The ink of a scholar is more weightier than the blood of a martyr
Is this narration authentic?
Answer
The preferred view is that this is actually the statement of Hasan Basri (rahimahullah), the famous Tabi’i and not a Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam)
(Mukhtasarul Maqasidil Hasanah, Hadith: 926)
Nevertheless, there are three points to bear in mind:
1. These words may still be quoted, but as the statement of Hasan Basri (rahimahullah).
2. The meaning of this is sufficiently supported by the statements of the Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum) and other sacred texts.
Therefore several ‘Ulama have said that seeking sacred knowledge is better than Jihad.
See Ma’alim Irshadiyyah, pgs.35-36.
3. The above refers to the excellence of acquiring sacred knowledge over voluntary jihad.
(Ma’alim Irshadiyyah, bottom of pg.35)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,
Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar