Who are the ‘Raasikhoon’ in Knowledge?

Monday 23-Dec-2019, 2:14AM / 1832

Translation and annotation: Ishaaq bn AbdirRaheem Aboo Aamir

Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Allaah the Mighty Lord described some people as ‘firm in knowledge’ due to certain characteristics in them the main of which is their profound belief in Allaah and His Ayaat. He said:

وَٱلرَّٰسِخُونَ فِي ٱلۡعِلۡمِ يَقُولُونَ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ كُلّٞ مِّنۡ عِندِ رَبِّنَاۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّآ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡأَلۡبَٰبِ  
But those firm in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord." And no one will be reminded except those of understanding. [Aal-Imraan: 7]

However, in explaining the further characteristics of the Raasikhoon, al-Imaam al-Baghawee – rahimahullaah – says in his Tafseer as follows:

الراسخ في العلم من وجد في علمه أربعة أشياء: التقوى بينه وبين الله، والتواضع بينه وبين الخلق،والزهد بينه وبين الدنيا، والمجاهدة بينه وبين نفسه
Ar-Raasikh [a firm person in knowledge] is he whom four traits are found in his knowledge:

A screen between him and Allaah [from sins] i.e. he will not engage in sins.

Humbling himself before the people i.e. he will not be naughty and insolent to the people.

Reducing his thoughts about the world i.e. the fleeting things in life.

And making striving between himself and his soul.

Tafseer al-Baghawee: 2/11