11. CONTRAST BETWEEN THE SCHOLARS OF THE WORLD AND THE SCHOLARS OF THE HEREAFTER
I have contemplated the issue of envy (hasad) among scholars, and I noticed that such dreadful feelings originate from their love (hubb) of this worldly life, because the scholars of the Hereafter are kind-hearted and do not envy each other. Allah, Most High, said:
“And those who harbour no jealousy in their hearts for whatever the others may have been given.” al-Hashr (59):9]
and
“And those who came after them, say, ‘O our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith, and do not let our hearts entertain [any] resentment [or feelings] against [any of] those who have believed. Our Lord, You are the Most Kind, Most Merciful.’” [al-Hashr (59): 10]
Abu’l-Darda’ (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) used to supplicate every night to Allah— the Most High— for his companions.
Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal said to the son of Imam al-Shafi‘1: ‘Your father is one of the six people, I have been asking Allah every night to reward.’
The difference between the two types of scholars [i.e. scholars whose interest is in worldly life and scholars whose is interest is in the Hereafter] is that on one hand, scholars whose interest is in worldly pleasures are [only] interested in authority and fame that such scholarship entails. They are only concerned with having followers, receiving praises and compliments. On the other hand, the scholars of the Hereafter do not only abstain from all that, but also fear it happening to them and feel pity for those who are afflicted with it.
Al-Nakh’i never [accepted] to sit [in the masjid while his back is against any of the Masjid’s columns [i.e. fearing that people may think he is sitting there to give a talk and so they would come and sit with him].
‘Alqamah used to say: ‘I dislike people to come and sit with me, then leave while talking about me.’
Some of them would even go to the extent to leave the place at where they are sitting as soon as they notice that more than four people are sitting with them.
Not only do they redirect people to another qualified scholar to avoid giving fatwa [as they did not wish to attract the attention of others] but they assured to keep a low profile.
The example of these [scholars of the Hereafter] is like someone sailing in a boat in the middle of a troubled sea; hence he keeps himself busy with his own condition until he is certain of his safety.
They always invoke Allah for each other and take benefit from each other’s [knowledge]. They are a group of travelers who chose to accompany and love each other.
Therefore the days and nights become their ride in their journey to Paradise (jannah)
(source: al-Hafiz Abu’l-Faraj ibn al-jawzl [d. 597AH] “CAPTURED THOUGHTS being” a translation of his masterpiece ‘Sayd al-K hatir)
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