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The blessing is with the elders

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Indeed from the signs of the hour is that knowledge will be sought from the young ones”.

Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they acquire knowledge from their elders, their trustworthy ones and their scholars, for if they acquire it from their young ones and evil ones, they will be destroyed”.

Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burjess, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in Awaa’iq at-Talab pages 29-35 that this ruling is not absolute regarding the young ones, for indeed there were a group of the Sahabah and the Tabi’in who taught and gave verdicts in their young age, while the elders were present. However, the likes of these people are hard to find amongst those who came after them. If they are found and known for being upright- upon a sound [path], possess knowledge and their firmness is manifested, while there are no elders to be found, then knowledge of the Shariah is acquired from them, if they are free from fitnah! Therefore, the intent is not that the knowledge possessed by the young person is boycotted, while the elders are present; rather the intent is that the people are placed in their rightful positions.

May Allah bless the elders and the youth Amin, and protect us from the Fitan, Aameen.