Question
What is the status of the following narration?
“When a scholar (‘aalim) passes away, Allah gives his knowledge a form. That form becomes his friend and companion till the day of Qiyamah and repels the vermin and pests from him.” (Daylami)
Answer
This narration has been cited in non primary sources and has been referenced to Al Firdaws of Daylami. I have not come across a chain to verify the authenticity.
(Refer: Sharhus Sudur, pg. 316)
The following Historical narration may be quoted instead:
Ka’b Al Ahbar said: “Allah ‘Azza Wa Jalla revealed to Musa (‘alayhis salam): ‘Seek [knowledge] and teach it to people, for I will certainly illuminate the grave of the teacher and the seeker so that they do not feel desolate.’”
(Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam Ahmad, Hadith: 353, Jami’u Bayanil ‘Ilmi Wa Fadlihi, Hadith: 324)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar