Belonging to Respected Professions

Belonging to Respected Professions

Why Teachers should belong to Respected Professions

In the lengthy introduction of Sahih Muslim, Imam Muslim makes mention that it is impermissible for knowledge seekers to humiliate themselves.

They should avoid entering professions that are viewed by the general public as lowly professions or looked down upon. E.g. like a street sweeper. This reflects badly on them, and will be held against them if they want to hold a circle of knowledge. It becomes a barrier between them and having a position of respect when people wish to acquire knowledge from them.

People of knowledge preserve the honour of knowledge, and in return it becomes an honour for them. As long as they preserve their knowledge, the knowledge will preserve their honour. So the people of knowledge should not deliberately dishonour the knowledge by working in the ‘mean’ professions and thus putting this sacred knowledge in the inappropriate position.

One of Shaykh Haytham Tamim’s teachers was Professor Syed Ramadan al-Boutti, his father Mullah Ramadan was a very sincere and pious man.  He once told his son:

‘O my son, if I knew a profession that brings someone closer to Allah other than being a scholar; I would have directed you to it.’

There are numerous accounts of scholars who could not find employment for their daily provisions. One particular scholar wanted to work in his city but everyone recognised him, and they would not employ him because of his honour. Consequently, he used to disguise himself and leave early in the morning to work in a neighbouring city to earn his provision.

There was an account of three scholars who were finding it difficult to make their ends meet. After several failed attempts at trying to find employment, they decided they would have to beg as hunger and desperation was taking its toll. Just then they received a knock on the door. A man stood there asking if they were such and such. Once they confirmed their identity, the man said ‘I have a gift from the Ameer (ruler) mentioning your names.’ They were Allah’s people carrying out the good work and guiding the people to worship Allah. Allah Almighty did not want them to humiliate themselves, so He sent them their provision. The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said;

‘Your Lord, the Most Blessed and Most high says: ‘O son of Adam, dedicate your time to my worship and I will fill your heart with wealth and your hands with sustenance.’ [Tirmidhi]

 ‘For him who fears Allah He will appoint a way out and He will give him provision from an unimagined source.’ [Tirmidhi]






Suggested Books:

Ibn Jama’ah – Etitquettes of Seeking Knowledge

Abd Al Barr – Jami’ Bayan Al Ilm

Al Khateeb Al Baghdadi – Al Jami’ li Akhlaq Al Rawi

