Question
Is this narration authentic and what is the translation
قال ابن مسعود كونوا ينابيع العلم مصابيح الهدى أحلاس البيوت سرج الليل جدد القلوب خلقان الثياب تعرفون في أهل السماء وتخفون في أهل الأرض
Answer
Imam Darimi and Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abid Dunya (rahimahumallah) have recorded this statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Sunan Darimi, Hadith: 262 and At Tawadu’ Wal Khumul, Hadith: 11)
This narration has been transmitted with a chain that consists of a very weak narrator.
(Refer: Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 4, pg. 230, Tahdhibut Tahdhib, vol. 9, pg. 384 and Taqribut Tahdhib, number: 6203)
Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has recorded a slightly different version with a weak chain, but suitable to quote:
When ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) would see youngsters going out in the search of knowledge, he would say, “Welcome O springs/fountains of wisdom, [you are] lanterns of the dark, wearing simple/tattered clothing, softhearted, [clinging to your homes] and beautiful fragrance amidst all people”
كان عبد الله بن مسعود إذا رأى الشباب يطلبون العلم قال: ”مرحبا بكم ينابيع الحكمة، ومصابيح الظلمة، خلقان الثياب، جدد القلوب، حلس البيوت، ريحان كل قبيلة“
(Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 1600. Also see Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 1, pg. 77)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar