He replied: Such a ravi is better than thousand Abids[^6].

He replied: Such a ravi is better than thousand Abids[^6]. The Holy Prophet (S) has said: In life, Khair (betterment) is only for two types of people. (1) The Alim who is obeyed and (2) a person who listens carefully and obtains knowledge (Ilm)[^7]. Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) told Bashir Dahan: There is no betterment for those of my companions who do not obtain religious education. Bashir!

📌Remember, a person who does not learn Fiqh is dependant on others’ Ilm and people will lead him astray because of his ignorance[^8]. Suleman bin Ja’far has cited from Hazrat Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) that Amirul Mu’mineen (a.s.) has said: The status of an Alim is more than that of a person who is fasting, one who prays the whole night and one who fights in the way of Allah. The death of an Alim is an irreplaceable loss to Islam[^9].

Imam (a.s.) has stated: In the opinion of Iblis (Satan) there is no better death than that of an Alim[^10]. Hazrat Imam Moosa bin Ja’far (a.s.) has said: When a Mu’min dies, the angels in heaven, each and every place of worship and all the doors of heaven through which his good deeds used to soar, they all cry. It is a loss to Islam. The Alims of Mu’mins are the citadel of Islam just like the walls, which protect the city[^11].

Besides these, there are innumerable traditions, which are cited in the books of Ahadith (traditions). So my son, beware! Don’t let this big blessing, great status and source of much ‘thawab’ slip from your hands. Beware, in your anxiety for worldly wealth, don’t neglect religious education. On the contrary, to obtain religious education, be ready for poverty. In this way, you will obtain permanent wealth, honor and prestige.

If you have difficulty in earning your daily bread, remember the rewards and thawab in the next world. This will lighten all your troubles. Just look at all those people who left religious education and became busy amassing wealth. How happy and contented they are! They have been deprived of benefits of both the worlds. At least you are assured of benefits in the next world. Son, be contended. Don’t go after the show and splendor of the world.

This world has not appreciated the worth and dignity of the grandson of the Holy Prophet (S) Hazrat Imam Hussein (a.s.), then who are you? This world gave importance to Yazid over Imam Husain (a.s.). Don’t fall in love with this unfaithful and double-crossing world. It is against intelligence. Philosophers like Ibn al-Sina have strongly opposed it.

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