Non-practising scholars...

Non-practising scholars: Viewpoint of traditions It has been narrated from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.), One who earns knowledge so much that he encounters the ignorant, or flaunts with the scholars, or invites people toward himself and imagines himself to be a leader and finally lands himself in Hell is not fit for any leadership, except for only his family.

So if a man draws people to himself even if among them there is a wiser person who is wiser than him, God will not shed His Mercy on such person. 2 - It has been narrated from Amirul Mo-mineen (a.s.), Anyone who makes himself a leader of people must, before teaching others, teach himself. Thereafter he should discipline the society through his own behaviour. Only after that he should teach others through his tongue.

One who teaches and disciplines himself is more respectable and more honourable than one who teaches and disciplines people and forgets himself. 3 - It is narrated from Hazrat Ali (a.s.), How many are the learned men whose character and ignorance destroyed them and who did not benefit from their learning. 4 - In one of his sermons delivered from the pulpit Amirul Mo-mineen (a.s.) said, O people! Whenever you learn something, act according to it so that you may be guided.

A learned man who acts against his knowledge is like a wandering ignorant who has not come to his senses but has proved that he is worse than a wandering ignorant and both are fruitless failures. 5 - Sulaim bin Qais says, I heard from Amirul Mo-mineen (a.s.) who had quoted the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) that, The wise are of two kinds: 1 -Scholars who act according to their knowledge. Obviously this is the kind which is successful.

2 - A scholar who does not act according to his knowledge - All the dwellers of Hell are troubled by the foul smell emanating from the scholar without good deeds. Among the people of Hell more ashamed and more disappointed is a man who invited others to himself in the world, who respond to his call and by their good deeds go to Paradise but he himself due to his inaction, lust, passion and worldly longings goes to Hell.

Following ones own lust and passion prevents man from treading the true path and his lengthy aspirations make him forget the Day of Judgement. 6 - It is recorded from Amirul Mo-mineen (a.s.) that he said, Two types of people have broken my back: 1 - A sinner scholar who speaks nicely. 2 - Unwise and foolish people.