"If you are able to be a Scholar, then be a Scholar"

"If you are able to be a Scholar, then be a Scholar."

Abu Khaithama narrated to us, saying: Ishaaq bin Sulaymaan Ar-Raazee narrated to us, saying: I heard Handhala narrate from `Awn bin Abdillaah that he said: I said to `Umar bin Abdul-Azeez:

"It was said (to me): If you are able to be a Scholar, then be a Scholar. And if you are not able to, then be a Student of Knowledge. And if you are not able to be a Student of Knowledge, then love them. If you cannot love them, then do not hate them."

So `Umar said:

"Subhaan'Allaah (Glory be to Allaah)! Allaah has indeed assisted this individual in a time of difficulty."

- Source -

Point [2], Kitaabul-Ilm of Imaam An-Nasaa'ee [Al-Haafidh, Imaam, Abu Khaithama Zuhayr bin Harb An-Nasaa'ee Died 234H], with verification and notes by Imaam Muhammad Naasir-Ud-Deen Al-Albaanee [Raheemahumullaah].

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