Who is this attributed to?
الدنيا كلها جهل موات إلا العلم منها، والعلم كله حجة على الخلق إلا العمل به، والعمل كله هباء إلا الإخلاص منه، والإخلاص خطب عظيم لا يعرفه إلا الله عز وجل
Answer
Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) has recorded this as the statement of Sahl ibn ‘Abdillah At Tustari (rahimahullah).
(Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 6454. Also see: Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 10 pg. 194)
Translation
The entire world is ignorant and barren except for the knowledge in it, and knowledge will be used as a proof against the creation except that knowledge which was practiced upon, and knowledge which was practiced upon is useless unless accompanied with sincerity. Sincerity is a serious matter and only Allah Ta’ala is aware of this.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar