and lead others astray” (1).

What is meant by knowledge here is knowledge of the Book and the Sunnah—the knowledge inherited from the prophets, peace be upon them. Scholars are the heirs of the prophets; when they pass away, knowledge disappears, the practices of the Sunnah die out, religious innovations emerge, and ignorance becomes widespread.

Worldly knowledge, by contrast, continues to increase, but it is not what is meant in these hadiths. This is demonstrated by the Prophet’s words, peace and blessings be upon him: “They are asked questions and issue rulings without knowledge; thus they go astray and lead others astray.” Going astray occurs only through ignorance of the religion. True scholars are those who act upon their knowledge, guide the ummah, and direct it to the path of truth and right guidance. Knowledge without action is of no benefit; rather, it becomes a burden upon its possessor. A narration in al-Bukhārī states: “And deeds diminish” (2).

After mentioning a group of scholars, the imam and historian of Islam, al-Dhahabī, said: “They were given but little knowledge. As for today, only a little of that scant knowledge remains, possessed by a few people—and how few of them act upon that little! Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs” (3).

If this was the case in al-Dhahabī’s time, what must you think of our own age? The further removed an era is from the time of prophethood, the more knowledge diminishes and ignorance increases. The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, were the most knowledgeable members of this ummah, followed by the Followers and then their followers, and they are the best