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The Qualities of Scholars
Source: Ain-al-Hayat, By: Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi
Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (as) says that when one finds an Aalim (scholar) worldliwise, then he should not follow him. It is observed that a person accumulates only the things he cherishes. One who has sought the ‘world’ can only give the same to the others! The Imam (as) narrates that the Prophet of Allah (S) has said, “There are two types of persons in my following. If they are righteous, all others would be righteous. And if they are depraved, all the rest will be depraved.â€
People asked the Prophet (S), “O Prophet of Allah (S)! Who are those two types of persons?â€
The Prophet (S) replied, “They are the Ulema (scholars) and the Salateen (rulers).â€
Amir’ul-Mu’mineen ‘Ali (as) said, “A Scholar of Jurisprudence (Aalim Faqih) is one who encourages the hopes of people in Allah’s Blessings, who keeps them reminded of Allah’s Retribution for their sins and keeps them in the proximity of the Holy Qur’an.â€
Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (as) says, There are three types of seekers of knowledge. One should know all the three. The first categories are the litigants who seek knowledge to score points over others in arguments. The second type of seekers of knowledge are those who want self-aggrandizement in the society. They crave for recognition and don’t miss any opportunity to achieve this. The third type of seekers of knowledge are those who seek knowledge to practice and put it to good use.
The first category of seekers of knowledge tries to create differences and dissension in the society with their bickering and arguments. They will get punished on the Day of Judgement. The second category that seeks self-aggrandizement manifest pride in the gatherings. When they visit the rich, they assume humility and for the sake of personal benefit they support their false notions.
On the Day of Judgement, Allah will make them blind and separate them from the group of the Ulema. The third category of the seekers of knowledge who spend their nights in prayer and have the fear that their efforts at the worship of Allah might be rejected by Him. They are afraid of the retribution of Allah and spend their time seeking His forgiveness. They recognise the people of the world and are conscious that they might cause harm to their Faith. Allah gives strength to such seekers of knowledge and gives them Deliverance on the Day of Judgement.
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