As Salaamu Alaikum,
Its been a very long time since I posted anything on this blog, I don't know if anyone even reads it, khair Insha'Allah, I always keep hearing this story of Imaam Ghazzali (Rahmatullahi Alayh) and I thought I should share it with my friends its such a staunch lesson for all of us students of knowledge.Duas requested
Ma'salaamah
The experience of Imam Ghazali (Rahmatullahi Alayh) is a valuable lesson for anyone especially those in search of knowledge. Ayuhatullab! Listen carefully!
Having completed his studies, Imam Ghazali (Rahmatullahi Alayh) was en route back home. On the way the caravan in which he was travelling was waylaid by robbers. Together with his co-travellers, Imam Ghazali (Rahmatullahi Alayh) was dispossessed of all his goods. Amongst his possessions were the carefully written notes of the lectures delivered by his ustads. These notes were also taken by the robbers. Imam Ghazali (Rahmatullahi Alayh) sought out the leader of the band of robbers and pleaded with him: "Your men have taken all my possessions except for the clothes I wear. You may keep the extra clothes and other valuables - I do not lament their loss. However, please ask your men to return the papers they have taken."
The leader of the band of robbers was amazed at this unusual request. This young man was not worried about clothes and valuables, but he was asking for some pieces of paper to be returned!
Very curious, he asked: "What papers are these?"
Imam Ghazali (Rahmatullahi Alayh) explained: "I am a student returning home after completing my studies. When my teachers used to lecture, I used to make notes. These are those very pages of 'ilm that I am requesting to be returned to me."
The leader of the robbers said, "What you have just said fills me with great sorrow and regret. Young lad! Is your 'ilm on pieces of paper when it should have been in your heart? Papers can get lost. Papers can be destroyed by fire, become parched by the sun, get eaten by moths, become damaged with damp, etc., etc. You are dependent on papers? It fills me with great pity. Your 'ilm should be in your heart! Be that as it may, your papers will be returned."
He summoned one of his men and ordered him, "Give back to this boy his papers." The notes were retrieved and returned to Imam Ghazali (Rahmatullahi Alayh).
Imam Ghazali (Rahmatullahi Alayh) was of noble character. He was, moreover, a dedicated student. The words of the gang-leader were like a knife piercing his heart. On reaching home, he lost no time in memorising all his notes!
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