Al-Imaam Muhammad bin Seereen رحمه الله (d.110 H) said, "They (the Sahaabah and the Taabi’een) used to consider themselves upon the path (of truth) so long as they held onto the Athar (the Prophetic Narrations and those of Companions)." [Reported by Imaam al-Laalikaa’ee (d. 418 H) in his Sharh 'Usoolil-I’tiqaad Ahlis-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, no. 110.]
On the authority of Abee Hurayrah, رضي الله عنه the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
"Whosoever removes a worldly grief from from a believer, Allaah will remove from him one of the griefs of the Day of Judgement. Whosoever alleviates (the lot) of a destitute person Allaah will alleviate his lot in this world and the'Aakhirah (Hereafter). Whoesoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allaah will conceal his faults in this world and the next. Allaah will aid an'Abd (servant of His) so long as the servant aids his brother. Whoever pursues a path to seek knowledge therein, Allaah will thereby make easy for him a path to Paradise..." [Related by Muslim is his saheeh.]
Also in the hadeeth of Abee ad-Dardaa’ رضي الله عنه in which he said, the Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
"He who treads a path in search of knowledge, Allaah will direct him to tread a path from the paths of Paradise…The Angels lower their wings for the student of knowledge in approval of what he does. All in the heavens and earth and the fish in the depth of the water seek forgiveness for the scholar, and the superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of the full moon at night over the rest of the stars. Verily, the the scholars are the heirs to the Prophets, verily the Prophets did not bequeath deenars ordirhams. All they left behind was knowledge, so whoever takes it, has indeed acquired a huge fortune." [Al-Musnad, 5/196., Also related by Aboo Daawood, 3/317; at-Tirmidhee, 5/49; Ibn Maajah, 1/81; Ad-Daarimee, 1/98 and Ibn Hibbaan, 1/152 (al-Ihsaan). It was declared saheeh by Imaam al-Albaanee in his Saheeh al-Jaami' 5/302.]
Aboo Umaamah Sudayya bin 'Ajlaan al-Baahilee, رضي الله عنه in which he says, "The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "The excellence of the scholar over the worshipper is like my excellence over the lowermost of you. Indeed, Allaah, His Angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and earth, even the ant in its hole and the fish, supplicate for one who teaches good to the people." [Related by at-Tirmidhee, 5/50 and he said, "The hadeeth is hasan saheeh." It has been declared saheeh by Imaam al-Albaanee in Saheeh at-Tirmidhee, 2/343.]
Aboo Ayyoob al-Ansaaree, (رضي الله عنه) travelled from Madeenah to Egypt to seek and investigate a single hadeeth. Jaabir bin 'Abdillaah, ( رضي الله عنه ) undertook a whole month's journey just to personally hear a hadeeth from 'Abdullaah bin 'Unays رضي الله عنه.
Mak'hool, (رحمه الله) travelled to Shaam (Syria), Hijaaz, and Iraaq to acquire knowledge of hadeeth. Imaam Raazee, (رحمه الله ) said about himself:
"The first time I left my home in pursuit of hadeeth, I spent seven years in travels."
Imaam ad-Dhahabee, ( رحمه الله) wrote about Imaam al-Bukhaaree, رحمه الله that after finishing his studies in the field of Hadeeth in his hometown ofBukhaaraa, he undertook journeys to Balakh(Afghaanistaan), Baghdaad, Makkah, Basrah, Koofah, Syria, Khuraasaan, Hims (Homs) and Dimashq(Damascus) to obtain further instructions in the science of Hadeeth from the learned scholars living in those lands.
Imaam Adh-Dhahabee رحمه الله (d.748H) mentioned in his Siyar A’laamin-Nubalaa (7/229-279)from Haatim bin al-Waleed al-Karmaanee who said,"I heard Yahyaa bin Abee Bukhair say, "It was said to Sufyaan ath-Thawree, رحمه الله "For how long will you continue to seek hadeeth? He said, "And what good am I in that is better than Hadeeth, so that I should prefer it? Hadeeth is the best knowledge in the world."
Aboo Hurayrah رضي الله عنه said that the the Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم ) said,"The world, with all that it contains is accursed except for the remembrance of Allaah that which please and in obedience to Allaah and the 'Aalim(scholar) and Muta'allim (student of knowledge)." [Related by at-Tirmidhee and he said, "The Hadeeth is hasan."]
Yahyaa bin Sa'eed al-Qattaan al-Basree (d.198H) رحمه الله spent ten years with his Shaykh Ash-Shu'bah رحمه الله to learn the Sunnah. Naafi' bin 'Abdillaah رحمه الله said about himself:
"I sat with Maalik رحمه الله for 35 or 40 years and attended his lectures, morning, noon and afternoon."
Imaam az-Zuhree (d.124H) رحمه الله reported that he studied under Sa'eed bin Musayyib (d.94H) رحمه الله for 20 years. 'Abdullaah bin Mubaarak رحمه الله obtained instructions from eleven hundred renowned scholars of the Sunnah. Imaam Maalik رحمه الله obtained the Sunnah from nine hundred. Hishaam bin 'Abdillaah رحمه الله learnt from seventeen hundred teachers of Hadeeth. Aboo Nu'aym Asbahaanee رحمه الله benefited from eight hundred teachers of Hadeeth.
The 'A'immah (Imaam) of the Salaf dedicated their whole lives to their chosen field of gathering, sifting and preserving the Ahaadeeth. They not only spent their entire fortunes in their work of love, but withstood every tribulation and hardship which is shining testimony to their earnestness and sincerity. Imaam Maalik رحمه الله informs us that his teacher Rabee'ah bin Abee 'Abdir-Rahmaan(d.136H) رحمه الله after having sold away even the rafters (the parallel beams that support a roof) of his house in the cause of collecting the Ahaadeeth, often he passed through such times of destitution that he had to eat bits of dates from the trash.
Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee رحمه الله mentioned about Imaam Yahyaa bin Ma'een (d.233H) رحمه الله that he spent one and a half million dirhaams in his endeavors in the service of the Sunnah reducing himself to such a state of poverty that he had no shoes to wear.
In the pursuit of Hadeeth 'Alee bin Aasim Waasitee رحمه الله spent hundred thousand dirhaams, Imaam ad-Dhahabee رحمه الله one hundred and fifty thousand, Ibn Rustoom رحمه الله three hundred thousand dirhaams and Hishaam bin 'Abdillaah رحمه الله spent seven hundred thousand dirhaams.
Although Imaam al-Bukhaaree رحمه الله was rich, brought up in luxury and comfort gladly bore all the hardships during his long journeys in search of hadeeth. One such privation (an act or instance of depriving) was mentioned by his colleague 'Umar bin Hafs رحمه الله that:
"In the city of Basrah we were engaged in writing down the Sunnah and Muhammad bin Ismaa'eel (al-Bukhaaree), was one of us. After a few days we realized that al-Bukhaaree was not attending the classes. To inquirer about his absence we went to his residence and we were appalled to find him lying in a dark room without proper clothes to maneuver outside amongst the people. Learning that he didn't have any more money, we the students collected some money for his clothes and from there on al-Bukhaaree started attending the lectures again."
al-Imaam Ishaaq bin Raahawayah, رحمه الله who was a colleague of Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal رحمه الله wrote:
"Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal, came to Yemen to learn the Sunnah and earned his living by weaving trouser strings, when he was leaving Yemen after completing his studies he was indebted to a baker. He gave his shoes, in settlement of the debt to the baker and departed bare-foot, and on the way for his living he worked as a coolie to load and unload the camels."
In the pursuit of Hadeeth 'Alee bin Aasim Waasitee رحمه الله spent hundred thousand dirhaams, Imaam ad-Dhahabee رحمه الله one hundred and fifty thousand, Ibn Rustoom رحمه الله three hundred thousand dirhaams and Hishaam bin 'Abdillaah رحمه الله spent seven hundred thousand dirhaams.
Although Imaam al-Bukhaaree رحمه الله was rich, brought up in luxury and comfort gladly bore all the hardships during his long journeys in search of hadeeth. One such privation (an act or instance of depriving) was mentioned by his colleague 'Umar bin Hafs رحمه الله that:
"In the city of Basrah we were engaged in writing down the Sunnah and Muhammad bin Ismaa'eel (al-Bukhaaree), was one of us. After a few days we realized that al-Bukhaaree was not attending the classes. To inquirer about his absence we went to his residence and we were appalled to find him lying in a dark room without proper clothes to maneuver outside amongst the people. Learning that he didn't have any more money, we the students collected some money for his clothes and from there on al-Bukhaaree started attending the lectures again."
al-Imaam Ishaaq bin Raahawayah, رحمه الله who was a colleague of Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal رحمه الله wrote:
"Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal, came to Yemen to learn the Sunnah and earned his living by weaving trouser strings, when he was leaving Yemen after completing his studies he was indebted to a baker. He gave his shoes, in settlement of the debt to the baker and departed bare-foot, and on the way for his living he worked as a coolie to load and unload the camels."
Ibn Raahawayyah
رحمه الله also said: "When Ahmad travelled to 'Abdur-Razzaaq his money ran out. So he hired himself out to work for some camel-drivers until he reached San'aa. His companions offered him monetary assistance but he refused to accept it."
Ahmad ad-Dawraqee
رحمه الله said, "When Ahmad bin Hanbal returned from 'Abdur-Razzaaq (as-San'aanee), I saw him looking very weak in Makkah and he was clearly tired out and exhausted. I spoke to him (concerning this) so he said to me, "It is insignificant compared to the benefit we have taken from 'Abdir-Razzaaq."
Imaam Ahmad said about his own self, "I did not marry until after I reached 40 years of age." His companions said that this was because he used to be busy traveling to seek knowledge before that. He went to Makkah, and from there to San'aa. There is a story about this trip:
He set out with his companion, Yahyaa bin Ma'een, for Hajj. He said to Yahyaa, "When I finish Hajj, verily I am going to Yemen to meet the scholar of Yemen, the scholar of Hadeeth, 'Abdur-Razzaaq ibn Hammaam As-San'aanee." As-San'aanee died in the year 210 afterHijrah.
