A Reminder for Teachers: The Need for Sincerity, and the Dangers of Seeking Prestige and the Praise of Others – Imam Dhahabi
In the Name of Allah, the Benevolent, the Merciful
Imam Shams al-Din al-Dhahabi writes,
“It is incumbent upon the scholar to speak with intention and high purpose. If they become impressed by their own speech, they should become silent; and if impressed by their own silence, they should speak. And they should never tire of taking themselves to account, for the ego loves prestige and praise.” [Dhahabi, Siyar A`lam al-Nubala’, 4.494]
al-Rabi` ibn Khuthaym (Allah have mercy upon him) said, “Everything that wasn’t done for the sake of Allah Himself amounts to nothing.” [ibid., 4.260]
Sa`id ibn al-Hadad (Allah have mercy upon him) said, “Nothing diverts from Allah as much as seeking praise and seeking prestige.” [ibid., 14.214]
Shatibi (Allah have mercy upon him) said about his great work in the science of Qur’anic recitation, “Anyone who reads this poem of mine will be granted benefit by Allah, for I authored it for His sake alone.” [ibid., 21.263]
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani
Related SeekersGuidance Content:
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Characteristics of a Successful Muslim – Yahya ibn Mu`adh al-Razi
SeekersGuidance Answers on Sincerity
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