It is observed that some students of knowledge seek knowledge for the sake of fame, status, and elevation in this world. What is the remedy for this? And if a student wishes to be better than his companion, is this a desire for elevation in this world, or is it praiseworthy competition and praiseworthy emulation?
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The questioner : It is observed that some students of knowledge seek knowledge for the sake of fame, status, and elevation in this world. What is the remedy for this? And if a student wishes to be better than his companion, is this a desire for elevation in this world, or is it praiseworthy competition and...
The Shaykh : Repeat, repeat the question.
The questioner : He says: It is observed that some students of knowledge seek knowledge for the sake of fame, status, and elevation in this world. What is the remedy for this? And if a student wishes to be better than his companion, is this a desire for elevation in this world, or is it praiseworthy competition and praiseworthy emulation?
The Shaykh : ... from what?
The questioner : From praiseworthy competition and praiseworthy emulation.
The Shaykh : In reality, this question contains two parts. The first part is that some students of knowledge seek knowledge for the sake of fame, leadership, and elevation in this world. There is no doubt that this is a defective intention, and that seeking knowledge for the sake of the Face of Allah is not permissible except for the sake of Allah. In the hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and we seek refuge in Allah. Know, my brother, that if you seek knowledge for the sake of Allah, you will obtain from fame, esteem, and respect what you would not miss if you sought it for other than Allah. In fact, if you seek it for other than Allah, you will miss this esteem and fame that comes from the hearts. So, be sincere in your intention for Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and be truthful with Allah, and you will find a good outcome. As for the second part, if a student wishes to be better than his companion, this is not a desire for elevation, and there is no harm in it. Each of us loves to be more knowledgeable than the other, and more beautiful than the other. It is not hidden from us all what is established in Sahih al-Bukhari, where the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said , so that it would be a source of pride for him. Therefore, there is no harm in a person wishing to be better than his companion and more knowledgeable than his companion, but he must not stand between his companion and acquiring knowledge by envying him of it and preventing the favor of Allah upon him. In that case, he would have a resemblance to the Jews, about whom Allah said [An-Nisa 4:54]. So, envy is among the characteristics of the Jews. We seek refuge in Allah from it, and so should you. Yes.
The Shaykh : Repeat, repeat the question.
The questioner : He says: It is observed that some students of knowledge seek knowledge for the sake of fame, status, and elevation in this world. What is the remedy for this? And if a student wishes to be better than his companion, is this a desire for elevation in this world, or is it praiseworthy competition and praiseworthy emulation?
The Shaykh : ... from what?
The questioner : From praiseworthy competition and praiseworthy emulation.
The Shaykh : In reality, this question contains two parts. The first part is that some students of knowledge seek knowledge for the sake of fame, leadership, and elevation in this world. There is no doubt that this is a defective intention, and that seeking knowledge for the sake of the Face of Allah is not permissible except for the sake of Allah. In the hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)