When they reached Makkah, they found that 'Abdur-Razzaaq was making Hajj that year as well. So Yahyaa knew who he was and met him. He saw him going around the Ka'bah, and since he knew him, he went and greeted him. Yahyaa said to 'Abdur-Razzaaq, and they knew each other, "This is Ahmad ibn Hanbal" So 'Abdur-Razzaaq became happy about this and said, "It has reached us that he is a person who has a lot of goodness."
When they prayed their two rak'ahs after makingtawaaf, Yahyaa said to Imaam Ahmad, "Ahmad, our provisions for the journey to San'aa' have been used. And here is 'Abdur-Razzaaq, so let us stay with him so we can take some narrations from him."
Ahmad said to Yahyaa bin Ma'een, "My intention is still present, and I will not oppose it. So I will continue on to San'aa."
This shows the effects of his commitment to the hardships of seeking knowledge. A trip to San'aa in that time was not made in cars or airplanes or the likes, rather it was only made with great hardships, the realities of which can not be described.
In the search of the Ahaadeeth, the learned scholars of the Salaf gladly and patiently bore all sorts of difficulties, hunger and privation. The story of their struggles doesn't end with the abovementioned accounts but continues to record how patiently these noble souls withstood the punishment of powerful, unjust rulers. In the reign of Banoo 'Umayyah (except during the rule of 'Umar bin 'Abdil-'Azeez d.101H
رحمه الله ), the scholars of Hadeeth were subjected to un-imaginable cruelties by the state and its nobles. Amongst those who suffered were Muhammad bin Seereen, رحمه الله al-Hasan al-Basree, رحمه الله 'Ubaydullaah bin Rafaa'ee, رحمه الله Yahyaa bin 'Ubayd, رحمه الله and Ibn Abee Katheer رحمه الله .
In reign of Banoo 'Abbaas the Imaam of Daarul-Hijrah, Maalik bin Anas رحمه الله was punished mercilessly by flogging on his bare back. Sufyaan bin Sa'eed Ath-Thawree, رحمه الله the great scholar was condemned to death. Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee رحمه الله was arrested and taken to the capital, Baghdaad, on foot, where he was kept in prison and tortured. The torments suffered by Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal, رحمه الله in the cause of the Book and the Sunnah, is a tragic chapter in the history of Islaam. Imaam Aboo Haneefah's رحمه الله funeral was taken out from the dark, narrow dungeon of the prison. May Allaah shower His Blessings and Mercy upon those noble souls, who while living stood like a rock, ungrudgingly bore all the oppresion, and did their duty to keep the light of Hadeeth burning amid all the storms.
From Abee Hurayrah
رضي الله عنه who said, "It was said to the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم, "O Messenger of Allaah! Which of the people are the best? He said to him, "I am as well as those who are with me." He said (Abu Hurayrah): It was said to him, "Then who O Messenger of Allaah? He said, "Those who are upon the athar (Prophetic Narrations)." He (Abu Hurayrah) said: It was said to him, "Then who O Messenger of Allaah? He said, "Those who are upon the athar, then those who are upon the athar." He said (Abu Hurayrah): "So it was as though he rejected the rest." [Hadeeth hasan reported by Ahmad (3/155) with a hasan isnaad.]
‘Abdullaah bin Mubaarak رحمه الله (d. 181H) said, "I found that the affair was ‘Ittibaa’ (following and imitation as well as implementation and submission to the Aathaar)."[Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee in his Sharh Usoolil-I’tiqaad, no. 113.]
Al-Haadfidh al-Khateeb رحمه الله (d.486H) said in his work "al-Faqeeh wal-Mutaffaqqih" (1/152),"Upon my life! Indeed, the Sunan and the realities of the truth often come in opposition to the opinion and contradict it upon a large scale. Yet Muslims find no escape but to follow and submit to them (the sunan and the realities of truth)..."
Imaam Maalik bin Anas رحمه الله (d.179H) said,"The Sunnah is like the Ark of Noah. Whoever embarks upon it reaches salvation and whoever refuses is drowned."[Reported by Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Tayimiyyah in Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (4/57).]
The hadeeth of al-‘Irbaad bin Saariyah, رضي الله عنه that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "So I order you to stick to my Sunnah and the Sunnahof the Rightly Guided Khulafaa’ after me. Bite on to that with your molar teeth and beware of the newly invented matters, for verily every innovation is misguidance." [Reported by Ahmad bin Hanbal in his Musnad (4/126-127, at-Tirmidhee (2676) Aboo Daawood (4607) and others.]
I say (Aboo Ruqayyah) you must look at the Sunnah as that which would give you life, a protection from destruction. Because the one who is in the middle of the Ocean drowning, he would desperately try his best to grab and cling tightly to anything that would help keep him afloat from drowning into the depths of the dark Ocean, he would even begin biting onto it with his teeth to save his life.
