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| Conveying Knowledge With Responsibility |
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| bhaloo |
| 06/18/03 at 08:57:24 |
| [slm] Conveying Knowledge With Responsibility THE PRINCIPLE: "NOT ALL THAT IS KNOWN SHOULD BE SAID; NOT ALL THAT IS SAID SHOULD BE SPREAD.” [ad-dawabitush-shar’iyah li mawqifil-Muslim fil fitan (pg. 39) of sheikh salih ibn abdul ‘azeez alush-sheikh] lmaam al-Bukhaaree, rahimahullah, said: 'Chapter: Selecting some people to impart knowledge to, fearing that others will not understand it.” [stated by al Bukhari in hi saheeh [1/300] Anas bin Maalik radiallahu 'anhu relates: Once Mu'aadh was riding along with Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam when he said to him: 'O Mu'aadh ibn Jabal!' Mu'aadh replied: At your service 0 Messenger of Allaah. So he said: 'O Mu'aadh’ To which Mu'aadh replied: At Your service 0 Messenger of Allaah, saying this three times. So the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: 'There is no one who testifies that none has the right to be worshippcd except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah - truthfully from his heart - except that Allaah will forbid the Fire to him." Mu'aadh said: 0 Messenger of Allaah, shall I not inform the people and give them the glad tidings? So he said: 'No! For they will then depend solely upon it.' So Mu'aadh related this at the time of his death, fearing that he would be sinful [if be did not convey this knowledge]. [related by al Bukhari in his saheeh [#28] Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen said about the above hadeeth: "The permissibility of restricting knowledge to some people over others, whereby if some people were to be informed of certain parts of knowledge, it would cause fitnah (trial and discord). Ibn Mas'ood radiallahu 'anhu said: "No one relates something to a people which they do not understand, except that it puts some of them into trial and discord (fitnah).” [related by Muslim in the introduction of his saheeh [1/11]] And 'Alee radiallaahu 'anhu said: “Relate knowledge to people according to their level of understanding. Do you wish that Allaah and His Messenger should be disbelieved.” [al Bukhari [#197]] Thus, information should be related to each person according to their levels of ability, comprehension and intellects.” [al qawlul mufeed alaa kitabit tawheed [1/54] EXAMPLES FROM OUR SALAFUS-SAALIH The following examples demonstrate the above knowledge-based principle:- [1]: Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu 'anhu said: "I have two types of knowledge which I memorised from Allaah's Messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam; of which one type I have already conveyed. But if I were to convey the other, they would cut my throat." [bukhari #120] Shaykh Saalih ibn 'Abdul-'Azeez aalush-Shaykh, hafidhahullah, said: 'He did not disclose such ahaadeeth concerning this fitnah; the hadeeth concerning the censure of Banu Umayyah, and other ahadeeth of this nature. He said the [above] saying during the rule of Mu'aawiyah radiallahu anhu, and Mu'aawiyah had just re-unified the people after they had split-up and fought each other, the history of which is known. So why didn't Abu Hurayrah disclose these ahaadeeth? Were they not the ahaadeeth of Allaah's Messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam? Yes! But they were not those ahaadeeth related to Sharee'ah rulings, rather they were of another nature. So why did he not disclose them? Because he did not want to create fitnah amongst the people because of it. That is why he did not say: 'This is a true hadeeth, and it is not permissible for us to hide knowledge.' Since hiding the knowledge in that time in which Abu Hurayrah was speaking was necessary for him, to do, since he did not want to cause splits between the people after they had recently been re-unified in the Year of Unity ('Aamul-Jamaa'ah) - under the leadership of Mu'aawiyah radiallaahu 'anhu.' [ad-dawabitush-shar’iyyah li mawqifil-muslim fil fitan (pg. 39)] [2] Ibn 'Abbaas radiallaahu 'anhuma said: “I used to teach the Qur'aan to some of the Muhaajiroon, amongst whom was 'Abdur-Rahmaan ibn 'Awf. Whilst I was in his house in Minaa, and he was with 'Umar lbn al-Khattaab during his last Hajj, 'Abdur-Rahmaan came to me and said: If only you had seen the man who came to the Leader of the Believers, saying: 0 Leader of the Believers, What do you say about such and such a person who says