A study of the Book of Knowledge from the Sunan of Imam Abu Dawud, this course will cover in-depth, the various unique and interesting Hadiths of this chapter. Students will be able to experience a primary Hadith text while appreciating the style and ordering of chapters by the famous author.
The virtues mentioned in the Qur'an and Sunnah for seeking sacred knowledge are innumerable.
Almighty Allah says:
“Allah elevates those who believe and those who have been given knowledge in different stages.” (Quran 58:11)
This course is an important and informative introduction for beginners on the path of seeking knowledge. It includes guidelines to keep the seeker from falling into errors which may be detrimental to his or her sincerity and beliefs. It provides details on how to derive maximum virtue and nur (spiritual light) from this knowledge, as well as the correct method of passing on this benefit to others.
This course also serves as a reminder and encouragement for those who are well into their journeys of seeking knowledge, to spur them on and assist them in rectifying any mistakes they may have been mindless of with regards to their knowledge. The details grasped in this course are vital to be applied in everyday learning and propagation of ‘Ilm.
What's Covered
Lesson One – Introduction
Imam Abu Dawud: His life and works
Importance of seeking knowledge
Virtues of seeking knowledge
Lesson Two – Status of the sayings of the People of the Book in Islam
Finality of the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ
Differences between the Quran and the previous books
How to approach the narrations of the People of the Book
Lesson Three – Preserving knowledge
Permissibility of writing and recording Hadith
Precaution in narrating Hadith
Severity of lying against the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
Lesson Four – Method of explaining the Quran and the manner of speech of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
Graveness of speaking about the Quran without knowledge
Manner of speaking of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
Sharing knowledge
Adab (etiquette) of narrating Hadith
Lesson Five – Answering questions and issuing fatwa
Status of abstruse questions
Caution of pious predecessors in issuing rulings
Withholding knowledge
Lesson Six – Virtues of Spreading Knowledge
Qualities and duties of the learned person
Rewards for guiding to righteousness
Lesson Seven – Narrating from the Children of Israel and Seeking Knowledge for the sake of Almighty Allah.
Status of narrations and narrating from the Children of Israel
Sincerity and importance of correct intentions
Types of Knowledge
Difference between Divine and secular knowledge
Lesson Eight – Addressing people and relating stories
Who is entitled to narrate stories
Danger of pride when taking the position of a speaker
Virtue of sitting in the gatherings of knowledge and Dhikr
The weeping of Allah's Messenger ﷺ upon hearing the Noble Quran