Allaahu 'azza wa jalla said:
"And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allaah (the Qur’aan) and do not be divided amongst yourselves and remember Allaah’s Favors upon you…" [soorah Aali-‘Imraan: 103.]
Imaam Aboo ‘Amr Al-Awzaa’ee رحمه الله (d.157H) said, "Have patience upon the Sunnah and stop where the people (before you) stopped. Speak in (those matters in) which they spoke and hold back from what they held back. And tread upon the path of your Salafus-Saalih, for whatever sufficed them will suffice you. [Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee in his Sharh Usoolil-I’tiqaad, (2/154-155).]
He (Al-Awzaa’ee) also said "Stick to the Aathaar of those who have preceded (man salaf), even if the people reject you. A beware of opinions of men, even if they beautify it for you with speech. So the affair is young and you are upon a Straight Path with regards to it." [Reported by Imaam Al- Bayhaqee in al-Madkhal (no.233).]
From the poetry of ‘Abdah bin Ziyaad al-Asbahaanee رحمه الله:
‘Abdullaah bin Mubaarak رحمه الله (d. 181H) said, "I found that the affair was ‘Ittibaa’ (following and imitation as well as implementation and submission to the Aathaar)."[Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee in his Sharh Usoolil-I’tiqaad, no. 113.]
Al-Haadfidh al-Khateeb رحمه الله (d.486H) said in his work "al-Faqeeh wal-Mutaffaqqih" (1/152),"Upon my life! Indeed, the Sunan and the realities of the truth often come in opposition to the opinion and contradict it upon a large scale. Yet Muslims find no escape but to follow and submit to them (the sunan and the realities of truth)..."
Imaam Maalik bin Anas رحمه الله (d.179H) said,"The Sunnah is like the Ark of Noah. Whoever embarks upon it reaches salvation and whoever refuses is drowned."[Reported by Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Tayimiyyah in Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (4/57).]
The hadeeth of al-‘Irbaad bin Saariyah, رضي الله عنه that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "So I order you to stick to my Sunnah and the Sunnahof the Rightly Guided Khulafaa’ after me. Bite on to that with your molar teeth and beware of the newly invented matters, for verily every innovation is misguidance." [Reported by Ahmad bin Hanbal in his Musnad (4/126-127, at-Tirmidhee (2676) Aboo Daawood (4607) and others.]
I say (Aboo Ruqayyah) you must look at the Sunnah as that which would give you life, a protection from destruction. Because the one who is in the middle of the Ocean drowning, he would desperately try his best to grab and cling tightly to anything that would help keep him afloat from drowning into the depths of the dark Ocean, he would even begin biting onto it with his teeth to save his life.
Allaahu 'azza wa jalla said:
"And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allaah (the Qur’aan) and do not be divided amongst yourselves and remember Allaah’s Favors upon you…" [soorah Aali-‘Imraan: 103.]
Imaam Aboo ‘Amr Al-Awzaa’ee رحمه الله (d.157H) said, "Have patience upon the Sunnah and stop where the people (before you) stopped. Speak in (those matters in) which they spoke and hold back from what they held back. And tread upon the path of your Salafus-Saalih, for whatever sufficed them will suffice you. [Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee in his Sharh Usoolil-I’tiqaad, (2/154-155).]
He (Al-Awzaa’ee) also said "Stick to the Aathaar of those who have preceded (man salaf), even if the people reject you. A beware of opinions of men, even if they beautify it for you with speech. So the affair is young and you are upon a Straight Path with regards to it." [Reported by Imaam Al- Bayhaqee in al-Madkhal (no.233).]
From the poetry of ‘Abdah bin Ziyaad al-Asbahaanee رحمه الله:
"The Deen (religion) of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم are narrations, And what a blessed means to an end the Aathaar are for a youth. So do not forsake the hadeeth nor its people, because opinion is like night and hadeeth is like day. And perchance a youth may err upon the Path of Guidance, But the Sun is raising in splendor and has much light."[Sharaf Ashaabul-Hadeeth of Al- Khateeb al-Baghdaadee (p.141).]
And Muhammad bin ‘Alee as-Suwaree رحمه الله said, (in some lines on poetry):
"Say to the one who opposes the hadeeth and sets out to discredit its people and those who claim it, Are you saying that which you are saying is based upon knowledge, my son, or upon ignorance? For indeed ignorance is a character of the foolish. Does one discredit those who have protected the religion from falsehood and misrepresentation? And to their statements and to that which they narrated, returns every scholar and jurist." [Sharaf Ashaabul-Hadeeth of Al- Khateeb al-Baghdaadee (p.142).]
Aboo Mazaahim al-Khaaqaanee رحمه الله said,"Indeed, the people of rhetoric and people of opinion lack knowledge of hadeeth by which a man attains salvation. If they had known the aathaar, they would not have deviated from it to other than it, yet they are ignorant." [Sharaf Ashaabul-Hadeeth of Al- Khateeb al-Baghdaadee (p.143).]
