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Daily Goal and Pursuit of The Sensible One

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

The sensible person is in a position to have the Baaqiyaat As-Saalihaat as provision [i.e. the good righteous deeds that last and are better in the sight of Allah for reward and better in respect of hope in the Hereafter] together with his share from the worldly life with ease- by seeking aid in going out in the morning, midday and something of the night time. This is the foundation upon which he places his worldly affairs and the means to (accomplishing them). Even when such (affairs) come to him late at night, he would pray and seek aid from his Lord and ask for that which brings about good in his religious and Worldly affairs.

He begins his day with good – recitation of the Qur’aan and acts of worship to which one devotes himself in the morning; performs the five daily prayers in their earliest times and that which Allah makes easy for him to perform of good deeds, such as (optional) prayer, recitation of the Qur’aan, remembrance of Allah, seeking knowledge and other than that. He engages his tongue in the Remembrance of Allah and seeking forgiveness.

He pursues the means by way of which one seeks his livelihood, such as trade, production of goods, farming and what is similar to them, whilst seeking the aid of his Lord in that. He suffices himself with the permissible means and turns away from that which Allaah has made unlawful. The intent behind this is to fulfil the individual obligations, to be (upon) self-sufficiency and having little or no need of the creation. If he does this or something closer to it, the result will be goodness and he will gain abundant reward (for the afterlife). Also he does not forget his (lawful) share in the worldly life and it may be that Allah will bless him with contentment, which is true richness by way of which a good life is attained.


[Source: An Excerpt from Noorul Basaa-ir Wal Albaab Fee Ahkaam Al Ibaadaat, Wal Mu-aamalaat, Wal Huqooq, Wal Aadaab of Imam Abdur Rahmaan As-Sadi. Page: 65. slightly paraphrased]

It Is a Blessing That a Teacher Has Students Who Notify Him of His Mistake – [By Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess (rahimahullaah)]

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess [rahimahullaah] said: Just as it is obligated on a student to recant a mistake, then likewise it is obligated on a teacher [or scholar] to return to the truth when he errs. He is not to be prevented from returning to the truth after reviewing a statement he made and finds that it is in opposition to what is correct, for indeed that is a sign of equity and humbling [oneself] to the truth. Therefore, it is obligated that one follows what is correct, whether it was [conveyed] by a younger or older person. And it is blessing upon a teacher that he has amongst his students one who notifies him of his mistake and leads him to what is correct, so that he does not persist upon that ignorance. This requires that one shows gratitude to Allaah [The Exalted] and then being thankful to the person through whom one was guided [to what is correct], whether it was a student or other than him. [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Awā’iq at-Talab pg. 52 Slightly paraphrased]

Accepting sincere advice and following the truth is from one of the greatest obligations – Shaykh Rabee bin Hadi Al-Madhkhali

Accepting sincere advice and following the truth is one of the greatest obligations upon all of the Muslims, from whichever source it comes from. It is not permissible for a Muslim to belittle and disrespect the sincere adviser regardless what his status may be.

I seek refuge with Allah that I reject an advice and defend a mistake or falsehood which emanated from me; for indeed this is from fhe means to evil, infact it is from the ways of the people of corruption, arrogance and arrogant stubbornness. And when he is reminded he doesn’t take the reminder, as Allah said,

وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا بِآيَاتِ رَبِّهِمْ لَمْ يَخِرُّوا عَلَيْهَا صُمًّا وَعُمْيَانًا

And those who, when they are reminded of the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat. (Al-Furqan: 73)

Shaykh Rabee bin Hadi Al-Madhkhali

Chapter on Humbleness from Al-Fusool al-Mudiyyah min Seerati ash-Shaykh Rabee bn Hadi ‘Umayr Al-Madhkhali wa Juhoodihi Al-Ilmiyyah wa ad-Da’awiyyah pg 152

Reminder And Warning For Us Regarding The Fate of Those Forefathers of Ours Who Wilfully Turned Away From Guidance!

