Warathat al-Anbiya
- Author died
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- Editions
- Dar al-Qasim
Warathat al-Anbiya (Heirs of the Prophets) is an Arabic treatise by the contemporary Saudi author Abd al-Malik bin Qasim (full name: Abd al-Malik ibn Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman al-Qasim), dedicated to the virtue of seeking sacred Islamic knowledge and the dedication of early Muslim scholars .
Background and Purpose
The work forms the fifteenth installment of the author's educational booklet series entitled Ayna Nahnu min Ha'ula'? (Where Are We Compared to These?) . In the introduction, the author explains that he compiled the book after observing widespread neglect of sacred learning (al-ʿilm al-sharʿī) and the weakening of people's resolve in pursuing it . The book aims to revive motivation by documenting the patience, struggle, perseverance, and high aspirations demonstrated by classical scholars and the early generations (al-Salaf) in acquiring and preserving Islamic knowledge .
Contents and Themes
The book draws upon Quranic verses, prophetic traditions, and classical biographical and ethical works:
- Virtues of Sacred Knowledge and Scholars: The text opens by examining textual proofs regarding the elevated status of religious knowledge and its carriers, referencing the prophetic tradition that describes scholars as the true heirs of the prophets ( العلماء ورثة الأنبياء ), who inherit knowledge rather than material wealth .
- Superiority of Learning over Voluntary Worship: Citing statements from scholars such as Al-Shafi'i, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Sufyan al-Thawri, Ibn Abd al-Barr, and Al-Nawawi, the author highlights that engaging in the study and dissemination of sacred knowledge holds greater reward and broader communal benefit than non-obligatory personal worship .
- Priority of the Quran: The author underscores the methodology of classical scholars who required students of knowledge to memorize and comprehend the Quran before branching into hadith and jurisprudence, quoting statements from Ibn Taymiyyah, Al-Khatib al-Baghdadi, and al-Nawawi .
- Exemplary Dedication of the Predecessors: The treatise recounts anecdotes illustrating the hardships, extensive travel, poverty, and sleepless nights endured by early scholars to preserve the prophetic traditions and instruct the Muslim community .
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