(i.e that the rectification of the Ummah is only by way of its rulers). Thus, this explanation from Ibn Mas'ood (RA) provides clarity. Since our method in seeking to understand the Book and the Sunnah is to do so upon the fahm (understanding) of the Companions; for they are the most knowledgeable of people with regards to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Prophet (sal/al/aahu 'alayhiwa sol/om). They saw the Messenger of Allaah (sallalloohu 'alayhi wa sallam), witnessed the Revelation, and lived whilst the Glorious Qur'aan was being revealed. So w1thout doubt, they are the most knowledgeable of people concerning the Book and the Sunnah.
So the era of 'Umar Ibn 'Abdui-'Azeez (RAH) was not better than the era prior to it, because the evil that has been mentioned in the hodeeth is relative (nisbee), whilst the good is more general. Likewise, the good era of 'Umar was nisbee (i.e. relative to him). whilst the evil was more general. The hodeeth says: "There will not come a time, except that after it will be more evil." This IS a general statement, and so the era of ai-Hajjaaj is better than that of 'Umar - according to this hodeeth.
If it is said: With what 1s the era of ai-Hajjaaj better than that of 'Umar? We reply by using the saying of Ibn Mas'ood (RA):
"I do not mean a leader better than another leader."
Thus the latter is not one of preference between leaders, between ai-Hajjaaj and 'Umar. This is something we will return to but it is sufficient to know that you are oppressed in proportion to your (evil) actions and lack of rectifying yourselves. And Allaah averts evil from you in proportion to your (good) actions and your rectifying yourselves.
"Nor a year better than another year."
"Nor a year better than another year." Likewise, the evil is not due to what the earth produces, such as fruits and other things. [And it is to be understood from this that the evil is also not due to the successively worsening state of the economy]
"But rather your scholars will disappear and you will not find anyone to succeed them." So this contains a tremendous benefit, which is that goodness remaining in the Ummoh is dependent upon the existence of scholars. Indeed, goodness 1s not connected to the rulers, rather it is connected to the correct understanding of the Religion remaining with the people. Thus, whenever the scholars diminish, the true understanding of the Book and the Sunnoh diminishes, and consequently evil increases amongst the people.
And that which affirms the truth of what Ibn Mas'ood (RA) said is what is reported from the Prophet (sallalahu 'alayhi wa sallam) that he said:
"Indeed Allah does not snatch away the knowledge. but lhe takes it away by the possmg away of the Scholars. Such that when no scholar remains. the people take ignorant ones as their leaders. They ore asked and give verdicts without knowledge. Thus, they misguide themselves and misguide others." (Muslim)
And in the Hodeeth of Anas (RA). the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) mentioned some signs of the Last Hour, amongst which he said:
"Knowledge will be lifted and ignorance will become widespread." (Muslim)
So what is the correct manhaj (methodology) which is obligatory to traverse, if we desire good for ourselves and for the Ummoh of Muhammad (sollallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam)? Is it concentrating upon siyoasoh (politics)? Ibn Mas'ood (RA) has explained that this is not what brought goodness to the Ummah: "I do not say a leader better than another leader." So is it by concentrating upon economics? No, this is not the cause for goodness to return to this Ummah: "Nor a year better than another year." Then what is it? He said: "But rather by the disappearance of the scholars."
Thus, as long as the scholars (and knowledge) remain [and we follow them upon the goodness that Allaah has bestowed upon them), then goodness will continue to be present in the Ummah. However, when the scholars go [by their death and/or our turning away from them]. then goodness will also disappear from the Ummah!
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited