. The six most prominent scholars are:
1. Zuhd(asceticism)
2. Salah (righteousness)
3. Ibada (worship)
4. Action upon beneficial knowledge
5. Fiqh (Study of Islamic jurisprudence)
6. The intention of getting Allah’s satisfaction by educating the people
But scholars of today follow these great scholars in only one character: that is the study of Islamic jurisprudence.
One well-known companion, Abu Hurairah t was walking in Madina, where he found people engaged in trading and business. He said, Oh people! Why are you here? Go to the mosque of the prophet r where you will find the inherence of the prophet being distributed. People rushed to the mosque, where they found people learning and teaching. They came back to Abu Hurairah and said: ‘Where is the inheritance of the prophet? People in mosques are only learning and teaching. Abu Hurairah told them that knowledge is the inherence of the prophet. They neither leave behind the deenar nor dirham, rather they leave knowledge behind them[1].
Mohammad bin Idris al Shafi, popularly known as ‘Imam Shafi’, is one of the greatest master Islamic scholars of all time. He lived during the second century of the Hijrah, but he is still alive among Muslims around the world through his books and thoughts. The Shafi school of thought is known by his name, because he is the founder of this school. In the earlier centuries, there were other scholars as well who were very well reputed and known for their contributions to Islamic science.
The point here is that these scholars were not just the bearers of knowledge, but were great examples of piety and sincerity. They all acted upon what they learned. Their aim was only to satisfy Allah. For these reasons, Allah has made their knowledge blessed and holy.
