Dr Umar Abdullah Farooq

On Marriage

Dr Umar Abdullah Farooq

Khawirij and Russains

Mawlid: A reality check

After some reflection, I have finally decided to throw my toppee (white skullcap) into the argument of Mawlid. This is frequently discussed and argued point between many brothers. One side defending its practice and the other side refuting this practice. This is a distracting point for many of the religious people because it is not an obligation (fard or wajib) in the religion. It is a practice that was not known until later, in historical terms.

The companions did not celebrate Mawlid!

Just because the companions did not do it does not mean that we should not, because there are many things that we do that the companions did not. You read a Quran that is printed by a machine and not written by hand. Should you now not read the Quran because the companions never read from printed editions?

The companions never studied tajweed, is it innovation for you to study it? If you do not study tajweed you will not be able to read the Quran.

The companions never used the internet to attain knowledge or listen to lectures, so should you stop using the internet because they did not?

Do you take a plane to reach Saudi to perform Hajj? The companions never used a plane! They went by horse, donkey or by foot. So are you ready to walk all the way to Saudi? I do not think so! So what is the point I am making? The point I am making is that we all do a lot of things that the companions did not do. 

If you are really committed to not doing anything the companions did not do. Then send me your cars, iphones and modern homes etc. Let's see if you mean what you say! 

Did the companions love the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him)? 

Of course, that goes without saying! This love is the essence of the Mawlid because it is about reconnecting the heart with the cause of our salvation which is the being of the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him). So when you attend a Mawlid you are doing what the companions did by reattaching your heart towards him (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him). Mawlid is a means to attain to love just like that plane is a means to Hajj, the printed Quran is means for you to read it and so on. Therefore, this is following in the footsteps of the companions. 

Look how the companions fought for the splashes of his (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) wudu water, for a strand of his (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) blessed hair, one companion explained how he (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) was the beloved person to him. All the companions thought they were special, it was all love!

Loving the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) is an integral part of this religion and without it the Muslim can become an empty shell. It goes without saying that love of Allah (the Exalted) has to be present. If you still deny Mawlid because you think it is a new action then fine but you must be happy that the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) was born, because if he was not sent then the world would be not be what it is.

The early generation of the Salaf did not do it

There was enough exemplars of the early generation in the field of loving of Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) for them not to need Mawlid. But later generations were not as strong, so the Mawlid is a cure for this illness. 

Just like the vowelling was not present in the Quranic script until the time of Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) (Tajweed Quran printed in Syria by Dar Al-Marifah p.2) around year forty of the Islamic year. The dots were not present until early in the caliphate of Abdulmalik Ibn Marwan in 685, so thats over fifty years after the passing of the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings be upon him). 

Most of the companions read the Quran without dots or vowelling, can you do that? I do not think so! Some of you cannot read it in Arabic (reading in Urdu-bic instead) never-mind read it without dots or vowels! You are doing something the companions did not do! This argument does not hold any water because we would all be lost without the vowelling and dots!

Words

The word Mawlid means birth and the word often used by the Indo-Pak community is Milad. There is a slight difference of meaning here. The original word means to bear child or bring forth (Hans wehr p.1285). The word Mawlid مولد means birth, birthday and so on (ibid p.1286).

 ميلاد means birth, time of birth nativity (ibid). It is strange that the same source states Mawlid as the word used for the birthday of the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) and Milad referring to the birth of Jesus (upon him peace).

There is a difference between the Mawlid and Christmas. The most important is that we know that the birth of the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) was 12th Rabi Al-Awwal and this is the dominate opinion. We are not celebrating a birthday rather his (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) birth and his (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) blessed being. So these are essential differences to Christmas because we are not aware of the exact date of the birth of Jesus (upon him peace). Christmas has too many practices of the religions of other than Christianity for it to be about Jesus (upon him peace). Mary gave birth to him in spring because the Quran states that she was given dates Rutab which are only available in that period. Therefore, these are two different matters and not the same. At the same time Muslims should not celebrate a festival of another religion that could cause them to be considered to be part of another religion.

