is a brief description of two prominent modern-day Muslim scholars. One is an Egyptian trained at al-Azhar, while the other is Indo-Pak trained at Deoband. The Azhari scholar has a legal approach and legal opinions that categorically contradict those of his Deobandi counterpart. Compare them and witness how they end up speaking about each other. Some of you may find it shocking.

Rasulullah ﷺ was neither too tall nor too short. He was of average height. He had a large head which was in proportion to his body. He had a thick beard. His head and beard had about 25 grey hairs. His face was luminous and handsome. Whoever saw his blessed face described it to be luminous like the full moon.

Have patience in your lesson. If the teacher doesn’t move on as fast as you’d like and you start to feel you’ll never finish the book, remember that you’re there to learn, not to finish the book.

This is a portion from the Hadīth al-Jibraīl – in which Jibraīl عليه السلام asks the Prophet ﷺ a few questions which the Prophet ﷺ responds to.

Darul Ulūm Deoband is located in the city of Deoband in India. Prior to the construction of the madrasah, Deoband only had a small masjid known as the Chatte Wala Masjid. The community would often get together in that musjid and discuss amongst themselves that they had to find a way to help the future generations from the teachings that the British had introduced.

During his old age, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal رحمه الله was travelling, when he stopped by a town.

After Isha salah, he wanted to stay the night, in the Masjid. Owing to his humility, he hadn’t introduced himself to anyone, thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.

Do you remember the times when you knew nothing and cried behind the imam because you were so moved by his recitation and the moment of prayer in congregation?