** Hadith
Sayyiduna Abu-Dardaa [radhiallahu anhu] reports that Rasulullah
[sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said,
'Verily, the creatures of the sky and the fish of the sea beg for the forgiveness for an Aalim of Deen.
The virtue of an Aalim over a worshipper is like the virtue of the Moon over all the stars.
Certainly, the Ulama are the heirs of the Ambiyaa
[Prophets], and the Ambiyaa [alayhimus salaam] do not leave Dinaars or Dirhams (money) as inheritance.
Instead, their legacy is of knowledge. Whoever acquires it, gains a great portion / share.’ (Sunan al-Tirmidhi Hadith2682) **
Commentary
These days, the value of an individual is attached to his secular
expertise and monetary assets, whereas in Shari’ah, the value of a person lies in knowledge of Deen.
The fact that the Ulama are the heirs of the prophets is clear expression of their lofty rank. The heirs are usually the closest relatives of the deceased. Hence, the rank of the Ulama may be seen as the closest to the Ambiyaa (alayhimus salaam).
Alhamdulillah, it is only by the emmense mercy of Allah Ta’ala that our
country has been blessed with such a great volume of Ulama - local as
well as foreign visitors. The Deeni progress achieved by the Muslims of
our country serves as an example for the rest of the world. This is the
fruit of the efforts of our pious Ulama.
We urge the public to benefit from the wealth of the Ulama more
efficiently. It is absolutely essential for every person to be in constant
contact with an Aalim of Deen, whether in his community or abroad.
This is due to a man’s need for guidance at every instance in his life. Imam Abdullah al-Tastari (RA), was advised by one his mentors, ‘Wherever you may be, make sure you are close to a Faqih (jurist).’ (Taarikh ibn Abi Khaythama - refer Adabul Ikhtilaaf pg.149; Shaykh Muhammad Awwaamah)