Imaam Muhammad bin Shihaab az-Zuhree رحمه الله (d.124H) said, "The people of knowledge who came before us used to say, "Salvation lies in clinging to the Sunnah."[Reported by Daarimee in his Sunan (no.96).]
Imaam Ash-Shaatibee رحمه الله (d. 790H) said in al-Muwaafiqaat, 4/3, "The word Sunnah is given to whatever has been transmitted from the Prophet particularly regarding that which the Mighty Book has not provided a text for."
Hassaan bin Atiyyah Aboo Bakr al-Muhaarabee ad-Dimashqee رحمه الله (d.120H)said, "Jibreel ‘alayhis-salaam used to descend with the Sunnah just as he used to descend with the Qur’aan." [Reported in Ash-Sharh wal-Ibaanah of Ibn Battah, p. 128 and Majmoo’ ul-Fataawaa of Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Tayimiyyah, 3/366.]
Aboo Nasr,Yahyaa bin Abee Katheer at-Taa'ee al-Yamaamee (d.129H) رحمه الله said,
"The Qur'aan is in more need of the Sunnah than the Sunnah is of the Book.The Sunnah is Qaadhiyyah (decisive and conclusive) over the Book of Allaah and the Book is not Qaadhiyaan over the Sunnah." [Reported in Sunan ad-Daarimee, (1/44) and Ash-Sharh wal-Ibaanah of Ib Battah, (p.128).]
al-Imaam Aboo Muhammad al-Hasan al-Barbahaaree (d.329H) رحمه الله
said in his Sharhus-Sunnah,
"Know that Islaam is the Sunnah and the Sunnah is Islaam and one them cannot be established without the other..."
Al-Awzaa’ee also said, "Knowledge is what comes from the As'haab (Companions) of Muhammad(صلى الله عليه وسلم)and that which does not come from a single one of them is not knowledge." [Jaami’ Bayaanil-‘Ilm wa fadlihi of Al-Haafidh Ibn ‘Abdil-Barr (2/36).]
Shaadh bin Yahyaa رحمه الله (d.239H) said, "There is no path which is more straight and direct (in leading) to Paradise than the path of the one who travels upon the Aathaar (narrations)." [Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee in his Sharh Usoolil-I’tiqaad, no. 112.]
Muhammad bin Seereen
رحمه الله said, "Indeed this ‘Ilm (knowledge) is the Deen (Religlion) so look and see from whom you are taking your religion."
He also said, "They had not used to ask about the Isnaad (chain of narration) but when the fitnah [1] broke out, they said: "Name to us your men. So as for Ahlus-Sunnah then their Aahaadeeth and Aathaar were accepted, and as for ahlul-bid’ah their narrations would not be accepted."
In Saheeh Muslim also, on the authority of ‘Abdaan who said, "I heard ‘Abdullaah Ibnul Mubaaraak (d.181H) say, "According to me the Isnaad is from the Deen. And if it were not for the isnaad, whoever wished could have said whatever he pleased."
Imaam adh-Dhahabee رحمه الله mentioned in hisSiyar A’laamin-Nubalaa(7/114) that Al-Waleed said, "Al-Awzaa’ee used to say, "This knowledge used to be kareem (noble), passed down (from men) to men, but when it entered the books the wrong people became involved in it."
‘Abdus Samad bin Hassaan رحمه الله said, "I heard Sufyaan At-Thawree (d.161H) say, "The isnaad is the weapon of the Believer, so if he does not have a weapon then what will he fight with?" [Reported in Siyar A’laamin-Nubalaa(7/229-279).]
Al-Haafidh Khateeb al-Baghdaadeeرحمه الله reported in Al-Jaami’ li-Akhlaaqir-Raawee wa Adaab as-Saami, that Ash-Shu’bah رحمه الله said,"Whoever seeks this hadeeth (knowledge) then he has become bankrupt. I became so bankrupt (financially bankrupt) until I sold a wash bowl of my mother for seven dinaar."
I (Aboo Ruqayyah) say He doesn’t mean the bankruptcy of the 'Aakhirah (Hereafter) because the path of seeking knowledge is the gathering of a huge and great fortune (the inheritance of the Prophets‘alayhimus-salaatuh was-Salaam) which leads to Jannah.Rather, he becomes poverty stricken in this life because it’s as if has signed his life over to poverty due to the of seeking knowledge.
Imaam adh-Dhahabee رحمه اللهmentioned in Siyar A’laamin-Nubalaa, Al-Humaydee said, "I heard Sufyaan bin ‘Uyainah say, "These mahaabir (wooden ink-pots that students used to carry along with their pens) do not enter anyone’s house except that they cause grief to his wife and children." Sufyaan once asked a man, "In what do you occupy yourself with? He said, "In seeking hadeeth." So Sufyaan bin ‘Uyainah replied, "Then give glad tidings to your family of poverty."
‘Abdur-Razzaaq رحمه الله said, "I have not seen anyone more who better memorized what he had than Ath-Thawree. It was said to him, "What prevented you from traveling to Az-Zuhree? He said, "The lack of dirhaams."
Ash-Shu’bah bin Hajjaaj رحمه الله said, "Every hadeeth that does not have "haddathanaa or akhbaranaa" (Literally "he reported to us" or "he informed us".) then it is herbs and vinegar (meaning they are nothing)."
Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee رحمه الله (d.204H) said, "All forms of knowledge besides the Qur’aan are a Mushghilah (pre-occupation), except for the hadeeth and knowing the fiqh (jurisprudence) of the Deen, knowledge is that which contains, "Haddathanaa, akhbaranaa" … ‘(So and so narrated and informed us) And what is besides that are but whisperings of the Shayaateen (devils)." [Deewaanush-Shaafi’ee.]
Muhammad bin ‘Abdil-Maalik al-Karjee رحمه الله said,
"And knowledge is what contains "qaala haddathanaa" and everything else is error and darkness; the supports of the religion are the clear aayaat; the statement of Allaah and the statement of al-Mustafaa’ (صلى الله عليه وسلم) are a subjugation and compulsion for every innovator." [Tabaqaat fuqahaa’ush-Shaafi’iyyah of Ibnus-Salaah.]
From Aboo Hurayrah, رضي الله عنه who said, "The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "A person is upon the Deen of his friend. So let each one of you look to whom he keeps as a friend."[Reported by Ahmad (2/303), Aboo Daawood (no.4812) and at-Tirmidhee (no.2484).]
Imaam Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaanee (d.131H) رحمه الله said, "From the success of a youth or non-Arab is that Allaah guides him to a scholar of the Sunnah." [Reported by al-Laalikaa'ee in Sharh Usoolil-I'tiqaad, (no.30).]
In Saheeh Muslim also, on the authority of ‘Abdaan who said, "I heard ‘Abdullaah Ibnul Mubaaraak (d.181H) say, "According to me the Isnaad is from the Deen. And if it were not for the isnaad, whoever wished could have said whatever he pleased."
Imaam adh-Dhahabee رحمه الله mentioned in hisSiyar A’laamin-Nubalaa(7/114) that Al-Waleed said, "Al-Awzaa’ee used to say, "This knowledge used to be kareem (noble), passed down (from men) to men, but when it entered the books the wrong people became involved in it."
‘Abdus Samad bin Hassaan رحمه الله said, "I heard Sufyaan At-Thawree (d.161H) say, "The isnaad is the weapon of the Believer, so if he does not have a weapon then what will he fight with?" [Reported in Siyar A’laamin-Nubalaa(7/229-279).]
Al-Haafidh Khateeb al-Baghdaadeeرحمه الله reported in Al-Jaami’ li-Akhlaaqir-Raawee wa Adaab as-Saami, that Ash-Shu’bah رحمه الله said,"Whoever seeks this hadeeth (knowledge) then he has become bankrupt. I became so bankrupt (financially bankrupt) until I sold a wash bowl of my mother for seven dinaar."
I (Aboo Ruqayyah) say He doesn’t mean the bankruptcy of the 'Aakhirah (Hereafter) because the path of seeking knowledge is the gathering of a huge and great fortune (the inheritance of the Prophets‘alayhimus-salaatuh was-Salaam) which leads to Jannah.Rather, he becomes poverty stricken in this life because it’s as if has signed his life over to poverty due to the of seeking knowledge.
Imaam adh-Dhahabee رحمه اللهmentioned in Siyar A’laamin-Nubalaa, Al-Humaydee said, "I heard Sufyaan bin ‘Uyainah say, "These mahaabir (wooden ink-pots that students used to carry along with their pens) do not enter anyone’s house except that they cause grief to his wife and children." Sufyaan once asked a man, "In what do you occupy yourself with? He said, "In seeking hadeeth." So Sufyaan bin ‘Uyainah replied, "Then give glad tidings to your family of poverty."
‘Abdur-Razzaaq رحمه الله said, "I have not seen anyone more who better memorized what he had than Ath-Thawree. It was said to him, "What prevented you from traveling to Az-Zuhree? He said, "The lack of dirhaams."
Ash-Shu’bah bin Hajjaaj رحمه الله said, "Every hadeeth that does not have "haddathanaa or akhbaranaa" (Literally "he reported to us" or "he informed us".) then it is herbs and vinegar (meaning they are nothing)."
Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee رحمه الله (d.204H) said, "All forms of knowledge besides the Qur’aan are a Mushghilah (pre-occupation), except for the hadeeth and knowing the fiqh (jurisprudence) of the Deen, knowledge is that which contains, "Haddathanaa, akhbaranaa" … ‘(So and so narrated and informed us) And what is besides that are but whisperings of the Shayaateen (devils)." [Deewaanush-Shaafi’ee.]
Muhammad bin ‘Abdil-Maalik al-Karjee رحمه الله said,
"And knowledge is what contains "qaala haddathanaa" and everything else is error and darkness; the supports of the religion are the clear aayaat; the statement of Allaah and the statement of al-Mustafaa’ (صلى الله عليه وسلم) are a subjugation and compulsion for every innovator." [Tabaqaat fuqahaa’ush-Shaafi’iyyah of Ibnus-Salaah.]
