In the early days, the period of acquiring Deeni Knowledge (Knowledge of Fiqh, etc.) was an era of Taqwa. The students of Deen were grounded in Taqwa, and they were conscious of their spiritual reformation (Islaah). However, in these times, they resort to a variety of interpretations to render lawful reprehensible things.
Ilm is essential for A’maal. Ilm constitutes the basis for righteous deeds. Ilm without Amal is unacceptable.
Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
“He who sets out in the quest of Ilm, is in the Path of Allah until he returns (back home).”
Thus, the Student of Deeni Knowledge is a Mujaahid in the Path of Allah.
The aim of Jihaad is I’laa-e-Kalimatullah or to raise the Deen of Allah. This is also the aim of Ilm-e-Deen.
As the Mujaahid in the battlefield has to undergo dangers and hardships, so too, the Student of Deen who sets out in the pursuit of Ilm, has to wage a permanent struggle against the Nafs. He has, therefore, been described by Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) as a Mujaahid.
(Hazrat Moulana Maseehullah Khan Saheb, Rahmatullahi Alaih)