that if 'Umar should die, I will give the bay'ah to such and such a person, and that - by Allaah - the bay'ah to Abu Bakr was nothing but a reaction, which afterwards became established. So 'Umar became angry and said: If Allaah wills, I will stand before the people tonight and I will warn the people against those who desire to deprive the people of their rights. However, 'Abdur-Rahmaan said: 'O Leader of the Believers! Do not do this. For the Hajj season gathers the ra’aa (common people) and the ghawghaa (those who incline towards mischeif and evil), and it will be those who will gather closest to you when you stand to address the people. I fear that you will rise and address the people , but some of them will spread your words and will not understand them, and some will twist your words and take them out of context. So wait until you reach al-Madeenah, the land of Hijrah and the Sunnah. where you will be amongst the people of knowledge nd understanding and the noblest of people. So there you may have to say what you wish to say, with confidence. Since the people of knowledge will understand your words and put them their correct context.' So 'Umar said: By Allaah! That is what I shall do in my first address to the people of al-Madeenah - if Allaah wills...” [al bukhari #6830] Al-Haafidh lbn Hajr, rahimahullaah, said: “In this is a lesson that knowledge is not to be taken from other than the people of knowledge; nor to relate, except to one who has understanding; and not to relate to one who has little understanding, due to him not being able to comprehend.” [fathul baree 12/188] [3] 'Amr ibn Abee Qurrah - rahimahullaah - said: 'Hudhayfah was in al-Madaa'in and he mentioned things that Allaah's Messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam used to say, whilst in a state of anger, to some people from his Companions. The people who heard these things from Hudhayfah would then go to Salmaan and mention to him what Hudhayfah had said. So Salmaan would say: ‘Hudhayfah is more knowledgeable about what he says.’ They would then return to Hudhayfah and say: ‘We mentioned your saying to Salmaan, and he neither affirmed it nor rejected it.’ So Hudhayfah came to Salmaan, who was in his vegetable farm, and said: 0 Salmaan! What prevents you from affirming what I heard from Allaah's Messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam ? So Salmaan said: ‘Indeed Allaah's Messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam would sometimes become angry, and would say certain things in anger to his Companions. So would you not stop until you create love of certain people in the hearts of some people, and create hatred of others in the hearts of some people, to the extent that it may lead them to differing and splitting up? You know that Allaah's Messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam gave a sermon, saying: 'Any person from my Ummah who I abused or cursed in anger, then I am one of the children of Adam (i.e. Human being), and I become angry, as they become angry. However, I have been sent as a mercy to the creation. So (O Allaah) make them (i.e. those abuses or curses) a blessing for them on the Day of Judgement.' So by Allaah! Either you stop, or else I will write to 'Umar.” [related by abu dawud #4657. It was authenticated by al albanee in as-saheeh #1757] |
| Re: Conveying Knowledge With Responsibility |
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| bhaloo |
| 07/29/03 at 01:09:20 |
| [slm] Shaykh al-Isalm Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) says “…the source of all good and blessings is that one seeks help from Allaah in acquiring knowledge inherited from the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), because that is what is truly fit to be named knowledge. Anything else is either not knowledge at all, even though people call it so, or it is knowledge which is not beneficial knowledge, in which case it is necessarily true that there exists in the inheritance of Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) that which replaces it, being similar to it or better than it. Thus, the person's effort should be to understand the purposes of the Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) in his commands, prohibitions and his various other sayings.” [Abul `Aasim al-Qaasim bin Yoosuf bin Muhammad at-Tajeebee as-Sabtee al-Maghribee] |
| Re: Conveying Knowledge With Responsibility |
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| bhaloo |
| 07/29/03 at 01:10:14 |
