Allah said in his book : “Allah will raise in rank those of you who believe as well as those who are given knowledge.” (58:12) Ibn-`Abbas radiallahu anhu said 'the learned men rank seven hundred grades above the believers; between each two of which is a distance five hundred years'. In a famous narration of the prophet he (ﷺ) said “Scholars are the heirs of the prophets.” Imam Ahmed narrates that Rasul Allah (ﷺ) said regarding something: “That would happen when knowledge is lost.” One of the Sahabah asked, “O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) , how could knowledge be lost when we have studied the Quran, we are teaching it to our children and our children will teach it to theirs.” Rasul Allah (ﷺ) said: “Woe to you! I thought you were one of the most learned men of Medinah. Can’t you see the Jews and Christians are not benefiting even though they have their scriptures (Torah and Injeel) right with them?” It's not enough just to have books, or access to the internet, or an application on your phone. But we need to be in the company of the learned, and to learn from them. These are the inheritors of the prophets and messengers. The legacy of prophets is not material wealth; it is ‘ilm (knowledge, wisdom, understanding, tolerance, forbearance which come with ilm) and so, the scholars have achieved the best legacy. One Hadith says, “When Allah intends to bless a person, He gives him the understanding of Deen” This means that those scholars who have been blessed with the correct understanding of Deen, are the ones with whom Allah has intended good. And that Allah wants the best for them in this world as well as the hereafter. Another Hadith indicates that when a person dies, his knowledge left behind, benefitting people, continues to benefit him in the grave. Subhanallah! A scholar’s ranks continue to rise even after his death. One Hadith is narrated from Sayyiduna Ali radiallahu anhu that Rasulullah (ﷺ) said to him, “Be a scholar or a student or one who loves them” Therefore, if you are not a scholar, then become a student and start studying your Deen. If you can’t study for some reason,(eg your time’s up, too old, can’t remember things), then at least love the scholars. Because a Hadith states, “A person on the Day Judgment will be with those whom he loved.” “Umar radiallahu anhu said, “The death of a thousand worshippers who spend their days in fasting and their nights in continual prayer is a lesser calamity than the passing away of one learned man who is aware of what is lawful before Allah and what is unlawful." Al-Shafi’i said, “Seeking knowledge is better than supererogatory works.” Daar Ibn Umar will be starting lessons on Saturday Mornings from January 29th. This class is designed to cover the necessary aspects of Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) which relates to the day to day life of the contemporary Australian Muslim. From Worship to Marriage, Divorce and Death and Inheritance. Also we will be doing an in depth study of Imam Nawawi's well known "40 Ahadith". Together with an introduction to the principles of the Islamic Faith, and how they are derived from the Qur'an and Sunnah. Classes are open to Brothers and Sisters alike. With proper arrangements for men and women. Timing for these classes will be from 7am Saturday mornings, until 9am. Terms will be 10 weeks long and follow the normal NSW school year calendar. Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Whoever goes out seeking knowledge is in the way of Allah until he returns. Abu-al-Darda’ radiallahu anhu also said, “Whoever should regard that rising early for study is not jihad [reveals himself] deficient in reasoning and intellect.” Applications can be found here: https://form.jotform.com/220081632552851