Do not look at the [text of the] hadeeth, rather look at the isnaad; If it is authentic [then look at the text of the hadeeth], otherwise do not. So do not be lured by [the text of] a hadeeth if it’s isnaad is not authentic.
Category: Knowledge
Diligently taking notes
Ismaa’eel [ibn Zayd al-Jarjaanee] would write 90 pages [of knowledge] every night in small/fine writing.
The importance of taking notes
We used to do the rounds visiting the ‘Ulamaa with az-Zuhree and with him he had tablets and papers which he used to write upon all he heard [from the ‘Ulamaa].
Out of respect for the knowledge of hadeeth
[al-Imaam] Maalik would not narrate hadeeth unless he was in a state of purity (wudhoo) out of great respect for the [knowledge of] hadeeth.
Strength of memory
My heart has never stored (memorised) anything and then left me.
Seeking knowledge to act according to it
If a man seeks knowledge to act according to it, his knowledge gratifies him, and if he seeks knowledge for other than acting according to it, then his knowledge [merely] increases him in pride and haughtiness.
Beautify knowledge
Beautify knowledge [by acting in accordance to it], and do not beautify yourself with it.
Knowledge
Knowledge is that which benefits, not that which is memorised
In order to compete with the scholars
«Do not acquire knowledge in order to compete with the scholars, nor to argue with the ignorant, nor to gain mastery over the gatherings. Since whoever does that, then: The Fire! The Fire!»
Nothing more harmful to the branches of knowledge
They are ignorant and yet they think they have knowledge, they cause corruption whilst thinking they are correcting the affairs.