Knowledge, Taqwa and Patience

Muhammad bin Abee ‘Alee Al-Asbahaanee recited to some of them:

“Act upon your knowledge and you will profit, O man

Knowledge doesn’t benefit so long as one doesn’t perfect his actions

Knowledge is beauty and Taqwaa (Fear) of Allaah is its decoration

Those with Taqwaa are always preoccupied with their knowledge

The proof of Allaah, O possessor of knowledge, is immense

Neither plotting nor scheming concerning it is of any use

Acquire knowledge and perform deeds as much as you can

And do not let vain pastimes and argumentation distract you

Team the people and always make it your goal to benefit them

And beware, beware of fatigue and weariness overtaking you

Admonish your brother with gentleness when he makes a mistake

For knowledge is affectionate with those who are overcome by errors

And if you are amidst a people that have no religious morals

Then command them to do good when they act ignorantly (i.e. sin)

And if they disobey you, then remind them without getting annoyed

And be patient, strive in patience and do not let their actions worry you

For every goat is attached to its two feet

Have patience whether they are oppressive or fair.”

[Taken from Iqtidaa-ul-‘Ilm al-‘Amal (Knowledge Mandates Action), narration #48, By Imaam Abu Bakr Ahmad bin ‘Alee Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee (Died: 463H), With Verification and notes by Imaam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee]