The Intention for Seeking Knowledge

The following was taken from Qurba's course entitled "Marriage: In Partnership Towards Allah".

Introduction

This noble intention was penned by the illustrious scholar of Tarim, Hadramawt, Imam Abdallah bin Alawi al-Haddad, may Allah enshroud him in His mercy. He was blind from a very young age but grew in knowledge and stature to become the foremost educator in the Islamic sciences and spirituality of his time. His books are published until this day and he continues to be a source of benefit for many around the world.

May Allah benefit us by him. Ameen.

Imam al-Dhahabi (Allah have mercy on him) points out to the signs of having a sincere intention or otherwise. He mentions that the one who seeks knowledge for the sake of Allah Most High, then that knowledge creates in him humility, humbleness, and the fear of Allah.

And the one who seeks knowledge for worldly gains, he becomes proud with his knowledge, thus argues and quarrels with other Muslims. (See: al-Muqizah, p. 65. Thanks to Dar al-Iftaa Leicester for this note).

The Intention for Seeking Knowledge

In the Name of God, Most Merciful, Compassionate. All praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds. And salutations and greetings upon our master Muhammad and upon his family and companions.

I intend to study and teach, to take and give a reminder, to take and give benefit, to take and give advantage, to encourage the holding fast to the book of Allah and the way of his messenger, upon him be peace. And calling to guidance and directing towards good, hoping for the countenance of Allah and His pleasure, proximity and reward, Transcendent is He.

The scholars have said that intention should be in the heard, but there is no harm in saying it on the tongue. There is no prohibition in it. In fact, saying it on the tongue i.e. talking to yourself is a good way of putting your intention to the heart. If you don't have the intention, then you don't understand what you are getting yourself into.

Posted by Aiman Azlan (Toronto)
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