Jaloos

The Arabic word Jaloos means to sit for a long time. It might mean procession in Urdu at a guess. This is the name for the procession of Mawlid in Indo-Pak regions. The Jaloos (sitting) happens after the march, when the food comes out and no one can move for a few hours! What used to happen in the Indo -pak world was poor non-Muslims would attend the meal. So, this was a positive way of feeding the poor in an indirect manner but that does not apply in the UK. You can now see how important it was in that region to spreading Islam. Just like nasheed concerts were open and in public places, so anyone could attend. Non-Muslims would become infused by the songs and eventually become Muslim. Again this does not have the same affect that it once had. 

It does seem strange that some elders force youngsters to attend. Love is not forced and nor can it be taught by force.

I find the name amusing but there are ways in which it can be a good thing. When it is organised in a professional manner, sweets are given out, leaflets explain the purpose of the procession and so forth. If it is done in this manner then it can be seen as indirect dawah/calling to Islam. If not then it, looks like the Pakistanis have invaded and it's time to call the police! It might be better for women not to attend the march because some 'uncles' might say something unpleasant to them.

I used to think that this type of procession was limited to the Indo pak communities but it is famous across many Muslims lands like Egypt, Medinah, Yemen and other places.

Disco lights

It is strange that we see Mawlid celebrated by lights. What kind a love has ever been displayed by flashing lights? The Mawlid is not like Christmas lights and because the lights are in the names of Allah, the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) and his sandal.

There might be goodness in their intention (for the lights) but it is a grey area. If you do not turn your streets into discos does not mean that you are not a true Sunni!

Generally, Muslims should make an effort for 'Id/Eid celebrations and not allow their kids to be infused with other celebrations!

As for the mixing of men and women then this is not allowed. This is clear and well known, so if this happens then it is the fault of individuals not the group.

Not Kufr/shirk

For it to be Kufr/Disbelief or shirk/polytheism then there has to be a clear statement articulated. It (the Mawlid) may not be an action that is explicitly laid down in the sacred law but there are roots to it. There is Quranic recitation, Nasheed/Naat, lecture and food. These are all permissible in the sacred law. For that reason it is called a praiseworthy innovation/Bidah Hassanah. It is not Bidah Maharamah/blameworthy innovation, like saying there are six obligatory prayers a day.

It cannot be an act of disbelief or polytheism because we do not claim divinity for anyone other than Allah (the Exalted). As for asking the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) - Tawasal - then this allowed by the majority of scholars of the four schools. This supplication is invoking Allah by using the most beloved creation to him. There are hadiths upon this subject so seek them out. Only the Wahabis/Selefis disagree whose main source is Ibn Tamiyyah. All the scholars before him allowed it, including those of the first three centuries, who are you referring to? The Salaf that's who!

Kufr/Shirk has to be clear and there cannot be doubt. The Wahabis use incorrect analogies to claim this. Kufr/Shirk cannot be claimed based upon analogies. Calling to other than Allah (the Exalted) is only disbelief when it is attached to worship of something other than Allah. This does not happen in the Mawlid. Only Allah is divine and no other. So the accusation of shirk/kufr is not only baseless and false it is also slander of a Muslim. These accusations are grave sins indeed. If Wahabis claim that calling to other than Allah (the Exalted) is disbelief then they must not use their mobile phones!

Passing and birth on the same day?

There is a silly argument, from some, that the Mawlid is on the same day of his (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) passing, namely 12th Rabi Al-Awwal. They claim we celebrate his birth on the same day as his death!

Most of the books that I have checked stated this (12th) date. Only two books state the 13th Rabi Al-Awwal which are Nur Al-Yaqin by Sheikh Al-Khadrami (p. 264) and Nasab Al-Labib by Umar Al-Muhadar Al'Awali (p.16). Some have said Monday or Tuesday as the day of passing. 