From Aboo Hurayrah, رضي الله عنه who said, "The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "A person is upon the Deen of his friend. So let each one of you look to whom he keeps as a friend."[Reported by Ahmad (2/303), Aboo Daawood (no.4812) and at-Tirmidhee (no.2484).]
Imaam Ayyoob as-Sakhtiyaanee (d.131H) رحمه الله said, "From the success of a youth or non-Arab is that Allaah guides him to a scholar of the Sunnah." [Reported by al-Laalikaa'ee in Sharh Usoolil-I'tiqaad, (no.30).]
Damarah bin Rabee’ah
رحمه الله said, "From ‘Abdullaah bin Shawdhab who said, "Verily, it is from the bounty/favor of Allaah upon a youth, that when he devotes himself to worship he befriends a righteous person of the Sunnah who teaches and carries him upon it," and he also said, "Verily, it is from the happiness of a youth and non-Arab or foreigner that Allaah guides them to a Scholar from the people of Ahlus-Sunnah."
Yoosuf bin Asbaat
رحمه الله said, "My father used to be a Qadaree and my maternal uncles used to be Raafidhees, then Allaah saved me through Sufyaan." [Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee (no.30 and no.32) in his Sharh ‘Usoolul-I’tiqaad.]
Ibnul-Mubaraak رحمه الله said, "Sufyaan (said), "Have concern for Ahlus-Sunnah because they are the strangers."
Ibnul-Mubaraak رحمه الله said, "Sufyaan (said), "Have concern for Ahlus-Sunnah because they are the strangers."
And he said, "A man should compel his son to knowledge since he is accountable for him." [Siyar A’laamin-Nubalaa (7/229-279).]
'Abdullaah bin Daawood رحمه الله said, "It is desirable for a man to force his son to listen to hadeeth."
'Abdullaah bin Daawood رحمه الله said, "It is desirable for a man to force his son to listen to hadeeth."
And he also said, "The religion is not (acquired) by kalaam, but the Deen is through Aathaar (the authentic narrations)."
Ibraaheem bin Adham رحمه الله said, "My father said to me, "O my son! Seek hadeeth, for everytime you hear a hadeeth and memorize it, then I will give you one dirham." So I sought hadeeth in this way." [Reported by al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee in Tahdheeb Sharaf As'haabil-Hadeeth,(pg.80-84).]
Al-Husayn bin al-Husayn ad-Daaristeenee رحمه الله said, "I heard Aboo Haatim رحمه الله say, "Aboo Zur'ah said to me, " I have not seen anyone more keen in seeking hadeeth than you." So I said to him, "My son 'Abdur-Rahmaan is certainly keen." So he said, "Whoever resembles his father has not done any wrong." Ar-Raqqaan said, "I asked 'Abdur-Rahmaan about the large number of narrations he heard, and the number of questions he asked to his father. So he said, "Sometimes he would be eating so I would read to him, he would walk and I would read to him, he would go to the toilet and I would read to him, and he would enter the house seeking something and I would read to to him." [Siyar A'laamin-Nubaalaa (13/246-263), Tadhkiratul-Huffaadh (2/567-569).]
Mashaa'Allaah, I say (Aboo Ruqayyah) that he (Ibn Abee Haatim) did this because he was greatly concerned about perserving his father's time as well as his own, benefitting from knowledge.
Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee رحمه الله said, "My brother! You will not acquire knowledge except by six matters, I will inform you of their detail with an explanation: Intelligence, zeal, striving, competence or proficiency, the companionship of a teacher and a long time!"
Ibnul-Qayyim - رحمه الله (d.751H) said, in hisFawaa’idul-Fawaa’id,
Al-Husayn bin al-Husayn ad-Daaristeenee رحمه الله said, "I heard Aboo Haatim رحمه الله say, "Aboo Zur'ah said to me, " I have not seen anyone more keen in seeking hadeeth than you." So I said to him, "My son 'Abdur-Rahmaan is certainly keen." So he said, "Whoever resembles his father has not done any wrong." Ar-Raqqaan said, "I asked 'Abdur-Rahmaan about the large number of narrations he heard, and the number of questions he asked to his father. So he said, "Sometimes he would be eating so I would read to him, he would walk and I would read to him, he would go to the toilet and I would read to him, and he would enter the house seeking something and I would read to to him." [Siyar A'laamin-Nubaalaa (13/246-263), Tadhkiratul-Huffaadh (2/567-569).]
Mashaa'Allaah, I say (Aboo Ruqayyah) that he (Ibn Abee Haatim) did this because he was greatly concerned about perserving his father's time as well as his own, benefitting from knowledge.
Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee رحمه الله said, "My brother! You will not acquire knowledge except by six matters, I will inform you of their detail with an explanation: Intelligence, zeal, striving, competence or proficiency, the companionship of a teacher and a long time!"
