How were you selected to teach at the Islamic University, given that such academic teaching is known to require a doctorate?
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The Shaykh : Yes.
The questioner : Well, there was a question regarding your selection to teach at the Islamic University, meaning how did it happen, considering that regular academic study requires a doctorate, preparation, and such things?
The Shaykh : The truth is, this is the first time I have been asked such a question. What comes to mind for an answer now goes back to two matters:
The first matter is that the university was new to university-level teaching, especially in the Saudi lands, where it is also a state new to modern conventions. This is from one side, or the first reason.
The second reason is the fame of some of the writings, and the satisfaction of the people there with them. It appears that their appreciation of them at their true worth is what led them to send for me, whereas I did not ask for it, and I will not ask for it. I have lived this way, and praise be to Allah, not seeking any job. I have been earning my daily sustenance from the labor of my hands and the sweat of my brow since I was a child, as you have learned from what has passed. In this regard, a request came to me from Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim, who was the Mufti of the Kingdom and the head of the university, asking me to agree to teach the subject of hadith at the Islamic University, which would open its doors at a specific time. I consulted with my brothers there, in whose understanding and knowledge I trust. One of them, who was among their most intelligent and most sincere brothers to me, said to me: "Try it. If you see that you are benefiting the students, for I mentioned that I do not have degrees first, and secondly, generally, university study does not align with my calling, so I was very hesitant. What convinced me was only this brother when he said: 'Try for a year. If you find good in your teaching, continue teaching what has been written for you; otherwise, the year will end and you will return to your profession.' And so it was. But the truth is, I found there a wonderful atmosphere, ready to accept the call first, and the scientific methodology upon which I was created and which I have followed second."
The questioner : Well, there was a question regarding your selection to teach at the Islamic University, meaning how did it happen, considering that regular academic study requires a doctorate, preparation, and such things?
The Shaykh : The truth is, this is the first time I have been asked such a question. What comes to mind for an answer now goes back to two matters:
The first matter is that the university was new to university-level teaching, especially in the Saudi lands, where it is also a state new to modern conventions. This is from one side, or the first reason.
The second reason is the fame of some of the writings, and the satisfaction of the people there with them. It appears that their appreciation of them at their true worth is what led them to send for me, whereas I did not ask for it, and I will not ask for it. I have lived this way, and praise be to Allah, not seeking any job. I have been earning my daily sustenance from the labor of my hands and the sweat of my brow since I was a child, as you have learned from what has passed. In this regard, a request came to me from Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim, who was the Mufti of the Kingdom and the head of the university, asking me to agree to teach the subject of hadith at the Islamic University, which would open its doors at a specific time. I consulted with my brothers there, in whose understanding and knowledge I trust. One of them, who was among their most intelligent and most sincere brothers to me, said to me: "Try it. If you see that you are benefiting the students, for I mentioned that I do not have degrees first, and secondly, generally, university study does not align with my calling, so I was very hesitant. What convinced me was only this brother when he said: 'Try for a year. If you find good in your teaching, continue teaching what has been written for you; otherwise, the year will end and you will return to your profession.' And so it was. But the truth is, I found there a wonderful atmosphere, ready to accept the call first, and the scientific methodology upon which I was created and which I have followed second."