Imam Al-Suyhali said in Rawada Al-Unf (3/270), "Most of them have the opinion that it was the 12th Rabi Al-Awwal; it is not authentic that he (upon him peace and blessings) passed on Monday on the 13th, 14th, or 15th; the Muslims agree that the day of Arafat was Friday and it was the ninth of Dhu Al-Hijjah then this would be Wednesday of Dhu Al-Hijjah..." "If it was Saturday then it would be the first or second of Rabi Al-Awwal..." "It cannot be the 12th Rabi Al-Awwal Tuesday or Thursday." Al-Khawarmazi said it was the first of Rabi Al-Awwal (Al-Ishara ila Sirah Sayyiduna Muhammad by 'Alla Al-Din Al-Bakjari  p.252.)

Imam Al-Suyhali wrote a commentary on the classical Sirah of Ibn Hisham, so for this reason I will go with his opinion that was the first or second of Rabi Al-Awwal. These dates 12th, 13th, 14th Rabi Al-Awwal are not a definite according to Imam Al-Suyhali (may Allah show him mercy).

Even if the day is the same it does not matter because is a celebration of his life. There is a symmetry to his (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) birth and passing being on the same day. Like a circle, beginning and ending on the same day. Those people say (you are celebrating his birth and death on the same time) this, should be careful not to insult the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) because this can cause disbelief.

A few proofs to consider

From Imam Qastalani's work on the Mawlid are some of the strongest proofs:

'Aisha said, "There was a Jewish merchant in Mecca on the night that the Prophet (s) was born. He inquired, ‘Oh, people of Quraysh, was there any newborn among you?’ They replied, ‘We don't know.’ He said, ‘Tonight, the Prophet of this last nation was born. Between his shoulders there is a mark containing a few hairs on it like a horse’s mane.’ They accompanied the Jew and went to the Prophet's mother, and asked her if they could see her son. She brought him to them and they uncovered his back and saw the birthmark, whereupon the Jew fell unconscious. When he regained consciousness, they asked him, ‘Woe to you. What is the matter with you?’ He answered, ‘By Allah, Prophethood has gone away from the children of Israel.’" (Al-Bayhaqi)

Al-Hakim narrated that the Prophet (s) was born in Mecca in the house of Muhammad bin Yusuf. He was breast fed by Thuwaiba, the freed female slave of Abu Lahab. He freed her upon her bringing him the good news of the Prophet’s birth. After his death, Abu Lahab was seen in a dream, when he was asked, "How are you faring?" He answered, "I am in the fire. However, I get a break every Monday, when I am able to suck water from this spot between my fingers," and he gestured with two of his finger tips. "This miracle is due to my freeing Thuwaiba when she brought me the good news of the birth of the Prophet."

Ibn Al-Jazri said, "If Abu Lahab, the infidel, who is dispraised in Qur'anic revelation, was nevertheless rewarded because of his rejoicing at the birth of the Prophet, how about Muslims from among his nation who rejoices in his birth and do the best they can out of love for him? By my life, their reward from Allah, the Generous, will be entry into the paradises of bliss with Allah’s abundant bounties." (http://www.sunnah.org/ibadaat/three_frameset.htm)

Abu Jahl's punishment is lessened because he was happy that the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) was born. So you should be happy that he was born because he (The Prophet) is the bearer of the Islam that you boast of. This is not about being a believer or disbeliever rather this is about being happy about his birth. As Islam was not declared at that point so Abu Jahl's disbelief is not considered in the report. But if you want to consider it then know it helped one of the worst enemies of the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) gain relief, what about you? A believer of him and Allah. What will you receive? If you are not happy about his (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) birth that then you need to look at yourself.

