the water from me,” while al-Zubayr kept saying, “My land is higher, so I have the stronger claim.” They argued and brought their dispute before the Messenger ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ ruled, “O Zubayr, irrigate your land first, then let the water flow to your neighbor.” This was the legal verdict.

The Ansari shot back, “That is only because he is your cousin, Messenger of Allah!”—a remark uttered under the sway of anger, Allah protect us. Al-Zubayr ibn al-ʿAwwām was indeed the son of Ṣafiyyah bint ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib, the Prophet’s paternal aunt. When the man said, “That is because he is your cousin, Messenger of Allah,” the Prophet ﷺ became angry and ordered, “O Zubayr, irrigate your land until the water reaches the garden walls, then release it to your neighbor.”

The lesson is that one must not rebuke the seeker of knowledge; receive him with an open heart and teach him until he understands. This is all the more necessary today, for many people ask a question without really listening: you answer, they misconstrue it, and then go around saying, “Such-and-such scholar gave me this ruling.” Therefore, do not let the questioner leave until you are sure he has grasped what you meant.

“And as for the blessing of your Lord, proclaim it” (93:11). Speak of Allah’s favor upon you: say, “Praise be to Allah; He granted me knowledge, He granted me wealth, He granted me children,” and so forth.