Virtues of the Ulama
QUESTION:
What are the benefits in this world and in the hereafter, if a person chooses to become an Aalim of Deen? Are there any specific rewards promised for one who adopts this path in life?
ANSWER:
It is recorded in a narration of Ibn Majah that the intercession of three people will be accepted on the day of Qiyaamah-the Ambiya, then the Ulama, and then the martyrs. It is quite clear from this narration that the Ulama will intercede for people who are perhaps destined to Jahannam and through their intercession these people will be entered into Jannah Insha’Allah.
عَنْ عُثْمَانَ بْنِ عَفَّانَ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ” يَشْفَعُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ثَلَاثَةٌ: الْأَنْبِيَاءُ، ثُمَّ الْعُلَمَاءُ، ثُمَّ الشُّهَدَاءُ ” (ابن ماجة)
A narration of Tirmidhi states, “Whoever goes out to seek knowledge then he is in the path of Allah until he returns.” In other words, he is being rewarded all the time.
عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مَنْ خَرَجَ فِي طَلَبِ العِلْمِ فَهُوَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ حَتَّى يَرْجِعَ»: «هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ غَرِيبٌ وَرَوَاهُ بَعْضُهُمْ فَلَمْ يَرْفَعْهُ» )سنن الترمذي)
Ibn Abdul Barr Rahimahullah states that Allah Ta’ala sent Wahi to Ibrahim Alaihis Salaam saying, “Verily I am All-Knowing, I love every knowledgeable person.” [Tufatut Tulabaa Wal Ulama Pg.49]
اوحي الله عز وجل الي إبراهيم اني عليم احب كل عليم (ابن عبد البر)
Ibn Abdul Barr Rahimahullah also states that the ink of the Ulama will be weighed with the blood of the martyrs on the day of Qiyaamah. [Tufatut Tulabaa Wal Ulama Pg.48] This is to show the value of the writings of the Ulama.
يوزن يوم القيامة مداد العلماء بدم الشهداء (ابن عبد البر)
The people closest to the position of Nabuwwat are the people of knowledge and the people of Jihaad. The people of knowledge show the people what the Ambiya Alaihimus Salaam have brought, whilst the people of Jihaad strive with their swords upon that which the messengers have brought.
اقرب الناس من درجة النبوة اهل العلم واهل الجهاد اما اهل العلم فدلوا الناس على ما جاءت به الرسل واما اهل الجهاد فجاهدوا بأسيافهم على ما جاءت به الرسل (أبو نعيم)
There are many other narrations with regards to the virtues of the Ulama. However, the narration and virtues quoted above will suffice in explaining the lofty position afforded to the Ulama.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date:- 25 Muharram 1445 / 13 August 2023