From a Wahabi/Selefi website (http://sunnah.com/nasai/49/48) reported by Al-Nisa'i graded sahih (authentic) with their translation:

أَخْبَرَنَا سَوَّارُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مَرْحُومُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الْعَزِيزِ، عَنْ أَبِي نَعَامَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي عُثْمَانَ النَّهْدِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، قَالَ قَالَ مُعَاوِيَةُ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم خَرَجَ عَلَى حَلْقَةٍ - يَعْنِي مِنْ أَصْحَابِهِ - فَقَالَ ‏"‏ مَا أَجْلَسَكُمْ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالُوا جَلَسْنَا نَدْعُو اللَّهَ وَنَحْمَدُهُ عَلَى مَا هَدَانَا لِدِينِهِ وَمَنَّ عَلَيْنَا بِكَ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ آللَّهِ مَا أَجْلَسَكُمْ إِلاَّ ذَلِكَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالُوا آللَّهِ مَا أَجْلَسَنَا إِلاَّ ذَلِكَ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ أَمَا إِنِّي لَمْ أَسْتَحْلِفْكُمْ تُهَمَةً لَكُمْ وَإِنَّمَا أَتَانِي جِبْرِيلُ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ فَأَخْبَرَنِي أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يُبَاهِي بِكُمُ الْمَلاَئِكَةَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

It was narrated that Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudari said: "Mu'awiyah, (may Allah be pleased with him,) said: 'The Messenger of Allah [SAW] went out to a circle - meaning, of his Companions - and said: 'What are you doing?' They said: 'We have come together to pray to Allah and praise Him for guiding us to His religion, and blessing us with you.' He said: 'I ask you, by Allah, is that the only reason?' They said: 'By Allah, we have not come together for any other reason.' He said: 'I am not asking you to swear to an oath because of any suspicion; rather Jibril came to me and told me that Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, is boasting of you to the angels.'"

(Sunan an-Nasa'i 5426, in-book reference : Book 49, Hadith 48, English translation: Vol. 6, Book 49, Hadith 5428)

This is perhaps the strongest proof for Mawlid. The companions gathered to thank Allah (the Exalted) for sending the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him). This is one of strongest elements of the Mawlid. This was a Mawlid without a name and the only difference is now this has a name. The companions did perform a type of Mawlid. Note that the Wahabis themselves rated this hadith as Sahih/authentic and therefore they cannot deny it. If they deny it then they are denying a sahih hadith!

As for the point about it being only an annual celebration. The hadith does not stipulate time so saying that is can only be done annually is adding their own speech to hadith. It can be done whenever and there is no stipulation of time.

Same time next year

We have written this in the knowledge that it can be used every year! Why is it that all these scholars, who do nothing all year, suddenly come out for Mawlid? They appear like Mumra from Thundercats! Then we do not hear from them until next year. When they will appear again accompanied with a title that is as long as their speech!

All they do is say that Mawlid is not Bidah/Innovation (blameworthy) without explaining it to those who oppose it. It is better to destroy the argument in an intellectual manner rather than an irrational and insulting manner.

Seen as there is no stipulation in regard of time then it can be done at anytime. If you really want to do a proper Mawlid everyday then never cheat a member of the Ahl Al-Bayt, a Muslim and any non-Muslim. 

Not convinced

Well it is up to you if you celebrate Mawlid or not and there should be no force. If you want to go then you will feel the love for the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him). It is not an obligation in the books of fiqh but it is an obligation for the lovers. The Mawlid should contain some teachings of the Sirah.

So you can either say the event of Mawlid is bidah and the love is Sunnah. Or you can say that's Bidah hassanah which means there is praiseworthy part to it. Or you can say its the Sunnah Musatab/desired act of the companions. What you cannot do is deny it and say it has no basis in Islam at all. It has the hadith and the love of the companions is enough proof. Like so many things, in that early period, it had a reality without a name.

However, what you should not do is curse those who go or call them disbelievers or muskriks, this is not correct at all. As the companions did a type of Mawlid even though others deny it. But please avoid debate about this because it is not good to see beards at war! 

Nor should we look down at those do not go. Some do not go because they do not understand it, so give people room to understand these issues. Some might not go because of the manner in which it is practiced, even though they agree with it.

