In Islamic tradition, scholars are regarded as the heirs of the Prophets because the Prophets did not leave behind material wealth like gold or silver, but rather the invaluable inheritance of knowledge. As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Indeed, the scholars are the heirs of the Prophets. The Prophets do not leave behind dinars or dirhams, but they leave knowledge, and whoever acquires it has truly inherited a great share of the Prophetic legacy.”
Another hadith compares the scholars of truth to guiding stars in the darkness: “The scholars of truth are like stars on earth, by which people find guidance in times of darkness.” However, in today’s world, when we see some scholars dressed in robes and turbans flattering rulers, it recalls the prophetic guidance that speaking the truth before a tyrannical ruler is considered the highest form of jihad.
Knowledge, the hadith emphasizes, must be coupled with action. The Quran repeatedly commands believers to fear Allah, speak the truth, and deliver advice without seeking worldly gain. Speaking truth before an oppressive ruler is considered a greater sacrifice than dying in battle because in such situations, one’s life is at imminent risk. This principle cannot apply to modern times where individuals, far removed from tyranny, spread accusations or claims on social media; the essence of kalima-e-haq (speaking the truth) lies in courage and accountability in the face of power.
The ultimate example of speaking truth at all costs is Imam Hussain (RA) at Karbala, who knowingly sacrificed his life to uphold justice and faith. This tradition of principled scholarship continued through luminaries such as Imam Abu Hanifa (RA), Imam Malik (RA), Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (RA), and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (RA), who avoided the courts of rulers to preserve their independence. Even when forced or tortured by oppressive Abbasid caliphs like Al-Mansur and Al-Ma’mun, these scholars refused to compromise their principles.
One famous example is the scholar Saeed ibn Jubayr (RA), who openly criticized the tyrant Hajjaj ibn Yusuf despite the threat to his life. His courage and steadfastness exemplified the continuation of Imam Hussain’s (RA) legacy. When some scholars today seek favor from rulers instead of speaking truth, they fall short of being true heirs of the Prophets; history calls them “false scholars”, serving personal gain rather than divine guidance.
The lives of these scholars demonstrate that true knowledge is not about social prestige or proximity to power. A scholar acts solely for Allah’s pleasure, upholding truth and justice regardless of worldly consequences. As history shows, rulers who disregard divine guidance often meet a fate that underscores the enduring value of righteous scholarship.
True scholars do not court rulers; rulers seek their guidance. When a scholar bows to worldly power or flatters rulers for personal benefit, they betray the sacred inheritance of the Prophets. Only those who act with integrity and fear Allah uphold the legacy of knowledge passed down from the Prophets.
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Courtesy: ( Daily Jang)