In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
As I look back to my first year of studying, full time, I recall a moment when I asked one of my teachers a question, “I find myself quoting my teachers often. Is this wrong? Shouldn’t I be speaking my own thoughts?”
This question, born from a desire to find my own voice, now feels like a poor reflection of myself at the start of my journey.
Five years later, I find myself profoundly humbled by the very essence of isnaad — the chains of transmission that form the bedrock of our knowledge. My initial concern about quoting others has transformed into a deep appreciation for this practice. What once seemed like a limitation now reveals itself as a profound connection to a lineage of scholars and seekers.
In the early days of my studies, the act of quoting my teachers felt like a sign of dependency. I wondered if it indicated a lack of originality. However, as I delve deeper into the importance of isnaad, I realize that quoting those who came before us is not merely a repetition of their thoughts but a vital link in a chain of knowledge that has been meticulously preserved over centuries.
The isnaad is is not just a technical detail but a profound testament to the authenticity and integrity of our tradition. Each chain is a thread connecting us to the past, ensuring that what we learn is rooted in the truth. It is a recognition of their contributions and a commitment to preserving the purity of the knowledge they have imparted.
وَإِنَّ الْعُلَمَاءَ وَرَثَةُ الأَنْبِيَاءِ وَإِنَّ الأَنْبِيَاءَ لَمْ يُوَرِّثُوا دِينَارًا وَلاَ دِرْهَمًا وَرَّثُوا الْعِلْمَ فَمَنْ أَخَذَهُ أَخَذَ بِحَظٍّ وَافِرٍ
The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave neither dinar nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion.
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا, وَ رِزْقًا طَيَّبًا, وَ عَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّل
O Allah, I ask you for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision and deeds that will be accepted.
Amin!