وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ الْعِلْمِ صَانُوهُ صَانَهُمْ ۞ وَلَوْ عَظَّمُوهُ فِي النُّفُوسِ لَعَظُمَا
Had the people of knowledge preserved it, it would have preserved them; and had they revered it in their hearts, it would have been held in high esteem.
___________
This couplet serves as a profound reminder of the responsibility scholars have to preserve the sanctity of knowledge and uphold their esteemed position in society. It emphasizes that the respect and honor accorded to experts are directly linked to their ability to defend and maintain the dignity of their roles. When scholars neglect this duty and align themselves with material gains or seek favor from the wealthy, they undermine the reverence that knowledge demands.
An illustrative example occurred when Kwam 1 was preparing for the funeral prayer (Fidau) oh his mother died. After Kwam 1 made a derogatory remark, referring to scholars as “Awon Alfa, Ibi ni gbogbo wọn wa ganu si” (The Alfas, this is where they are all loitering or messing around), Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa, an Islamic cleric, publicly urged Kwam 1 to apologize for his statement.
However, despite the seriousness of the statement to the Alfas that do ganu around and the context that called for repentance and reconciliation, Kwam 1 did not offer an apology. This incident not only highlighted Kwam 1’s lack of accountability but also raised concerns about how some scholars, despite their positions, fail to uphold the sanctity of knowledge when engaging with influential figures.
In some cases, scholars diminish their dignity by attending events uninvited or seeking favors from the wealthy, even at the expense of upholding moral and religious standards. Such actions erode public trust in scholars and dilute the significance of their roles as guardians of knowledge and ethical guidance. To restore the honor of knowledge, scholars must prioritize their responsibility to Allah and the community over worldly pursuits and relationships, ensuring their integrity remains intact.
Thus, we have listened to many accounts of Sheikh Adam Al-Ilory and his respectful interactions with wealthy individuals during his lifetime, including Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (GCFR). We have also heard from our Islamic scholars regarding the self-esteem of figures such as Sheikh Kamaldeen Al-Adaby, Sheikh Muritado in Ibadan, and others who have upheld high standards. These individuals are pioneers of knowledge who understood the true essence of Islamic scholarship while honouring the dignity that Allah has granted to Islamic scholars. Perhaps Kwam feels Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa is not in the position to urge him to tender an apology for that statement.
This serves as a clarion call for our Islamic clerics to recognise their worth, command respect, and uphold their honour. A friend mentioned that Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde criticised them, but upon closer examination, he merely described them according to their attitudes. It is now up to them to take this feedback to heart.
As the Quran states:
يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ)
Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do. [Surat Al-Mujadila 11, Sahih International]
May Allah bless all our scholars who recognize their worth, stand by it. Those who do not ganu around, except they are duly and honorably invited.
Mustapha Ridwan O.
January 26, 2025.
