In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious the Ever Merciful…

The great scholar, al-‘Allaamah Rabee’ ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee (may Allah have Mercy on him), was asked the following question:

Our shaykh, may Allah preserve you, I have learned much from one of the students of knowledge, and I have become precise in that [which I learned]. Now I am between two things: If I hide that [which I learned], I fear that I would be from those who hide knowledge. If I teach it to the people in the masjid, I fear that I would be from those who teach people without having reached the [necessary] level of scholarship. What do you advise me to do? May Allah preserve you.

He replied, as found in his book, Marhaban Yaa Taalib al-‘Ilm (pp.432-444), with the following detailed and highly beneficial reply:

By Allah, we did not attain precision ourselves! How can you say, “I have become precise in that,” whilst you are still young? That would be a serious level [of accomplishment]. Do not say, “I have become proficient,” as I fear it might be self-delusion. No one should claim that he is precise. Instead, say: “I have learned something, and I want to teach it to those who need this knowledge.” Or, “I have learned the Three Principles and understood all of it.” Now go teach it to others, and make your intention sincere for Allah as it relates to this knowledge. You have learned Kitaab at-Towheed or ‘Umdat al-Ahkaam and understood it, so teach what you can, within the limits of your knowledge. Do not go into something beyond your ability. If you do not understand a question posed to you, then say, “Allah knows best.” Do not say anything on behalf of Allah without knowledge, since that is a serious matter! Continue reading →