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In Defence of Shaykh Rabīʿ – The Humility of a Scholar

Shaykh Abū al-Ḥasan Mālik, Shaykh Mūsá Richardson

Two beneficial discussions from two students of knowledge on the plots and trickery of the people of deception and their bankrupt quest to belittle Shaykh Rabīʿ ibn Hādī.

On Sunday 22nd of December, 2013, the following benefit was published: 
In the past, the great scholar of ḥadīth, Shaykh Rabīʿ ibn Hādī al-Madkhalī issued some statements in regards to him being called, “Imām of Jarḥ wa-al-Taʿdīl” and being considered a scholar. The noble shaykh, following in the footsteps of great scholars who preceded him like Imām al-Albānī (who called himself a طُويلب –  [just] a small student), negated scholarship for himself and showed dislike for being praised. This is a characteristic of humility and follows in the way of the Salaf – humility, hating being elevated etc. Naturally, those with sinister objectives sought to utilise this speech to infer that Shaykh Rabīʿ is not an Imām, not a scholar, and not fit to critique (ahl al-bidʿah), hoping to dismiss every criticism every levied by this noble Scholar. In this benefit, Abū al-Ḥasan Mālik sheds light on this sinister behaviour. In addition, Abū Khadījah recently blogged “Is Shaykh Rabīʿ a Scholar of this Era?” Pay attention to this audio clip and the blog posting. The people of trickery and deception never cease in their attempts to confuse.

In a follow up to this benefit, our noble brother, Abū al-ʿAbbās Mūsá authored a follow up audio Wednesday, 25th December 2013. 

Our teacher, Abū al-ʿAbbās provided the following notes on his lecture:

Building on the discussion of the topic by the virtuous Ustaath Abū al-Ḥasan Mālik (may Allāh preserve him upon goodness):

1- The “recent” audio is nothing new, rather it is about ten years old.

2- The shaykh has always advised his students in this manner.

3- Shaykh Rabīʿ constantly warns his students of ghulū regarding himself and any other scholar.

4- Shaykh Rabīʿ constantly warns his students against blind following him and other scholars.

5- Those who claim that Shaykh Rabīʿ has just now decided to shun excessive praises directed at him are oppressive liars who do not know what they are talking about.

6- The advice of Shaykh Rabīʿ to remain busy in beneficial matters has been taken to heart and acted upon by his students.

7- The reason why Shaykh Rabīʿ is defended so commonly is because of the excessive acts of oppressive accusations against him. The obsession with Shaykh Rabīʿ is what is found with the enemies of Salafīyyah, not its callers and defenders.

8- Another amazing example of how a scholar, al-Nawawī, rejected heavy praise, and how the people with fiqh in the Religion understood it.”

Published: December 25, 2013
Edited: April 3, 2023