We hope this has enlightened some of you and in sha Allah let us continue to seek guidance from Allah (the Exalted).

 Some links

Imam Al-Suyuti writes in HUSN ALMAQSID FI `AMAL AL-MAWLID

Historical points

Forty hadith on honourable character

Forty hadith on Ahl Al-Bayt

Forty hadith of rights of Muslims

Forty hadith on miracles

Habib Umar ibn Hafiz

Name Muhammad

Sidi Abdussalam ibn Mashish (may Allah show him mercy)

Sheikh Arfan Shah (yes me again!)

Sheikh Saad Al-Attas

Mawlid 2011

Sheikh Abdul Hakim Murad

Four schools of Sunni law

Imam Zaid Shakir

Be in this world like a stranger

Imam Al-Darqawi's grave site

Imam Zaid Shakir

The believers will triumph

Imam Zaid Shakir

Istiqamah/steadfastness

Imam Zaid Shakir

Moving into 20th Century

Habib Umar ibn Hafiz

Guidance Decreed

Oil is not a fossil fuel?!

Oil is not a fossil fuel?

Please click here for the book non-energy crisis

The state of knowledge

Years ago, I remember someone say that most students of knowledge were wasting their time studying in Syria. The students were merely 'hanging out' with the scholars and not actually studying. This came as a shock to many people including myself. 

Now, the doors of Syria are closed the students go to Yemen. Not only are the same problems coming to the fore but it is worse, because they are taking advantage of Ahl Al-Bayt. Studying is not for the barakah of it.

The UK

The main problem is that the student of knowledge, who studies for a few years, thinks he knows it all. Then he begins to call people deviants because he does not look beyond his own opinion. There are many things that have a valid difference of opinion. Therefore, if someone has a narrow mind, then they cannot be a student of knowledge. Do not except anything from him but a narrow-minded opinion! 

I met someone who had studied in Tarim, Yemen but was ready to insult and slander members of the Ahl Al-Bayt. He displayed aggression and insults to them, as something normal that you should aim towards Ahl Al-Bayt. Even though he had been studying in Yemen with the same people!

Another instance was when a student knowledge opposed something then called everyone deviants when there was a clear difference opinion.

Another instance was someone studying for years without studying a single book of belief! 

Another example was a Dars Nizami student was asking about the basics of wudu when he was studying Usul Al-Fiqh. He had been studying for five years at that point.

This is not only shocking but its proof that they are not studying the correct system or the correct manners. Students of knowledge who take on knowledge without action are part of the problem. Only those scholars who act upon their knowledge are blessed everyone else are part of the problem.

Many students are unfortunately not intelligent people and in most cases they are those who are forwarded to speak. Sacred knowledge should be for those who are intelligent but in any case, their intelligence should grow with knowledge and not narrow.

Reached what?

Thinking that one has reached knowledge after studying for three, four or five years then one is sadly mistaken. Just because one has access to the books of another school does not give you license to access other opinions of other madhabs, then spread this knowledge! Send them to the experts of those schools or else you seek to expose yourself to the sins of others. You do not know what is the reliable opinion and picking something out of a book is like what a wahabi does. You will be surprised how many Sunni's do this Wahabism!

To comment on a subject, one must know that the major opinions of that subject. Which ones are reliable and which ones are not. Rather than, my school has this opinion and who cares about anyone else's opinion. Many times, have I seen junior students being narrow minded, how could this be? A student of knowledge must have an open mind and not be narrow-minded. If he does this then he has failed to knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is about acting not merely information. Wisdom is about knowing when to speak, to remain silent and when to apply knowledge or not.

Knowledge cannot be applied without understanding the full picture. If someone is Shafi and the dominate madhab of the area is Hanafi. Then applying the Shafi school in that area is not applicable to anyone other than yourself. Send the person asking the question to the Hanafi's. This applies to all schools. Even between theological beliefs! One must know where the opposing opinion is coming from. Rather than say this is an opinion of deviants! Knowing the main differences of the Maturdis and Asharis is not difficult. This is something that can be read in one text!

Teachers

Most students of knowledge are hell bent on following their teachers, even in the mistakes they make. Most teachers are not qualified to teach. They make basic mistakes in knowledge and they are often very narrow minded. Not even aware of the major differences in their own schools never mind the opinions of the various schools. Who wants to find out? Who wants to admit that they are wrong! Who wants to admit they did not make the correct decision when they did not gather the knowledge correctly! Many teachers cannot explain the statements that they read in the books that they have studied! Many are just entrenched in cultural norms and back up their respective backgrounds. Worse still, they declare everyone a kafir except those who agree with them. True scholarship means giving the benefit of the doubt to all other scholars. Rather than declaring everyone, other than himself, misguided. 

Most teachers just read the text and do not explain it. They just read the book then qualify the student with a paper, pretending that taking knowledge is just listening to a book? When you cannot understand what you are reading? You have questions in your mind that cannot be answered, ever, because of your teacher does not know. Teachers are afraid of being exposed for not having knowledge and are threatened by teachers who are better than them. You will be surprised to learn that many teachers are no good, I am not joking.
 

Most people are enemies of sacred knowledge or in another way, most people are enemies of the knowledge that was given to the Prophet (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him). This is the sad state of those in power of the masjids. Many of them are misguided and misguide others.

Therefore, it is highly unlikely that you will find a good teacher in a masjid, because of the masjid committee. Dumber and dumber are not going to chose someone knowledgeable. Why? Because they are a threat to their power and anyone who is threatened, act like wounded animals. So they get substandard teachers from 'back home' who will accept £150 per week, because a proper teacher would never accept such a wage. This is why those people who have studied under a dars nizami course in the UK are merely beginners. I do not mean to insult anyone but I mean to provoke thought. Also do not expect those who have studied abroad to be better but how long have they studied and what.

There are many students of knowledge but most of them are not sincere. How can I say this? Well, their actions make this very clear that they are just for the show and not for Allah the Exalted. Their insincerity means that they could study for years and not get anywhere. Part of this is the teachers, the systems and the students themselves.

Solutions

The ideal solution would be for people to recognise actual knowledge. Rather than recognise emotions and think its knowledge! Just because someone is famous does not mean their opinion is correct. Every scholars opinion is subject to being accepted or rejected.

Depending on this is their opinion acceptable or not. Alternatively, whether it is within the bounds of the madhab that he follows and one of the two aquida groups, he claims to follow. If it does not fit in then it is rejected it is as simple as that. Following one scholar alone in disagreement to all the rest, is the path of misguidance. Why? Because sometimes a scholar will make an opinion in a certain time and place that does not apply in other places and times. Islam is not based on the teaching of one scholar alone. Does their opinion fit into their madhab of fiqh and aquida? If it does not then it is rejected and it does not matter how famous they are!

People should find out if their teachers are any good and if the teachers of their teachers are good! The thousands of dars nazami students in the UK but most do nothing in advanced studies. Most have questions that have not been answered so they are unable to answer the questions of others. Most of the dars nizami courses in the UK are so watered down that there barely seems to be anything left. They study from three to five years and do not get anywhere. Why? Because a dumb teacher runs a dumb program and what is the result of that? Dumb students and now these guys are Imams and scholars or teachers? Is this a joke? 

Many programs do not cover enough subjects in detail to make adequate progress, never mind good! Many students are wasting their time studying because of this and most of all: students do not know how to study. Most students are not serious in their studies and get put off by the slightest thing.

Before you enter a lesson, read the passage at least five times so you are familiar with it and then go to the lesson, not before. Some students do not put the requisite effort needed to become a teacher. So spend years unable to grasp the slightest thing.

