"We've really 'sold ourselves short' in our knowledge because what we have learnt is not being actualised in our behaviour. In fact the most that we can say is that we know the legal ruling of something but as for putting it into practice then only little do we do that.
We ask Allah to pardon us!
The main fruit and benefit of knowledge is that it is put into practice so that its effects can be seen in the faces of people, in their behaviour, their character, their worship of Allah, their seriousness, their fear (of Allah) etc; this is the most important thing to remember.
I personally believe that if an intelligent Christian was to study Islamic jurisprudence as we do here, he would understand it just as well as we do, if not better. For example, look at that Arabic language dictionary 'Munjid' – they say that the author was a Christian and that he researched it very well!
So speculative issues (achieved by deep study) are not the objective in (seeking) knowledge – O Allah, grant us a beneficial knowledge! – no, the main fruit of knowledge is for it to be of true benefit.
Isn't it amazing how many of the basic standard people who are ignorant of the Deen, exhibit a true humility in front of Allah 'azza wa jall, actualising a real closeness to Allah, excellent conduct, behaviour and worship, far far greater than that of a student of knowledge...?"
- Shaykh 'Uthaymin (rahimahullah) in his Sharh al-Mumti' 'ala Zad al-Mustaqni' 166/7
Translated by Abu 'Easa Niamatullah
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