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allaah [The Most High] says in Surah Al-A’raaf Ayah 100-102:

[  أَوَلَمۡ يَهۡدِ لِلَّذِينَ يَرِثُونَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ أَهۡلِهَآ أَن لَّوۡ نَشَآءُ أَصَبۡنَـٰهُم بِذُنُوبِهِمۡ‌ۚ وَنَطۡبَعُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِہِمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يَسۡمَعُونَ- Is it not clear to those who inherit the earth in succession from its (previous) possessors, that had We willed, We would have punished them for their sins. And We seal up their hearts so that they hear not?]- Meaning: Allaah [The Most High] informs those who inherit the earth in succession from those who preceded them, that He [The Most High] destroyed their forefathers due to their sins, yet they commit the same sins that were committed by their forefathers! Do they not take heed that had Allaah willed He would punish them due to their sins, for this is the manner in which Allaah deals with mankind – both the previous nations and those who inherited the earth after them. Allaah [The Most High] warned those who inherited the earth from the previous nations, but they did not take heed; sent them reminders but they did not reflect; showed them guidance through signs, but they did not follow guidance, so Allaah punished them by sealing their hearts – neither did truth enter their hearts nor did good reach their hearts; nor did they give an attentive ear [to the truth]; rather they only heard that which established the proofs against them.

Then Allaah [The Most High] said:[تِلۡكَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰ نَقُصُّ عَلَيۡكَ مِنۡ أَنۢبَآٮِٕهَا‌ۚ وَلَقَدۡ جَآءَتۡہُمۡ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَمَا ڪَانُواْ لِيُؤۡمِنُواْ بِمَا ڪَذَّبُواْ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ يَطۡبَعُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِ ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ – Those were the towns whose story We relate unto you (O Muhammad). And there came indeed to them their Messengers with clear proofs, but they were not such as to believe in that which they had rejected before. Thus Allah does seal up the hearts of the disbelievers (from each and every kind of religious guidance)]-Meaning: Messengers came and called them to that which will lead to happiness [in the life and the next]. Those Messengers were given manifest signs and clear evidences to clarify the truth, but the people did not listen and thus were not benefited. And because they belied those manifest signs and clear proofs after being well aware of them, Allaah [The Most High] prevented them from accepting the sound and infallible creed ordained by Allaah. This was punishment on them because they rejected the truth, just as Allaah [The Most High] said in Surah Al-An’aam Ayah 110:

[وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفۡـِٔدَتَہُمۡ وَأَبۡصَـٰرَهُمۡ كَمَا لَمۡ يُؤۡمِنُواْ بِهِۦۤ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ۬ وَنَذَرُهُمۡ فِى طُغۡيَـٰنِهِمۡ يَعۡمَهُونَ – And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away (from guidance), as they refused to believe therein for the first time, and We shall leave them in their trespass to wander blindly].

Then Allaah [The Most High] says in Ayah 102 Surah Al-A’raaf: [وَمَا وَجَدۡنَا لِأَڪۡثَرِهِم مِّنۡ عَهۡدٍ۬‌ۖ وَإِن وَجَدۡنَآ أَڪۡثَرَهُمۡ لَفَـٰسِقِينَ  –  And most of them We found not (true) to their covenant, but most of them We found indeed Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)]-Meaning: The majority of the nations -to whom Allaah [The Most High] sent Messengers – were not true to their covenant. Neither were they steadfast nor did they adhere to the commands of Allaah, nor did they submit obediently to the commands of Allaah which the Messengers ordered them to obey; rather they followed their desires, except a very few of them. The majority of them turned away from guidance out of arrogance, so Allaah sent them various types of punishment.


[Source: An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’ by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

Shun The Abomination [Idol Worship] And Shun Qawl Az-Zoor!

