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1. Explanation of the term ‘Adaab Talibul-Ilm’
The word adab has significantly evolved in meaning over time.
Pre-Islamic Meaning
- The word was related to banquet or feast (ma’duba)
- The one who invites people to a large gathering of feast/eating is known as an adib
Islamic Meaning
- After Islam came, the meaning shifted to good manners, noble disposition, and good behaviour.
- There is a weak hadith but the meaning is sound and shows the usage of the word:
أَّدَبني ربي فأحَسَن تأديبي “My Lord taught me manners (addabani), and He did so in the most excellent way.”
- Sahl ibn Hanzalah al-Ghanawi someone who lived during the time of the prophet but never met him used the word in this sense
“…what excellent etiquette (adab)!“.
- During the Umayyad & Abbasid dynasties, the word adab was both used for manners & education.
- Abdullah ibn al-Muqaffa used the word in his book Al-Adab al-Saghir and Al-Adab al-Kabir meaning “The Minor and Major Books of Manners/Education”.
- Imam Bukhari dedicated an entire section of his Sahih Al-Bukhari to the matters of adab called “Kitab Al-Adab” or “The Book of Manners”.
Later Meaning
- After the 2nd & 3rd century, the term adab started to refer to arabic poetry, history, and literature (al-adab al-‘arabi).
- Muhammad ibn Yazid Al-Mubarrad wrote the book Al-Kamil fi al-Lughah wa al-Adab.
- Ibn Qutaybah wrote Adab al-Katib.
2. The Meaning of Talibul-Ilm
- Talaba: The Arabic verb meaning to seek or pursue something.
- Talib: The one who is seeking or pursuing.
- Talib al-‘Ilm: Someone who is seeking knowledge.
This is a life-long pursuit, journey, with immense virtues. Like we previously have discussed in the earlier episodes.
The one who seeks knowledge never truly reaches the end since Allah commanded the prophet to ask for moreJami` at-Tirmidhi 2647 - Chapters on Knowledge - كتاب العلم عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم - Sunnah.com - Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)
حَدَّثَنَا نَصْرُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا خَالِدُ بْنُ يَزِيدَ الْعَتَكِيُّ، عَنْ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ الرَّازِيِّ، عَنِ الرَّبِيعِ بْنِ أَنَسٍ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ” مَنْ خَرَجَ فِي طَلَبِ الْعِلْمِ فَهُوَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ حَتَّى يَرْجِعَ ” . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ غَرِيبٌ وَرَوَاهُ بَعْضُهُمْ فَلَمْ يَرْفَعْهُ .
Narrated Anas bin Malik: that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever goes out seeking knowledge, then he is in Allah’s cause until he returns.”
Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 2647 Grade: Da’if (Darussalam) https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:2647
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The meaning of Ilm
Scholars agree unanimously that the term ilm refers to the knowledge of the deen. It refers to knowledge of the shari’ah based upon the Qur’an and Sunnah. It does not refer to secular sciences. Allah doesn’t like those who are experts in the matters of the world but are ignorant in matters of the hereafter.
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3. The 3 Levels of Talibul-Ilm
- The term talibul-ilm is inconsistently used today, but generally speaking the student of knowledge can be divided into 3 groups:
- Beginner (Al-Mubtadi’): A person who is just starting out & does not yet have the foundational knowledge of the islamic sciences.
- Intermediate (Al-Mutawassit): A person who knows the fundamentals but is not yet able to deduce rulings from the primary evidence. Generally, this is where the word Talibul-Ilm is used.
- Advanced (Al-Muntahi): A scholar or mujtahid who knows the fundamentals and is able to deduce rulings with evidences.
- Today, the term scholar is used loosely for those at the intermediate level. This can cause confusion among the general people who may seek rulings from those who are not yet qualified to give them.
- The word ‘ammi or plural ‘awwam is used for the general population who is not a dedicated student of knowledge.
- The term is used in context when one wants to make a distinction between the expected standards of behaviour of a student of knowledge and the awwam.
4. Memorizing the Qur’an
- Someone who is a hafidh is not considered a Talibul-Ilm unless they pursue further studies in the islamic sciences.
Story
Al-Walid ibn Muslim said: “When we used to sit in al-Awzai’s circle and he would see a new young boy with us, he would ask him, ‘O young boy, did you memorize the Qur’an?’ If he said ‘Yes’, al-Awazi would say, ‘Then read from the following verse: “Allah instructs you concerning (the inheritance rights of) your children …” If he said, ‘No’, al-Awzaa’ee would tell him, “Go and memorize the Qur’an first before you seek knowledge.”
- Memorizing the Qur’an is considered a requirement before even starting to seek knowledge.
5. The Importance of Studying Adaab Talibul-Ilm
- Covering manners and ettiquete of a student of knowledge
- Arguably the most important foundation for a student’s journey
- Includes the methodology/manhaj for seeking knowledge
Importance of methodology
- It is the key. Without methodology you will ‘fly over your head’ even when studying with the greatest scholars. The apporach, manners, and outlook determines the outcome.
- It defines your path. The right methodology will tell you to acquire knowledge slowly & in stages. What book to study & how to study them.
- It is the condition for success. Allah’s guidance and success (tawfiq) are granted to those who possess the correct ettiquetes & follow the right path.
This is a fundamental course that a student should begin & return to whenever they feel lost.