The Book of Knowledge - Sahih Muslim 2673a

Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people but He takes away knowledge by taking away the scholars, so that when He leaves no learned person, people turn to the ignorant as their leaders; then they are asked to deliver religious verdicts and they deliver them without knowledge, they go astray, and lead others astray.

Commentary on the Hadith

This profound narration from Sahih Muslim highlights the divine methodology in the removal of beneficial knowledge from the earth. Allah, in His perfect wisdom, does not abruptly extract knowledge from hearts, but rather causes the passing of the scholars who carry it.

The disappearance of genuine scholars creates a void that inevitably becomes filled by the ignorant who presume leadership positions. Lacking proper understanding, they issue religious rulings based on opinion and desire rather than revealed evidence.

This dual misguidance - their own deviation coupled with leading others astray - represents one of the most severe trials for the Muslim community. It underscores the critical importance of seeking knowledge from qualified scholars and the grave danger of consulting the unlearned in religious matters.

Scholarly Insights

Imam An-Nawawi comments that this hadith emphasizes the virtue of scholars and the obligation to consult them, while warning against taking knowledge from the unqualified.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that the "taking away" of scholars refers to both their physical death and the weakening of their influence and authority in society.

This prophecy has been witnessed throughout Islamic history, serving as a continuous reminder for the community to value, support, and learn from its authentic scholars.