Al-Barr

How the scholars invoke Al-Barr.

1. "The hadith about the levels between the knowledgeable and the worshipper was reported by al-Asfahani and others, also with weak chains. The hadith "It was said, O Messenger of Allah, which deeds are best? was reported by Ibn Abd al-Barr from Anas with a weak chain. Lastly, the hadith about Allah resurrecting the scholars on the Day of Judgment was narrated by al-Tabarani from Abu Musa with a weak chain. The Virtue of Learning His dedication to learning made him lose awareness of worldly concerns, much like how overwhelming fear can numb the pain of real wounds."

   — Imam al-Ghazali, Book 1: The Book of Knowledge

2. "This is narrated by Malik in Al-Muwatta' as mursal from Ata ibn Yasar. Ibn Abd Al-Barr connected it in Al-Tamhid from Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri, including 'Ubadah ibn Kathir Al-Thaqafi, who is weak in hadith. Al-Bayhaqi has it from Abu Huraira: "Allah Almighty says, 'If I test My believing servant and he does not complain about Me to his visitors, I release him from my captivity, replace him with flesh better than his flesh and blood better than his blood, then I grant him to resume his deeds again,' and its chain is good.""

   — Imam al-Ghazali, Book 15: Friendship and Brotherhood

3. "The hadith of Muadh "Seek knowledge for indeed seeking it for Allah's sake is piety... is narrated in length by Abu Sheikh ibn Hibban in "Kitab al-Thawab" and Ibn Abd al-Barr mentioned its isnad is not strong. Regarding intellectual evidence, it is important to understand the virtue and preciousness of knowledge. Unless the virtue is understood intrinsically and its aim is realized, it is impossible to determine if it is a quality of knowledge or other traits."

   — Imam al-Ghazali, Book 1: The Book of Knowledge

4. "A hadith of a man approaching the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, asking to be taught unusual knowledge is reported by Ibn al-Sunni and Abu Nu'aym in their book "The Sporting," and by Ibn 'Abd al-Barr from Abdullah ibn al-Maswar as a mursal with a very weak chain. "Whoever places their trust in Allah, He is sufficient for them," as expressed in the divine verse, inspires me to place my trust in Allah, the Almighty, for He is sufficient for me."

   — Imam al-Ghazali, Book 1: The Book of Knowledge