It is known that if a student of knowledge draws close to his shaykh, he becomes well-known among the people; perhaps by doing so, he has departed from the virtue of the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): “Indeed
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The questioner : May Allah reward you. It is known that if a student of knowledge draws close to his shaykh, he becomes well-known among the people; perhaps by doing so, he has departed from the virtue of the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) Sahih Muslim 2965?
The Shaykh : The meaning of “hidden” does not mean one who does not appear. It would be problematic if we meant one who does not appear; we would then say that all prominent scholars must hide themselves. The meaning is that he does not seek prominence. “Hidden” means he does not seek prominence. You will find that even in a place where appearing would give him a status, he does not love that thing. But know that if a person deals with his Lord, Mighty and Majestic, he will inevitably appear, even if he hides himself. He must appear.
It is reported on the authority of Amir b. Sa'd that Sa'd b. Abi Waqqas was in the fold of his camels that his son 'Umar came to him. When Sa'd saw him he said: I seek refuge with Allah from the mischief of this rider. And as he got down he said to him: You are busy with your camels and your sheep and you have abandoned people who are contending with one another for kingdom. Sa'd struck his chest and said: Keep quiet. I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Allah loves the servant who is God-conscious and is free from want and is hidden (from the view of people).
إن الله يحب العبد الخفي التقيThe Shaykh : The meaning of “hidden” does not mean one who does not appear. It would be problematic if we meant one who does not appear; we would then say that all prominent scholars must hide themselves. The meaning is that he does not seek prominence. “Hidden” means he does not seek prominence. You will find that even in a place where appearing would give him a status, he does not love that thing. But know that if a person deals with his Lord, Mighty and Majestic, he will inevitably appear, even if he hides himself. He must appear.