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allaah [The Most High] said:

ذَٰلِكَ وَمَنْ يُعَظِّمْ حُرُمَاتِ اللَّهِ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَهُ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِ ۗ وَأُحِلَّتْ لَكُمُ الْأَنْعَامُ إِلَّا مَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ فَاجْتَنِبُوا الرِّجْسَ مِنَ الْأَوْثَانِ وَاجْتَنِبُوا قَوْلَ الزُّورِ

That (Manasik prescribed duties of Hajj is the obligation that mankind owes to Allah), and whoever honours the sacred things of Allah, then that is better for him with his Lord. The cattle are lawful to you, except those (that will be) mentioned to you (as exceptions). So, shun the abomination (worshipping) idol, and shun Qawl Az-Zoor) [Surah Al-Hajj’ Aayah 30]

[فَاجْتَنِبُوا الرِّجْسَ مِنَ الْأَوْثَانِ وَاجْتَنِبُوا قَوْلَ الزُّورِ – So shun the abomination [worshipping] idol, and shun Qawl Az-Zoor]- Meaning: All forbidden speech, for indeed it is from Qawl Az-Zoor- lies and false witness. [Ref 1]

False witness is among the greatest of Major sins. The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: Should I not inform you about the greatest of Major the Major sins? We [i.e. the Sahaabah] said, ‘’Certainly O Messenger of Allaah! He said, ‘’Associating partners with Allaah and disobedience to parents.’’ The Prophet was reclining, then he sat up and said, ‘’And false witness’’. He did not stop repeating it [i.e. warning against false witness] until we said, ‘’If only he stops’’ [i.e. stops repeating it in order not to bring difficulty upon himself] [End of hadeeth]

Even though Shirk is the greatest of all sins and crimes, however false witness is a great crime that is connected to great evil and oppression against the people. It is obligated on a male believer and a female believer to beware of [false witness]. A person should only witness to the truth – be it on behalf of a friend or enemy – based on what he [or she]  knows, just as Allaah [The Most high] said: [إِلَّا مَن شَهِدَ بِالْحَقِّ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ  –  except those who bear witness to the truth and they know (the facts) [43:86].

A person must know what he is bearing witness to; but if not he [or she] should fear Allaah and does should not bear witness except to that which he [or she] knows – even if the one he [or she] bears witness for is a friend, relative, father, uncle or other than them. It is obligated on a person to fear Allaah and should not bear witness except to that which he [or she] knows. [Ref 2]


Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam al-Mannaan. Abridged and paraphrased

Ref 2. By Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah]. See link: http://www.sahab.net/forums/?showtopic=137278

O Two Companions of The Prison! Are Many Different Lords Better or Allah, The One, The Irresistible?

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

 Allaah (The Most High) informed us that Yusuf (alayhis-salaam) said to his companions in the prison:

يَـٰصَٮٰحِبَىِ ٱلسِّجۡنِ ءَأَرۡبَابٌ۬ مُّتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيۡرٌ أَمِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡوَٲحِدُ ٱلۡقَهَّارُ

مَا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦۤ إِلَّآ أَسۡمَآءً۬ سَمَّيۡتُمُوهَآ أَنتُمۡ وَءَابَآؤُڪُم مَّآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ بِہَا مِن سُلۡطَـٰنٍ‌ۚ إِنِ ٱلۡحُكۡمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ‌ۚ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلۡقَيِّمُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَڪۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ

O two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgement) is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not. [12:39-40]

[يَـٰصَٮٰحِبَىِ ٱلسِّجۡنِ ءَأَرۡبَابٌ۬ مُّتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيۡرٌ أَمِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡوَٲحِدُ ٱلۡقَهَّار- O two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible?] Meaning: Lords that are deprived of the ability to act and are weak-neither able to benefit nor harm; neither able to give nor withhold. And they are various types, (such as) trees, stones, angels, dead people and other than them from those various objects of worship that are taken as objects of worship by the polytheists. Are those objects of worship better or Allaah? [Allaah]–The only One Who has Attributes of absolute perfection; ٱلۡوَٲحِدُ The one singled out in His Essence, His Attributes and Actions, and He  has no partner in any of that.

[ٱلۡقَهَّارُ] The Irresistible- the one to whom everything has submitted due to His absolute subjugation of everything and His absolute dominion over everything–whatever He wills takes place and whatever He does not will cannot take place; (and)  مَّا مِن دَآبَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ ءَاخِذُۢ بِنَاصِيَتِہَآ‌ۚ– There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock.

