There was a person studying by the Famous, Maliki Scholar (who was the son of another great Maliki Scholar); Imam Muhammad ibn Sahnun (rahimahumallah). This student’s father came to the teacher (and what an excellent father he was). He said to the Teacher: I will take care of my son’s expenses by working myself, so I do not distract him from him studies.

Imam Ibn Sahnun (rahimahullah) replied:

‘Do you realise that your reward for this is greater than [nafl] Haj [or ‘Umrah] and guarding the Islamic borders or even [voluntary] active jihad?’

My esteemed Teacher; Al-Muhaddith Shaykh Muhmmad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) comments after quoting this:

‘This incident should serve as an inspiration to every such father whose son (by the blessings of Allah) has dedicated himself to Islamic knowledge; that he should try –according to his ability- to support him in his livelihood and related expenses, thereby freeing him from the responsibility of earning and its related affairs. This will allow him to be totally dedicated to his studies.’

Prophetic Guidance

Shaykh ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) writes further:

This has reminded me of the Hadith of Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu’anhu) in which mentions that there were two brothers in era of Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam); one of them would [frequently] attend the lessons/gatherings of Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) while the other was the ‘earner’ [who supported the former].

One day, the brother who was earning [and supporting the other brother] came to complain to Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) about their situation.

Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) said: ‘Perhaps you are being fed [by Allah] because of him.’

(Ma’alim Irshadiyyah, pgs.35-36)

Note: It is clear that this is not restricted only to fathers who support their offspring in the field of Islamic knowledge. Rather it extends to every person who supports any student/’Alim of Din.

Therefore, when Allah Ta’ala accepts us for a noble gesture like the one’s cited above, one should consider it a blessing from Allah Ta’ala, rather than a burden…

04/12/2018