QUESTION:

If we have learning difficulties, can we still enrol onto the Aalim course? 

ANSWER:

The questioner has not mentioned the exact nature of their difficulties but whatever difficulties one faces they should not allow that to be a barrier in attaining knowledge. Aspiration, earnestness and perseverance are key to succeeding in this noble quest.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And those who struggled in Our path, surely We shall guide them in Our pathways.” 

[Surah al-Ankabut verse 69]

Even those of us that may feel that we are not particularly bright can take heart in that which is related by Al-Imam al-Zarnuji (رحمة الله عليه) in his famous work “Instruction of the Student”:

“It is said that Imam Abu Hanifah (رحمة الله عليه) said to Qadi Abu Yusuf (رحمة الله عليه): ‘You were not bright but your perseverance in your studies took you out from that state.” 

[Ta’lim al-Mut’allim pg 28]

We live in a time when the Ulama of the Ahl al-Sunnah are rapidly departing this world and few are succeeding them in carrying the sacred knowledge.

This is a reality clearly foretold by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وصحبه وسلم):

“Verily Allah does not take away knowledge from the people suddenly but He takes it away with the death of the Ulama, until when He leaves no person of knowledge, the people take ignorant ones as leaders, then they are asked and they give legal verdict without knowledge so they go astray and cause others to go astray.”

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 100]

Do not be daunted, place your trust in Allah and strive. May Allah give you tawfiq in embarking on the sacred path of acquiring knowledge.

Allah knows best.

Answered by Ustadh Ibrar Shafi

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