Knowledge is Of Three Types
Shaykh 'Awwamah (hafizahullah) once explained: Knowledge is of three types: (1) Beneficial knowledge (2) Harmful knowledge (3) Knowledge that neither benefits nor harms. Among the [masnun] morning supplications is the following: اللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ…
The Erosion of the Islamic Identity
Al-‘Allamatul Muhaddith Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) often speaks about the importance of preserving the distinct identity of a Muslim and not adopting the ways and habits of others. Shaykh (hafizahullah) warned against what he refers to as…
A Lesson in Submission to the Insight of Seniors
Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) says: "As was customary in the old religious schools (madrasahs), students of knowledge would study together in different rooms. In our room, Alhamdulillah, we had a much larger collection of books than what was common…
Never Delay a Sunnah
Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) says: On one occasion, Imam Sufyan Thawriy (rahimahullah) was with two of his students. One of them noticed that the other had long nails which needed trimming. He said to him: "Trim your nails." He replied:…
Meticulous Emulation of the Sunnah
Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) says: Imam Sufyan Thawriy (rahimahullah) said to his companions: "If you can ensure that all your movements are in accordance with the Sunnah, then do so, even if it be a simple act like scratching your head." [Shaykh…
How to Respect Knowledge
Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) says: "True respect for knowledge lies in applying it immediately. There was once a scholar teaching Sahih Muslim when he read that Rasulullah (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) performed salah in a simple two-piece garment…
The Importance of Senior Supervision
Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) says: “Once, Imam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) – who lived in a golden generation of Islam – overheard people having an academic discussion in the masjid. When he inquired about them, he was told: ‘They are engaging in…
The Sacred Duty of Creating the Next Generation of Leaders
Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) says: “To cultivate the next generation of ‘Ulamā is extremely essential. Of course, death is an inevitable reality, yet pious successors are still a necessity. It is imperative that we produce scholars who are…
The ‘Ulama Are the Real Saviours of the Ummah
Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) says: "Undoubtedly, the obsession of the ummah with worldly matters, such as their livelihood, politics, current events, and catastrophes, has preoccupied them from the righteous scholars. It has diverted them from the…
People Are Being Increasingly Distracted from Their Scholars
Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) says: "The Muslims, until recently, were deeply attached to their scholars. However, the rug has been pulled out from under them through various deceitful and cunning methods. As a result, both the general public and…