Sheikh Faraz Rabbani

Imam Subki’s Importance of knowledge

Taqi-deen As Subki (May Allah's Ta'ala mercy be with him) gave the following advice to his son;

Commented by Sheikh Faraz

O dear son don’t ignore the counsel that I give you may that you be guided

Learn the fiqh of Shafi (May Allah's Ta'ala mercy be with him) and remain on the authentic tradition but most of all memorise the Quran

(Learn fiqh but do not ignore the primary sources)

Learn the foundational principles of sacred law

(This helps you understand how fiqh is derived)

Learn Arabic grammar, which draws one close to every correct understanding of the Quran

(To understand the Quran you need to understand grammar)

Undertake the sciences with determination and discernment, with an outlook that is easy going but determined. Illuminated

(One has a clear goal and seeking to understand)

Derive the hidden secrets of the knowledge and find its truest meaning

(What is the purpose of things that are disliked, ask questions, reflect)

Hold fast to the people of knowledge and don’t be hasty in rejecting things

(if you don’t understand ask)

Hold fast to you book at all times by seeking understanding

(A process of consolidating and building, testing and reviewing. The purpose of knowledge is action. Sacrifice that doesn’t have any benefit)

“a person who can’t benefit himself can’t benefit other people.”

(Teaching requires understanding not knowledge)

Follow the way in Malik, Abu Hanifa and Imam Ahmed (May Allah's Ta'ala mercy be with him)

(the Path of people of the sunna, seeking beneficial knowledge and being sincere. By this seeking to serve the Umma of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him)

Seek with your knowledge the pleasure of your Lord alone and you attain guidance to the rightly guided

(The righteous person is the one who is righteous to Allah Subhanu wa Ta’ala and other people)

Leave idle wastefulness, leave things that have no benefit and leave foolish and ignorance.

Follow the way of the chosen one (Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him)) in every affair

Have reverent awe of Allah (Subhanu wa Ta’ala) do what he calls you to and flee from what he forbids

(Realise your slave hood. Renounce your pleasure for what your master holds dear.)

Don’t involve yourself with doubtful matters and be scrupulous

(This must be based on knowledge. Follow those of knowledge and avoid doubtful matters.)

Repentantly return to Allah (Subhanu wa Ta’ala)

(Have patience and turn to Allah (Subhanu wa Ta’ala) in prayer)

Guard your tongue from that is repressible and refrain your hand from wrongdoing. Hasten to noble character and seek the pleasure of your Lord (Subhanu wa Ta’ala)

Make the thing you uphold the garment of sound renunciation and make your garments of knowledge that you wear

(Not be attached to created things)

Fill your heart with the knowledge until you attain a most praiseworthy of stations

Hold fast to your spiritual path, that directs you to Allah (Subhanu wa Ta’ala)

(All sorts of things will affect someone who seeks knowledge.)

Lift to the all-Merciful (Subhanu wa Ta’ala) all things that befalls you with sincere seek with abasement and patience

(Take the worldly means and turn to Allah Subhanu wa Ta’ala)

Cut your heart away from being attached to the means

(Do not ascribe the good to yourself, its all from Allah Subhanu wa Ta’ala)

The way of Junaid al Baghdadi (May Allah's Ta'ala mercy be with him), follow their way

If some words come to you that clearly have good against the Quran or sound hadith then stand firm on it but maintain your manners

(People can make mistakes and small mistakes should corrupt the great good)

The Flesh of the people of knowledge is poisonous

Guard your heart from disclosing things that people don’t understand

(Know what you can say to whom)

Knowledge with good manners and piety is the best of what someone adorns themselves with

This is my council that I give, be thankful for this. It is from a father beloved