| [slm] He (Muadh Ibn Jabal (radhi allahu anhu)) described knowledge saying: "Knowledge is a comforting friend in times of loneliness, it is the best companion during travels, and it is the inner friend who speaks to you in your privacy. Knowledge is the discerning proof of what is right and what is wrong, and it is the positive force that will help you surmount the trials of comfort, as well as those of hardships. Knowledge is your most powerful sword against your enemy, and finally, it is your most dignifying raiment in the company of your close companions." [Reported by Aboo Nu`aim] |
| Re: Conveying Knowledge With Responsibility |
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| Nawawi |
| 07/29/03 at 05:28:36 |
| [quote author=bhaloo link=board=library;num=1055937445;start=0#0 date=06/18/03 at 08:57:24][slm] Conveying Knowledge With Responsibility THE PRINCIPLE: "NOT ALL THAT IS KNOWN SHOULD BE SAID; NOT ALL THAT IS SAID SHOULD BE SPREAD.” [/quote] This is the Principle of Imaam Malik, there some who believe Imaam malik was not aware of all the hadith. This is because many people judge Imaam Malik's knowledge of hadith based on what they find in the Muwatta. However the truth of the matter, Imaam Malik was aware of all of the hadith (althought some disagree with this position). I am convinced that he was aware of all the hadith. But refused to narrate them all, based on the fact he didn't want to lead people astray who did not understand certain hadith and how they were to be implimented. The reason I am convinced that Imaam Malik was aware of all the hadith, is because majority of the Ulama would make hajj and visit medinah, and Imaam Malik meet alot of Ulama from all over the world, who may have had a hadith that was rare in Hijaz. It is a known fact that when Imaam Malik died, they found a big box full of hadith that he had wirtten down but did not narrate. Wa Allah Alam. |
| 07/29/03 at 09:02:46 |
| Nawawi |
| Re: Conveying Knowledge With Responsibility |
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| bhaloo |
| 07/31/03 at 01:46:49 |
| [slm] [quote author=Nawawi link=board=library;num=1055937445;start=0#3 date=07/29/03 at 05:28:36] Imaam Malik was aware of all of the hadith (althought some disagree with this position). I am convinced that he was aware of all the hadith. But refused to narrate them all, based on the fact he didn't want to lead people astray who did not understand certain hadith and how they were to be implimented.[/quote] What is the proof that Imaam Malik (717-801) was aware of all of the hadith? Your speculation is not proof. In fact when the Abaasid Caliphss Abu Jafar al-Mansoor and Harron ar-Rasheed (ruled from 786 to 809) requested that Imaam Malik allow them to make his collection of Hadiths, Al-Muwatta, the official authority in the state on the Sunnah, he refused on both occasions, pointing out that the Sahaabah had scattered throughout the land and had left behind many Hadeeths not found in his collection. Maalik turned down the opportunity to have his madhab made the official madhab of the Islamic state. Even if we look at the main collection of the Hadeeths (i.e. Muslim, Bukhari, Nisai, ibn Majah, an-Nisai, al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood, etc) those were from the mid 9th century to the 10th century, after Imaam Malik's time. In no way does this detract from the greatness of this scholar. |
| Re: Conveying Knowledge With Responsibility |
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| bhaloo |
| 07/31/03 at 02:02:06 |
| [slm] Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Knowledge ensures our acts as lawful for us. It provides the basis of worship.” [Abu Dawood and Saheeh at-Tirmidhee # 2590] |
| Re: Conveying Knowledge With Responsibility |
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| Nawawi |
| 07/31/03 at 06:47:09 |
