Sunday, May 15, 2011

Superiority of Knowledge Over Devotions

Superiority of Knowledge Over Devotions  
The following is excerpted from the book "Reliance of the Traveler." The Classic Manual of Islamic Law 'Umdat al-Salik by Ahmed ibn Naqib al-Misri (d769/1368) English translation by Nuh Ha Mim Keller.

a2.1 (Nawawi:) Allah Most High says: 

(1) "Say, 'Are those who know and those who do not know equal?' " (Koran 39:9). 

(2)  "Only the knowledgeable of His slaves fear Allah" (Koran35:28). 

(3) "Allah raises those of you who believe and those who have been given knowledge whole degrees" (Koran 58:11). 

a2.2 The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: 

(1) "Whoever Allah wishes well, He gives knowledge of religion." 

(2) The superiority of the learned Muslim over the devotee is as my superiority over the least of you." Then the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, "Allah and His angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, the very ant in its anthill and the fish bless those who teach people what is good." 

(3) "When a human being dies his work comes to an end except for three things: ongoing charity, knowledge benefitted from, or a pious son who prays for him." 

(4) "A single learned Muslim is harder on the Devil than a thousand worshippers." 

Click HERE to read full article. 

No comments: