Memorising texts in fiqh, hadeeth and other subjects

Reference: http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/16101

Question: He says that he has a desire to memorise the [well-known] texts in fiqh and hadeeth while he is young; he then plans to study them when he is older and apply [that knowledge]. So what do you advise the students of knowledge regarding that [approach]?

Response: This approach is incorrect for seeking knowledge; it is imperative to memorise the [well-known] texts under direction from the scholars who will expound upon [their meanings] and clarify them a little by little. [So] he should not memorise them all in one go without reading them to the people of knowledge and the qualified teachers – who will explain them for him and clarify them a little by little. Knowledge is not sought in one go, and nor is it sought [directly] from books, rather it is sought [directly] from the scholars [in stages], a little by little.


Translation originally published on 5 February, 2016

Graduate of the Islaamic University of Madeenah, having completed the Arabic Language programme at the Institute of Arabic Language before progressing to the Faculty of Sharee'ah, from which he graduated in 2004. He currently resides in Birmingham, UK.

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