Methods of Mastery: Advices On How To Study From Dr. Mahmoud Abdulrahman
- The student of knowledge should direct their efforts towards beneficial knowledge and the needs of their community and country. While it’s important to study the subject one loves, considering what benefits society and fulfills the needs of one’s people is even more noble. Remember the story of Ibn Abbas with his friend, and the story of Sebawayh, emphasizing the importance of collective benefit.
- One who teaches people the Quran, even if not a scholar, should not underestimate themselves. Teaching the Quran is part of prophetic objectives, conveying revelation as it was revealed.
- Focus on mastering the fundamentals of knowledge rather than delving into its complexities excessively.
- Pursuing too many disciplines simultaneously leads to mastering none.
- Knowledge reciprocates dedication; give your all to it, and it will reward you abundantly.
- Start with what challenges you slightly beyond your current level, avoiding both extreme ease and extreme difficulty.
- Attach yourself to knowledgeable mentors, as their guidance is invaluable and surpasses mere reading.
- Seek knowledge from multiple sources, as scholars correct one another even without explicitly stating so.
- Complete what you start in your studies, as leaving things halfway only leads to distorted and incomplete knowledge unless guided by a knowledgeable mentor.
- Our religion relies on a chain of transmission, and every knowledge has a history.
- Our era emphasizes solidifying beliefs among people, preserving the nation’s constants, and safeguarding its religion and unity. Embrace consensus.
- Prioritize learning about conduct, refinement, and self-purification, as success lies in purification.
- Follow a structured approach in learning and avoid skipping to advanced levels without proper guidance.
- Refrain from diving into contentious issues or adopting new schools of thought hastily, as opinions and schools of thought are a mercy but can lead to turmoil if misused.
- Don’t disregard the opinions of past scholars in favor of personal interpretations, as every branch of knowledge has its roots and principles.
- Beware of those who claim to derive rulings from evidence but merely relay what they’ve been told without understanding.
- Differentiate between conclusive and speculative knowledge, starting with what is agreed upon before delving into disagreements.
- Patience is key; every field of knowledge requires time for its fruits to ripen.
- Humility is essential; teaching basic knowledge should not inflate one’s ego.
- Don’t waste time pursuing knowledge beyond what God has facilitated for you.
- Stick to the most relevant evidence rather than chasing obscure references, as straying too far may lead to misunderstanding.
- Seek evidence relevant to the nature of the issue at hand, whether rational, legal, or empirical.
- Each student has their own methodology and preferred books; there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
- Above all, sincerity, piety, and reliance on God are paramount in the pursuit of knowledge.
May Allah grant us success in our endeavors. Amen.
Dr. Mahmoud Abdulrahman