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Abu Hurayrah who spent the most time with Allah’s
Messenger acquired the most knowledge from him. Narrated
Abu Hurayrah , “The people used to say, ‘Abu Hurayrah
narrates too many narrations’. In fact, I used to keep close to
Allah’s Messenger and was satisfied with what filled my
stomach.” 526 In this narration Abu Hurayrah explains that the
reason behind his exemplary knowledge of Hadeeth is that he
spent most of his time with Allah’s Messenger memorizing his
sayings, and not being bothered with seeking better livelihood.
Furthermore, Allah’s Messenger said: “Knowledge is acquired
by studying.” 527 And this is how the knowledge of the Qur’aan
and the Sunnah has been transmitted from generation to
generation, by memorization and writing. Allah’s Messenger
said: “May Allah brighten a man, who hears my words and then
delivers it to others.” 528 And he said: “Behold! Let him who is
present convey (my words) to him who is not present.” 529
Ironically, even the knowledge of Deoband, its Shaikhs, their
biographies, their Mubashshirat, etc., etc., have been transmitted
from one generation to the next in this same way and not by
Tawajjuh – else there would be no real need for compiling books
and establishing Madrasas (schools).
Tasawwur-e-Shaikh
This is another concept related to knowledge and Sufism.
Accordingly, a Sufi’s entire concentration is focused upon his
Shaikh, to the extent of that he experiences the presence of his
Shaikh at all times.
Tawajjuh and Tasawwur-e-Shaikh are similar concepts. In Tawajjuh,
the Shaikh miraculously transfers his knowledge to his disciples
(Mureeds) simply by concentrating upon them. In Tasawwur-e-
526 Saheeh al-Bukharee, vol.5, p.47, no.57.
527 Silsilatul-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah (1/605/342).
528 Sunan Ibn Majah (Eng. Trans.), vol. 1, no.230.
529 Sunan Ibn Majah (Eng. Trans.), vol. 1, no.234.
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