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