| [quote author=bhaloo link=board=library;num=1055937445;start=0#4 date=07/31/03 at 01:46:49][slm] What is the proof that Imaam Malik (717-801) was aware of all of the hadith? Your speculation is not proof. [/quote] There is no clear proof that he wasn't as well. These are the facts. 1. Imaam Malik had a collection of hadith which he taught which is known as the Muwatta. 2. It is a known fact that Imaam Malik did not relate every single hadith he knew in the Muwatta. 3. Although Imaam Malik did not travel to visit other Ulama and study under them. Many Ulama travelled to the Medinah area. One can say he didn't know all the hadith and one can say he did know al the hadith. Depending how one veiws the evidences. There is a difference of opinion of this. And it is all speculation. No one knows 100% of what he knew or didn't know. Based on the above, and what I've studied about Imaam Malik's life, his usul in matters of fiqh and hadith. I believe that he was aware of all the hadith. In reality this is not something we should debate. Whether he knew or didn't know it doesn't take away from his greatest. So let us agree to disagree on this issue. (The scholars differed about this so let us not continue on this subject) INSHA ALLAH. [quote] In fact when the Abaasid Caliphss Abu Jafar al-Mansoor and Harron ar-Rasheed (ruled from 786 to 809) requested that Imaam Malik allow them to make his collection of Hadiths, Al-Muwatta, the official authority in the state on the Sunnah, he refused on both occasions, pointing out that the Sahaabah had scattered throughout the land and had left behind many Hadeeths not found in his collection. [/quote] Here you are mistaken. It is clear that you are mistake here. [u]It was not because of hadith[/u] as you say, but rather all branches of Islam that companions differed upon. (hadith -how a hadith should be understood which ones are authentic and unauthentic and according to who, The Quran how certain quranic verses should be understood, and well as the usul fiqh). What is my proof? In the book, [u]the Four Imaams[/u] by Muhammad Abu Zahra, a book which I think everybody considers to be sound. It says, "It is reported that the khalif, Abu Ja’far al-Mansur, said to Malik while he was at Makka, “Make all knowledge into one knowledge, Abu ‘Abdullah.” He said, “Amir al-Mu’minin, [u]the Companions of the Messenger[/u] of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,[u] scattered throughout the lands and each of them made fatwas in the city to which he went as he thought best.[/u] So the people of the various regions each have a position, and the people of Madina have a position. The people of Iraq have a position in which they overstep their authority.” Al-Mansur said, “As for the people of Iraq, I do not take either my religious obligations or supererogatory actions from them. True knowledge is the knowledge of the people of Madina, so write down knowledge for people.” Malik said, “The people of Iraq are not content with our knowledge.” " In the same book, the author uses a quote from Shaykh Ul Islam, Imaam As Suyuti. "As-Suyuti tells us in his book The Virtues of Malik: Abu Nu’aym transmitted in al-Hilya that ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abdu’l-Hakam said, “I heard Malik ibn Anas say, ‘Harun ar-Rashid consulted me about three things: 1. whether the Muwatta’ should be hung in the Ka’ba and people compelled to follow what it contains; 2. whether the minbar of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, should be dismantled and rebuilt with jewels and gold and silver; 3. and whether Nafi’ ibn Abi Nu’aym should be made Imam to lead the people in prayer in the mosque of the Messenger of Allah. I (Imaam Malik) replied, ‘Amir al-Mu’minin, as for hanging the Muwatta’ in the Ka’ba, [u]the Companions of the Messenger of Allah disagreed about the branches of knowledge. They dispersed throughout the lands of Islam and each one did what he thought correct. [/u]As for dismantling the minbar, I do not think that you should deny people the relics of the Messenger of Allah. As for promoting Nafi’ to lead the people in the prayer, Nafi’ is an Imam in recitation and he is not safe from making a mistake in the mihrab, so protect him.’ Harun said, ‘May Allah give you success, Abu ‘Abdullah!”’ Also in the same book another quote from Imaam Malik in this regard. It is clear that Malik was not unduly disturbed by the difference in judgements and decisions in various places which so alarmed some Abbasid officials. He saw that divergence was inevitable and that judgements should be in harmony with the customs of every area so long as they did not contravene any explicit text of the Book or the Sunna. People should not be constricted. Malik once told Harun ar-Rashid, when he repeated his request about the Muwatta’, [u]“0 Amir al-Mu’minin, the differences of the people of knowledge are a mercy from Allah to this community. Each follows what he considers to be sound, each is rightly guided, and each desires to please Allah.”[/u] My Comment: So it is safe to say, it was not hadith, or only hadith as you are implying or As it appears that you are implying. As Allah knows best what you intended by what you wrote. Much more was involved than just mere hadith. When one takes the time to study indepth the different positions of the four Imaams, one will realize that the differences of opinion that the Imaams had were not based on just mere hadith whether they were lacking it or not but rather many other considerations were taken into account. And Allah knows best. |
| 07/31/03 at 09:49:45 |
| Nawawi |
| Re: Conveying Knowledge With Responsibility |
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| timbuktu |
| 07/31/03 at 14:01:50 |
| [slm] brother, Imam Malik was one of the greatest scholars of Islam, & will insha'allah be among the very elevated ones on the Day, but brother, to say that he knew all the Ahadeeth would be just a bit too much. it is sufficicient what you have said, that he met many scholars & learnt from them, & hence is likely to know many more ahadeeth than normally thought from the Muwatta. None of the true scholars cliaimed to be a know-all, & those who appreciate the efforts of these scholars should also try to stay within the limits. |
| 07/31/03 at 14:03:12 |
| timbuktu |
| Re: Conveying Knowledge With Responsibility |
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| Nawawi |
| 07/31/03 at 22:01:33 |
| [quote author=timbuktu link=board=library;num=1055937445;start=0#7 date=07/31/03 at 14:01:50][slm] brother, Imam Malik was one of the greatest scholars of Islam, & will insha'allah be among the very elevated ones on the Day, but brother, to say that he knew all the Ahadeeth would be just a bit too much. it is sufficicient what you have said, that he met many scholars & learnt from them, & hence is likely to know many more ahadeeth than normally thought from the Muwatta. None of the true scholars cliaimed to be a know-all, & those who appreciate the efforts of these scholars should also try to stay within the limits.[/quote] Perhaps you are right. Perhaps it is better to leave it at the facts. Travelling the Middle path. He is still a great Imaam either way. So your advice is best. may Allah reward you good for it. Maa salaama, Nawawi |
| 07/31/03 at 23:22:54 |
| Nawawi |
| Re: Conveying Knowledge With Responsibility |
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| bhaloo |
| 08/01/03 at 09:33:57 |
| [slm] [quote author=timbuktu link=board=library;num=1055937445;start=0#7 date=07/31/03 at 14:01:50] None of the true scholars cliaimed to be a know-all, & those who appreciate the efforts of these scholars should also try to stay within the limits.[/quote] Jazak Allah khairen brother, this is the point I have been trying to make. Examining Nawawi's post, the basis for his next point is this portion in "bold": It is clear that you are mistake here. Not just mistaken but clear he says. Meaning he is certain without a doubt that I'm wrong. Within the same post he then goes on to say: [quote] So it is safe to say, it was not hadith, [/quote] but earlier he mentions it was hadith and more. and he continues and says this: [quote] or only hadith as you are implying [/quote] The above quote is very different from saying NOT HADITH and HADITH AND MORE. [quote] or As it appears that you are implying. As Allah knows best what you intended by what you wrote. [/quote] Now he is not even certain what I was saying or implying, but yet he says "It is clear that you are mistake here. " .This is just bad manners, and I do not appreciate it. I also don't like the fact that he doesn't reply to my salaam in the post. |
| Re: Conveying Knowledge With Responsibility |
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| Nawawi |
| 08/01/03 at 10:12:56 |
| As salaam Alaykum, Bhaloo, I truly apologize. However I meant no disrepect to you in. However the reason for the inconsistent phrases, "it was not hadith, or only hadith" I was to lazy to go back and erase it. My reason for saying, "as you are implying or As it appears that you are implying. As Allah knows best what you intended by what you wrote." I was going off the apparent meaning of what was written. However you could have implied something else by it. So in order to give you the benefit of the doubt. I added as it appears you are applying, as allah knows best by what you intended. The only thing I wanted to get accross in my post was that, it wasn't only hadith. But rather alot more was involved. So what you originally wrote was a mistake. salaam, Nawawi |
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