Translation: Kamal Ololade
The great scholar, al-Mufassir AbdurRahman b. Naasir As-Sa'dee, may Allaah have mercy on him said:
"O ye who turn away from seeking knowledge! What are your excuse before Allaah while you are gifted with sound health?!
And what precludes you from it while you enjoy the pleasure of the provisions of your Lord!
Are you pleased with yourselves that you be like the grazing beasts?!
Will you choose vain desire over guidance while your minds are neglectfully wandering about?!
Will you follow the path of ignorance while it is a path of vanity; and you leave the path of guidance whereas it is a clear and beneficial path?!
Will you be pleased that when it will be said to you: who is your Lord; what is your religion; And who is your prophet; that you should not be able to answer?!
And when it is said to you: How do you pray and how do you worship, you respond with what is not correct?!
And how do you buy, how do you sell and relate with others when you don't know the Halaal and the Haraam?!
Rather - by Allaah - it is indeed a situation no one will be pleased with except the prototypes of cattle. Hence, be learners (of the knowledge of the religion) - may Allah be merciful with you - and if you cannot attend the sitting of knowledge listening to and benefitting from (what is taught).
And always ask the people of knowledge seeking guidance and consulting them. If you fail to do this you are doomed and among the losers.
Don't you know:
That to be preoccupied with knowledge is from the greatest acts of worship, and most significant act of righteousness.
And deeds for seeking nearness to Allaah and what earns one the pleasure of the Lord of the heaven and earth.
And the sitting of knowledge you attend is better than this world and what it contains. A benefit you gain and live by, nothing can be parallel to or equated with it.
Therefore, fear Allaah O servants of Allaah and apply yourself to that for which you have been created from knowing Allaah and worshiping Him. And ask your Lord, He will support you with His divine guidance toward success, His kindness and assistance.
"Is one who is devoutly obedient during the period of the night, prostrating and standing (in prayer), fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, (like the one who does not)? Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only the people of understanding take heed (Q.39 V.9)
Source: al-Fawaakih ash-Shahiyyah fil Khutab al-Minbariyyah (no. 66)
