Sayings of Imam Al-Shafi’i

Sayings of Imam Al-Shafi’i

We present to you a collection of notable sayings attributed to Imam Al-Shafi’i:

• Though the land of Allah is vast, when destiny befalls, space becomes constricted.
• In any situation, you are receiving favors, for favor is only for the one who gives it generously.
• A wise and devout person is occupied with their own shortcomings, just as a sick person is preoccupied with their own pain, ignoring the suffering of others.
• Those who hear with their ears become narrators; those who listen with their hearts become aware; and those who teach through their actions become guides.
• It is better for me to earn my livelihood through dancing than through religion.
• Travel far from your homeland in pursuit of excellence, for there are five benefits in travel: the alleviation of worries, the acquisition of sustenance and knowledge, the acquisition of etiquette, and the companionship of noble individuals.
• Can we not be brothers, even if we disagree on certain matters?
• The satisfaction of people is an unattainable goal, and there is no escape from the chatter of society, so adhere to what benefits you and remain committed to it.
• A scholar should be unpretentious so that he can be approached freely.
• He who gossips about you will gossip with others; he who conveys to you will likewise carry your words, and if you please him, he will falsely praise you; likewise, if you anger him, he will speak ill of you.
• Of all oppressors, the worst is the one who humbles himself before those who do not honor him, seeks affection from those who offer no benefit, and accepts praise from the unknown.
• I humble myself to them yet honor myself, and I do not esteem a self that does not humble itself.
• If you fear pride in your deeds, remember for whom you seek approval, for what delight you yearn, and from whom you fear blame; then your actions will seem insignificant.
• When I forgave and held no grudges against anyone, I freed myself of the burdens of enmity; I greet my enemy upon their arrival, warding off harm with gestures of peace.
• The pursuit of knowledge is superior to additional voluntary prayers.
• Well did you think of the days when they were pleasant and feared not the mischief that fate brings. As peaceful days can turn dour, do not be misled by their serenity.
• The free individual is one who cherishes a moment of fellowship.
• Obey your mother and honor her; disrespecting her is among the greatest sins.

Wisdom of Imam Al-Shafi’i

Here are some pieces of wisdom from the words of Imam Al-Shafi’i:

• I know of no knowledge after the lawful and the unlawful that is nobler than medicine, except that the people of the book have outdone us in this science.
• It is not gentlemanly for a man to announce a tradition, as if he is young, he is belittled; if he is old, he is disregarded.
• What a terrible provision for the hereafter is unjustly treating fellow humans.
• I have the right to express my opinion, and others have the right to discuss it.
• If one wishes for enlightenment from Allah, they should refrain from speaking about matters that do not concern them.
• If you draw near to me, you will find my affection; if you distance yourself, you will meet me far away.
• Knowledge is divided into two: religious knowledge and worldly knowledge—religious knowledge is jurisprudence, while worldly knowledge pertains to medicine.
• When a loved one fell ill, I attended to them, and out of my fear for them, I fell ill. When the beloved recovered, I tended to them and was healed by merely looking at them.
• How many have been elevated by knowledge and how many have been diminished by ignorance without manners.
• He who is overwhelmed by intense desire for life is subjected to servitude to its possessors, while he who is content is freed from subjugation.
• There are three most difficult acts: generosity in times of scarcity, piety in solitude, and speaking the truth in the presence of those whose approval is sought and whose anger is feared.
• A person is free if they are content, yet a free man becomes a slave if he craves. So, be content and do not covet; there is no disgrace worse than greed.
• Allah created you free; be free as He made you.

Quotations from Imam Al-Shafi’i’s Sayings

Here are some remarkable quotations from Imam Al-Shafi’i:

• If you see a man walking on water or soaring through the air, do not be deceived by him until you have examined his actions against the Quran and the Sunnah.
• He who becomes angry and does not express it is akin to a donkey; he who seeks satisfaction but does not achieve it is like a devil.
• Nothing is greater after obligatory prayers than the pursuit of knowledge.
• People have not ceased to create innovations in religion based on their opinions, which the Prophets did not establish; thus, many disregard the faith of Allah.
• Do not shortchange your brother based on your trust in their friendship, nor should you present your face to those who would disdain your rejection.
• Each experience through life teaches me about my lack of understanding, and the more I learn, the more I realize my ignorance.
• The soul fears poverty, yet poverty is better than wealth that leads to arrogance; true wealth lies in sufficiency.
• Being too open with people invites bad company; being too withdrawn brings enmity. Therefore, balance between openness and withdrawal.
• Just as Allah provided for you yesterday, He will provide for you tomorrow.
• The outcome of undesirable matters can lead to beneficial ends; the days of hardship do not last forever, and neither do their trials.
• May Allah curse he who belittles them.
• When Allah closes a door before you, do not be troubled or resentful; sometimes, the closure is a blessing. Trust that another door will open that will ease your concerns.
• If a base person insults me, I rise in stature, as my only fault would be being compared to him.
• A person rises until their reputation is adorned with that which they have not done, while the unfortunate person, upon recognizing their flaws, suffers and loses everything they have not achieved.
• My opinion is correct but may be mistaken; the opinion of another is mistaken but may be correct.
• As your knowledge increases, your denial decreases.

Excerpts from the Words of Imam Al-Shafi’i

Here are some beautiful excerpts from the words of Imam Al-Shafi’i:

• There is no virtue in the affection of a fickle person who sways as the wind blows.
• Speak as you wish about my reputation, for my silence towards a vile person is my response. I am not devoid of replies, but what harm would come from a lion responding to barking dogs?
• He who has not tasted the bitterness of learning for an hour will endure the humiliation of ignorance for the rest of their life.
• A scholar is defined by their actions and morals, not merely by their words or speeches.
• When the foolish speaks, do not respond; silence is often better. If you engage, you may alleviate their burdens, but if you leave them to their own thoughts, they might perish in their folly.
• He who elevates himself beyond his true worth, Allah will return him to his rightful place.
• I rely on Allah for my sustenance, and I am certain that He is the source of my provision. No matter what sustenance I seek, I believe it will come to me, even if it lies in the depths of the vast oceans.
• The more you cling to someone, the more bitterness you’ll experience from that attachment, as Allah grows jealous of a heart that clings to anything but Him, guiding you back to Him.
• Learn as much as you can, so you may become a leader; do not remain ignorant and remain a captive. Learn a letter each day, for the ignorant are like donkeys.
• Three dangers threaten humanity: excessive drinking, excessive indulgence, and mixing different foods.
• Let the days do as they wish, and be at peace if destiny rules. Do not despair at the misfortunes of time, for worldly events do not last forever.
• If you achieve ninety-nine and miss just one, people will disregard your achievements and fixate on your single error.
• No blessing is evident in a community that neglects to uphold the rights of the weak.
• Do not carry a burden for those who offer no benefit to you; choose your own share of one’s life, and be patient, for patience is a shelter. The favors of men can weigh heavier on the heart than the thrust of a spear.
• I have observed that stagnant water becomes spoiled, but when it flows, it becomes pure. An animal does not succeed unless it separates from its den, and an arrow cannot hit without parting from the bow.