It is known that the one whose affair and description is as such is superior to (those) different gods, which are mere names–neither do they possess perfection nor actions [I.e. they have not created anything nor are they in control of anything]. So because of this [Allaah (The Most High) said that Yusuf (alayhis-salaam) said to them]:

[مَا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦۤ إِلَّآ أَسۡمَآءً۬ سَمَّيۡتُمُوهَآ أَنتُمۡ وَءَابَآؤُڪُم— You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers]; Meaning: You gave them names and called them gods, whilst they are nothing. They have no attribute of Uloohiyyah (i.e. attributes of absolute perfection-free from all deficiencies, weakness etc) and [مَّآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ بِہَا مِن سُلۡطَـٰنٍ‌] – for which Allah has sent down no authority; rather Allaah has sent down clear proofs to prohibit them and clarified its falsity.

And if Allaah did not send down any authority for it, then neither can it be a (sound) path nor a means (of worship), nor does it have any proof. That is because to Allaah (alone) belongs the judgement and He is the one who gives commands and prohibitions. And He (alone) is the One Who legislate the divine laws and rulings, and He is the one that commanded you أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلۡقَيِّمُ– That you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion]; Meaning: The straight religion that leads to every good and the other religions besides it are not upright; rather they are crooked and will lead to every evil.

[وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَڪۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ –But most men know not] – Meaning: They do not know the reality of affairs, even though the distinction between worshipping Allaah alone and associating partners with Him in worship is a clear and manifest affair (i.e. there is no doubt about the falsity of worshipping others and the absolute proof that Allaah alone has the right to be worship). However due to many people not possessing knowledge of this affair, they fall into shirk.

[An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan. slightly parapherased]

An Aayah of The Qur’aan That Will Make a Person- InShaaAllaah-  Love Knowledge And Strive to Follow The Prophet In His Dawah and Conduct

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [rahimahullaah] said: ‘When a believer reads this Ayah [i.e. يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ -Allaah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge.  And Allaah is well-Acquainted with what you do] and (the other Aayaat) similar to it, he will love knowledge; seek after it and keep in contact with its people; act upon it, call the people to it and make them have a desire for it. So he benefits himself and Allaah benefits others by way of it.  Thus he follows the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-sallam] in his Dawah and conduct. [Source: ‘Nuzhatul Qaaree Fee Sharh Kitaab Al-Ilm Min Saheeh Al-Bukhaari’ page: 15]

How Should We Behave When Others Are Given Precedence Over Us?! [A Restraint For The Nafs]

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Indeed, you will see Atharatan after me and affairs you’ll disapprove; they [i.e. the people] said, ‘What do you command us O Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasaallam]?’ He said, ‘Fulfil their rights [i.e. the rulers] and ask Allaah for your rights'”.

Atharatan: meaning- [some people will give precedence to themselves (i.e. spend wealth on themselves and engage in worldly enjoyment, but will not give others their rightful share)].

Shaikh Zaid Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [rahumahullaah] said: This authentic hadeeth is related to the affair of the rulers- during the end of time – when they will give precedence to themselves through enjoyment of the worldly things and those under their authority will face harm, something of oppression and tyranny; so the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] guided and directed the people to fulfil the rights of the rulers; obey and listen to them in that which is good- whether it is during a time in which one is enthusiastic [to listen and obey them in what is good] or feeling laxadaisical- perform Jihaad behind their banner against the enemies of the religion, establish the prayer and behave in a manner obligated by the Islamic legislation. They should not rebel against the ruler just because he is a sinner or an oppressor, nor refrain from giving him the rights obligated on them to give him; rather they should fulfil his rights just as the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] commanded them, saying, “Fulfil their rights”.

Therefore, the ruler has rights that should be fulfilled by his subjects and the subjects also have rights to be fulfilled by the ruler. It is obligated on the ruler to fulfil their rights and it is obligated on them to fulfil his rights. However, if he [i.e. the ruler] falls short in something related to their rights, it is not permissible for them to [deliberately] fall short in fulfilling his rights. And due to the great importance of rulership and the rulers, indeed the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] commanded them to fulfil the obligation of As-sam’i Wat-taa’ah [i.e. to listen and obey the ruler in good], refrain from disobedience[when commanded to do something good], supplicate to Allaah to make their affairs easy and change their state of affairs to that which is good, aid them to fulfil their needs and those affairs they cannot do without.

This hadeeth contains a miracle of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and that is the fact that he clearly stated that during the end of time, the rulers will give precedence to themselves with something of wealth and worldly enjoyment, and others will be deprived of it. Also, there will be affairs which the people of sound judgement will reject. [So], when this era comes, it is obligated on them – those under the rulership of a Muslim ruler – to listen and obey in that which is good, fulfil the rights that have been obligated on them to fulfil and seek their rights from Allaah – meaning: they supplicate to Allaah to aid them in fulfilling their needs and facilitate them with ease in their affairs. And Allaah knows best.

[At-taleeqaatul Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. Vol 1. Page 142. slightly paraphrased]

Many Partners In Business Oppress One Another, Except Those Who Believe And Do Righteous Deeds, And They Are Few!

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَهَلۡ أَتَٮٰكَ نَبَؤُاْ ٱلۡخَصۡمِ إِذۡ تَسَوَّرُواْ ٱلۡمِحۡرَابَ

إِذۡ دَخَلُواْ عَلَىٰ دَاوُ ۥدَ فَفَزِعَ مِنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ قَالُواْ لَا تَخَفۡ‌ۖ خَصۡمَانِ بَغَىٰ بَعۡضُنَا عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ۬ فَٱحۡكُم بَيۡنَنَا بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَلَا تُشۡطِطۡ وَٱهۡدِنَآ إِلَىٰ سَوَآءِ ٱلصِّرَٲطِ

إِنَّ هَـٰذَآ أَخِى لَهُ ۥ تِسۡعٌ۬ وَتِسۡعُونَ نَعۡجَةً۬ وَلِىَ نَعۡجَةٌ۬ وَٲحِدَةٌ۬ فَقَالَ أَكۡفِلۡنِيہَا وَعَزَّنِى فِى ٱلۡخِطَابِ

قَالَ لَقَدۡ ظَلَمَكَ بِسُؤَالِ نَعۡجَتِكَ إِلَىٰ نِعَاجِهِۦ‌ۖ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبۡغِى بَعۡضُہُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مَّا هُمۡ‌ۗ وَظَنَّ دَاوُ ۥدُ أَنَّمَا فَتَنَّـٰهُ فَٱسۡتَغۡفَرَ رَبَّهُ ۥ وَخَرَّ رَاكِعً۬ا وَأَنَابَ

And has the news of the litigants reached you? When they climbed over the wall into (his) Mihrab (a praying place or a private room). When they entered in upon Dawud (David), he was terrified of them, they said: “Fear not! (We are) two litigants, one of whom has wronged the other, therefore judge between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, and guide us to the Right Way. Verily, this my brother (in religion) has ninety nine ewes, while I have (only) one ewe, and he says: “Hand it over to me, and he overpowered me in speech. [Dawud (David)] said (immediately without listening to the opponent): “He has wronged you in demanding your ewe in addition to his ewes.  And, verily, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and they are few.” And Dawud (David) guessed that We have tried him and he sought Forgiveness of his Lord, and he fell down prostrate and turned (to Allah) in repentance. [38:21-24]

[وَإِنَّ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبۡغِى بَعۡضُہُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡض- And, verily, many partners oppress one another] because oppression is from (those) characteristics of the (human) soul; [إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ – except those who believe and do righteous good deeds] because Eemaan and righteous actions prevents them from (committing) oppression.  [وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مَّا هُمۡ‌ – And they are few]; just as Allaah (The Most High) said (in another ayah): [وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مِّنۡ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ – But few of My slaves are grateful] [34:13]

[An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan]

Knowledge Wages War Against An Arrogant Youth!

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Knowledge [wages] war against the arrogant youth just as flood battles against an elevated place.

Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said: An arrogant youth is not able to acquire knowledge because knowledge [wages] war against him, ‘Just as flood battles against an elevated place’. This is true because an elevated place is approached by the flood – from right and left – to rise above it, but is unable to settle on it.

[Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm’ page 40]