Listening – A requirement for knowledge and guidance
Shaykh-ul-Hadith, Mawlana Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (may Allah protect him)
6-27-2018
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The great muhaddith and faqih (jurist), Sufyan Ibn ‘Uyaynah (Allah grant him mercy) states:
The first step towards acquiring ‘ilm (knowledge) is istima‘ i.e. listening attentively, then to understand, then to memorise/remember, then to act upon it and propagate.
The importance of listening with full attention is the first step and an essential requisite for success in acquiring ‘ilm, which is the prerequisite to acting according to the commands of the Creator. It is for this reason that Allah Most
High used the word istima‘ (listening with intent) instead of sam‘ (merely to listen with or without intention), followed by the word insat (to become silent), when stating the adab (proper manner) of listening to the Qur’an in the following verse:
When the Qur’an is recited, listen to it attentively and be silent, so that you may be showered with mercy. (7:204)
Allah Most High has promised to bestow His Mercy upon those who listen attentively, which will manifest in the form of the ability to abstain from wrong and engage in good deeds. Allah Most High states:
..those who listen to the word attentively (of Allah Most High and His Rasul (PBUH), and follow (it, knowing that it is) the best of it (of all speech). These are the ones whom Allah has guided, and these are the ones who possess (true) intelligence (wisdom). (39:18)
The importance of istima‘ can be further understood by how Allah Most High addressed Musa (PBUH) when sending revelation to him. Allah Most High states:
I have chosen you (for prophethood), so listen attentively to what is revealed. (20:13)
The commentators of the Qur’an have mentioned that when Musa (PBUH) was commanded that he should listen attentively to what is revealed to him, he stood on a rock, leaning against another, placed his right hand over his left, dropped his chin on his chest and stood listening attentively.
From the above it is clear how important it is to listen attentively when seeking knowledge or listening to a discourse: only those people will genuinely benefit who listen attentively with sound understanding.
How to Listen Attentively
The pious predecessors have defined the term istima‘ in detail. Wahb Ibn Munabbih (Allah grant him mercy) further explains the essence of istima‘ by stating that it comprises of the following:
Keeping the body motionless.
A person should not engage any part of his body in anything whilst listening. He should become motionless. Fidgeting, playing around with clothes and other such actions dilute the concentration one needs when listening to religious discourses and lessons. The Sahabah (Allah be pleased with them), when in the company of Rasulullah (PBUH), would sit so still that they were described with the phrase, “as if birds were sitting on their heads.” If a bird was to sit on a person and he desired that it does not fly away, he will need to be extremely still. This was the condition of the Sahabah (Allah be pleased with them) whilst sitting in the company of Rasulullah (PBUH) and listening to him.
Lowering the gaze.
In essence, lowering the gaze means that one should not be distracted by anything and be totally focused towards the lesson being imparted. Hence, a person needs to abstain from looking here and there. Focusing in a manner which will prevent one from being distracted is essential to listening attentively. This can be achieved by either looking down or at the speaker. Furthermore, it portrays interest to the speaker which will further enhance the quality of delivery.
Attention of the ears.
During the discourse or lesson, a person should lend his ears only to the speaker.
Attention of the mind.
Whilst listening, the mind should also be alert and attentive. Being preoccupied or thinking about other things will be a hindrance in giving the required attention. It is for this reason students are advised to disengage from all such activities and devices which occupy the mind.
Firm intention to act.
If a person does not intend to act upon the knowledge being imparted, his attention will not always be completely focused. Having a firm intention to practice will motivate a person to focus on everything being said.
When a person adopts such a manner of listening then he will fulfil the requisites of istima‘ and gain the Pleasure of Allah Most High. Allah Most High will in return, grant him the correct understanding of knowledge and enlighten his heart with a special Nur (light). Consequently, he will become from those who have been guided and granted a deep level of understanding, i.e. wisdom, as stated in the verse of the Glorious Qur’an:
..those who listen to the word attentively (of Allah Most High and His Rasul (PBUH), and follow (it, knowing that it is) the best of it (of all speech). These are the ones whom Allah has guided, and these are the ones who possess (true) intelligence (wisdom). [39:18]
May Allah Most High grant us the tawfiq (success/ability) to implement the act of listening attentively so that we may acquire true benefit from religious discourses and lessons. Amin.
© Riyadul Jannah (Vol. 25 No. 9, September 2016)
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