To this I say:
Ibn Abd al-Barr (d. 463 AH) said: “Not every scholar can produce an argument, answer promptly, or quickly understand the decisive proof. One who possesses such qualities is among the most distinguished and beneficial scholars for companionship and discussion. Allah grants His favor to whom He wills, and Allah is the Owner of great bounty.”
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728 AH) said: “Not everyone who acquires knowledge can express it or argue for it. Knowledge is one thing, its articulation is another, debating for it and establishing its proof is a third, and responding to the objection of an opponent is a fourth.”
— Jami’ Bayan al-Ilm wa Fadlihi (2/968).
— Jawab al-I’tiradat al-Misriyya (44).
In a hadith narrated by Muslim in his Sahih, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The one who pretends to have been given something that he was not given is like one wearing two garments of falsehood.”
The scholars have discussed this hadith and their interpretations varied. Among them is the statement of Imam Muslim in his well-known commentary: “The scholars said its meaning is that one who seeks to show off by pretending to possess what he does not have and thus appears abundant to others, etc.” This is the end of his words.
I say: This includes various matters, whether related to worship, knowledge, or otherwise.
Therefore, if we look at those who seek knowledge but position themselves prematurely, we find them like someone stranded in the desert—thinking they have achieved something when they have not. Time passes without them mastering knowledge with its foundations. It is known that knowledge has paths, methods, and stages that only one who has been “burned” in pursuit of knowledge can appreciate. As the saying goes: “He who does not have a burning start will not have a bright end,” and as has been said: “Beware of assuming leadership before readiness, for it is a disaster in knowledge and practice.” It has also been said: “Whoever assumes leadership before his time has prepared himself for disgrace.”
Thus, one who has not sat humbly at the feet of scholars cannot rightfully have people sit humbly before him. One who imitates the demeanor of scholars and jurists without being one of them cannot rightfully have others look up to him, for one cannot give what one does not possess.
We all have an example in our righteous predecessors—the great, pious scholars. They were hesitant about issuing fatwas, avoided positions of prominence, and were self-effacing, preferring seclusion and anonymity. They detested fame and renown because they knew that the love of fame undermines sincerity.
Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “I wish to be in a valley in Mecca where no one knows me. But I have been afflicted with fame.” Ayub al-Sakhtiyani (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “I was mentioned, but I do not like to be mentioned.”
Attending a single class, reading one or two books, obtaining an academic degree from a religious department, or holding a religious position does not make a person a scholar or teacher. Teaching people, instructing them, and admonishing them is an area of knowledge, and no one should assume such a position without fulfilling the necessary qualifications. One who rushes into this risks being among those who learn knowledge only to draw people’s attention to themselves.
In a hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever learns knowledge that should be sought for Allah’s pleasure but only learns it to gain some worldly benefit will not smell the fragrance of Paradise on the Day of Judgment.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah; authenticated by Al-Albani).
It is astonishing to find someone who was once lost in heedlessness and sin, then Allah blessed them with repentance and guidance, yet they assume leadership in this matter without having solidified their piety or trained themselves in asceticism.
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