Continuation of the discussion regarding your advice to those who have occupied themselves with purification and neglected education.

The questioner : In the context of the saying of 'Isa (peace be upon him) , we say that the callers to the Sunnah and its people, led by our Shaykh (may Allah preserve him), have made blessed progress in the matter of purification (tashfiyah), whether related to hadith, creed, or otherwise. But regarding education (tarbiyah), what is your advice and guidance for your sons, among whom a considerable number may have neglected education due to their preoccupation with purification? May Allah reward you with good?

The Shaykh : We always say that it is not permissible to separate purification from education, just as it is not permissible to separate knowledge from action; otherwise, the knowledge becomes an argument against its owner if it is not accompanied by action. If there are people, whether from among us or from others within the scope of Islam, who know but do not act, then all of them are included in the statement of Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He) . The hadith we mention on such an occasion, which Imam Muslim narrated in his Sahih from the hadith of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: . The hadith is well-known and long. One of its points of importance is that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) did not feel inclined to narrate it because of the fear and severe warning it contains regarding these three categories: the scholars, the mujahideen, and the wealthy. Abu Hurayrah was unable to narrate it until he fainted twice because of this severe warning that the Fire, when it first blazes, will blaze with these three categories who are supposed to be in Paradise in its highest ranks. They are the first with whom the Fire will blaze on the Day of Resurrection. Why? Because they did not intend to act upon the knowledge, but rather intended to take the lead in gatherings and to be called "our master" and "our lord," and other such terms for which Allah has not sent down any authority. As for the mujahid, similarly, on the surface he fought in the path of Allah, but he fought so that people would say so-and-so is a hero and brave. And that wealthy man only gave charity with his wealth so that people would say so-and-so is generous. It has been said about this one and that one and the other what they did not intend. So on the Day of Resurrection, when they are reckoned, they will have no reward except the Fire, because they did not act upon the essence of these three acts of worship: knowledge, jihad, and charity. They did not perform these acts of worship for the sake of Allah (Blessed and Exalted is He). Therefore, we should not be lenient in such a matter, because education is related to knowledge, and knowledge is related to education. However, education may be based on deviant knowledge; that is the difference. Education may be based on deviant knowledge, and there may be correct knowledge that is not accompanied by action upon it and the education of Muslims in this beneficial knowledge. It is necessary for every student of knowledge who understands this matter correctly to concern himself, above all, with educating himself, then with those who seek refuge in him from his family, relatives, neighbors, friends, and the like. We complain, unfortunately, that this phenomenon of education is not evident in these small communities where the effect of purification has appeared, as mentioned in the question. We must all pay attention to both matters together: purification and education. We have control only over ourselves, whether in the scientific aspect or the educational aspect, but this does not exempt us from reminding of the obligation to combine purification with education. This is all I have in answer to this question. We ask Allah for us and for you knowledge and action.