The state of knowledge is very sad because those who actually know are hounded and subject to abuse. We live in a time of ignorance when it (ignorance) is held in high regard and everything else is belittled. Where emotional speakers are given precedence over those who know actual knowledge. No one is interested in learning the basics. They want to learn about strange or rare things because of their lack of knowledge they cannot understand simple matters never mind complex ones. Learn your basics because they are the foundation because without a foundation you have nothing. If you want to see if a teacher is, any good, then look at their students and find out if they have sound knowledge. Scholars should make scholars and this is a great indication for you. Students become like their teachers after a time. Rarely do you find famous scholars with excellent students. A student of knowledge needs a sound grounding in Arabic, fiqh, aquida, Usul Al-Fiqh and finally tafsir. He should not be narrow minded. He might have to change teachers when he finds that they cannot explain the basics. Smug and arrogant scholars are not those who you should learn from. The best scholars might wear clothes that you do not expect but do not allow yourself to be deluded about how the scholar looks. Look at the knowledge and not the clothes!

Intention

The intention of the seeker of knowledge has to be for Allah the Exalted. Not for the sake of their group or ethnicity. Only those who have a valid intention are truthful and thus successful. The latter group have lost (learned for other than Allah) even if their fame has spread across the land. An entertainer and a scholar are two different things. Entertainers are like magicians whose tricks amaze anyone but the learned. Real knowledge benefits, gives comfort and tranquility. People who are learning sacred law should become more intelligent and develop into a better person. If they are becoming more and stricter on others then they are focusing too much on the outward. Most of the important changes are made inwardly. Your faith is all inward with the exception of the affirmation of the tongue. We do live in a time where ignorance is knowledge and knowledge is ignorance. So these words might be falling on deaf ears. 

Sorry

I really feel sorry for students who have studied for years and have not learnt the character of the one they are claiming to follow! As well as the time, they have wasted studying with people who are not qualified to teach! It is a sorry state to be in but it could change. Who should come forward to teach correctly? The one with the most qualifications and not the one who agrees with the boys club (masjid) committee board. I know many students who have studied for years but have not got anywhere. Some want to study with personalities and go abroad for them but are shocked when the personality has no time for them. These types of students will not go anywhere. Scholars are available in an area but no one studies with them? How strange?

If you where to listen to the speakers about Ahl Al-Bayt you would think they would be devoted to him. Instead the opposite is true, they do not support or help the Ahl Al-Bayt, yet claim to support them? Its a fabricated lie, no one supports Ahl Al-Bayt, not a single person in any masjid committee or madrasa. I am not joking because I have seen this with my own eyes. I could even name the people here and you would be shocked, because you would be familiar with the personalities.

I see the same things happen up and down the country. 'Show boating scholarship' by having dars nizami of a person who not qualified to teach. Teachers and madrasas which are hell bent on taking your money and not hell bent of providing value for money. Then weeping before everyone about hiding knowledge when they are actually hiding knowledge! We do not need such fools and they should go back to their homelands. Where they could never teach anywhere except their own homes! 

I would recommend that everyone read the book of knowledge by Imam Al-Ghazali (may Allah show him mercy) and you will see who the true scholars are. Know there are things that you might not understand straight away but it will take time. Do not be fooled by those who have gone abroad for a few years or studied for a short time. Most who study for a short time are not an authority in anything, rarely is this not the case. Most students have a mindset that filters everything they hear except that which fits into their mindset. Consequently, they do not learn correctly and are fatally flawed.

Read the book of knowledge by Imam Al-Ghazali! Even if you have already done so, do it again. Things have not changed much since his times. Everything he wrote about rings true today. True teachers are humble and if they could teach you free, they would. Students need to be ready for intense periods of studies when they are learning. Students need to learn how to be a student. See link to advice for the seekers of knowledge. Read Talim Al-Ta'alam by Imam Zarnuji. Be a true student before dreaming about being a scholar. 

You are responsible for your own knowledge and when doors are open, you should enter. If you do not then you are responsible. We need a serious revival of the religious sciences now more than ever. If we do not have knowledge, we will not survive and its that simple...

Importance of knowledge click here

Advice for the seekers of knowledge click here