ʿAmmār ibn Abī ʿAmmār رحمه الله said:
“When Zayd ibn Thābit passed away, we sat with Ibn ʿAbbās رضي الله عنه under the shade of a palace. He said, ‘This is how knowledge departs. Today, a vast amount of knowledge has gone away.’”
[Al-Sunan al-Kubrā lil-Bayhaqī, 12197]
Explanation
In this moving narration, Ibn ʿAbbās رضي الله عنه reflects upon the death of Zayd ibn Thābit رضي الله عنه and the tremendous loss that his passing represented. Zayd was not merely a companion of the Prophet ﷺ; he was among the most knowledgeable of the Companions, renowned for his understanding of the Qur’an, inheritance laws, and many other aspects of the religion.
Witnessing his death, Ibn ʿAbbās reminded those around him that knowledge does not disappear all at once. Rather, it departs with the passing of the scholars and people of understanding. The loss of a single scholar can leave behind a gap that may not easily be filled.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it away from the people, but He takes away knowledge by taking away the scholars.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
This hadith explains the words of Ibn ʿAbbās رضي الله عنه. Knowledge is preserved in the hearts of righteous scholars who dedicate their lives to learning, teaching, and acting upon the religion. When they pass away, the Muslim community loses not only information but also wisdom, guidance, and experience.
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
“Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’”
[Qur’an 39:9]
Islam places immense value on knowledge and its people. The scholars inherit the teachings of the Prophets and help preserve the religion for future generations.
The Virtue of Seeking Knowledge
This narration reminds believers of the importance of seeking knowledge while scholars are present. Among the benefits of Islamic knowledge are:
- Understanding the Qur’an and Sunnah.
- Distinguishing truth from falsehood.
- Strengthening one’s faith.
- Worshipping Allah correctly.
- Benefiting others through teaching and advice.
- Preserving the religion for future generations.
The Salaf would travel great distances to learn even a single hadith because they understood the value of sacred knowledge.
Lessons From This Narration
This report teaches several important lessons:
- Knowledge decreases with the death of scholars.
- Scholars occupy a lofty position in Islam.
- Muslims should seek knowledge before opportunities are lost.
- Beneficial knowledge is among the greatest blessings.
- Every generation has a responsibility to preserve and transmit Islamic teachings.
The companions recognized that the passing of knowledgeable people was not merely the loss of individuals, but the loss of treasures that benefited the entire Ummah.
Conclusion
The words of Ibn ʿAbbās رضي الله عنه remind us that knowledge is among the greatest blessings that Allah grants His servants. As scholars pass away, the responsibility to seek, preserve, and act upon that knowledge becomes even more important.
May Allah سبحانه وتعالى have mercy on the scholars of Islam, preserve beneficial knowledge among the Muslims, and make us among those who seek it sincerely and act upon it.
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