Ibnul-Qayyim - رحمه الله (d.751H) said, in hisFawaa’idul-Fawaa’id,
"There are six stages to knowledge:
Firstly: Asking questions in a good manner.
Secondly: Remaining quiet and listening attentively.
Thirdly: Understanding well.
Fourthly: Memorising.
Fifthly: Teaching.
Sixthly: and it is its fruit: Acting upon the knowledge and keeping to its limits."
It was narrated that al-Haafidh ‘Uthmaan bin Khurrazaadh رحمه الله (d.282H) said, "The person associated to hadeeth is in need of five qualities, and if one of them is lost then it is considered as a deficiency; (he is) in need of a good mind, piety, precision, proficiency in the field, as well as being well known for his trustworthness."
Adh-Dhahabee رحمه الله said, "Trustworthiness is a portion of the Deen (piety), and precision is included in proficiency, so what a Haafidh really needs, is to be; fearful (of Allaah), intelligent, grammatical, a linguist, righteous, modest, Salafee and it is sufficient enough for him to write two hundred volumes and to gather five hundred reliable compilations and not to become fatigued by seeking knowledge till death, with sincerity and humility otherwise let him not trouble himself."[Siyar A’laamin-Nubalaa 13/380.]
In conclusion, from the poetry of Hasan bin Muhammad an-Nasawee - رحمه الله - as narrated by al-Haafidh Diyaa'Ad-Deen al-Maqdisee – رحمه الله (d.643H - one of the well-known students of Imaam al-Faqeeh Muwaffaqud-Deen, Aboo Muhammad Ibn Qudaamah Al-Maqdisee – رحمه الله (d.620H) , in his article on the excellence of Hadeeth and its People.)
"Ahlul-Hadeeth (People of Hadeeth), they are Ahlun-Nabiyyصلى الله عليه وسلم (People of the Prophet), although they didn't accompany him in person, they accompanied with his every movement and exhalations."
Firstly: Asking questions in a good manner.
Secondly: Remaining quiet and listening attentively.
Thirdly: Understanding well.
Fourthly: Memorising.
Fifthly: Teaching.
Sixthly: and it is its fruit: Acting upon the knowledge and keeping to its limits."
It was narrated that al-Haafidh ‘Uthmaan bin Khurrazaadh رحمه الله (d.282H) said, "The person associated to hadeeth is in need of five qualities, and if one of them is lost then it is considered as a deficiency; (he is) in need of a good mind, piety, precision, proficiency in the field, as well as being well known for his trustworthness."
Adh-Dhahabee رحمه الله said, "Trustworthiness is a portion of the Deen (piety), and precision is included in proficiency, so what a Haafidh really needs, is to be; fearful (of Allaah), intelligent, grammatical, a linguist, righteous, modest, Salafee and it is sufficient enough for him to write two hundred volumes and to gather five hundred reliable compilations and not to become fatigued by seeking knowledge till death, with sincerity and humility otherwise let him not trouble himself."[Siyar A’laamin-Nubalaa 13/380.]
In conclusion, from the poetry of Hasan bin Muhammad an-Nasawee - رحمه الله - as narrated by al-Haafidh Diyaa'Ad-Deen al-Maqdisee – رحمه الله (d.643H - one of the well-known students of Imaam al-Faqeeh Muwaffaqud-Deen, Aboo Muhammad Ibn Qudaamah Al-Maqdisee – رحمه الله (d.620H) , in his article on the excellence of Hadeeth and its People.)
"Ahlul-Hadeeth (People of Hadeeth), they are Ahlun-Nabiyyصلى الله عليه وسلم (People of the Prophet), although they didn't accompany him in person, they accompanied with his every movement and exhalations."
Sahl bin 'Abdillaah al-Fustaanee رحمه الله said,
"All the people are intoxicated except the 'Ulemaa' (scholars) and all the scholars are confused except whoever acts according to his knowledge."
He رحمه الله also said,
"The world is foolishness and barren except the knowledge and all of knowledge is a proof against him except what is acted upon and all action is useless except with sincerity and sincerity is in great danger until sealed by it (the action)."
Furthermore, Imaam Ibnul-Qayyim Al-Jawziyyahرحمه الله said in Fawaa’idul-Fawaa’id,
"Every type of knowledge and action which does not increase the strength of Eemaan (faith) and Yaqeen (certainty) has been corrupted by Ar-Riyaa (showing off)."
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Complied and adapted by al-Akh, Aboo Ruqayyah Ibn 'Abdillaah (William) bin Hayes
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[1] This is a reference to when bid’ah fell into theDeen and the people begun to narrate that which supported their innovation as well as fitnah of the liar, al-Mukhtaar bin ‘Ubayd ath-Thaqafee perished in 67H, who claimed revelation and offered large amounts for the people to fabricate ahaadeeth. His appearance was foretold by the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam in his saying, "There will come amongst Thaqeef a great liar and great murderer." [Reported by Imaam Muslim in his introduction to his saheeh(1/15).]
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