Question

What is the reference for this Hadith?

من طلب العلم لنفسه فالقليل منه يكفي، ومن طلب العلم لحوائج الناس فحوائج الناس كثيرة

 

Answer

This narration is recorded in Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam Ahmad as the statement of the famous saint, Malik ibn Dinar (rahimahullah).

Malik ibn Dinar (rahimahullah) said: “Whoever seeks knowledge to benefit himself only, then a little will be sufficient but whoever seeks knowledge so service the needs of the people, then the needs of the people are many.” [i.e. He will need to continue expanding his knowledge]

(Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam Ahmad: 1885. Also see: Jami’u Bayanil ‘Ilmi Wa Fadlihi: 885)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar