Taking knowledge step by step

 

Sheikh Yahya Al Hajoori  (حفظه الله) said: 

Taking knowledge step by step is from the means of seeking knowledge, and it is upon the teacher to take his brothers and students step by step by giving everyone their rights; by giving the beginners their rights and those who are more advanced their rights.

Then, what is most important for a student is to place emphasis upon his manners and behaviour , for this is from the matters of taking knowledge step by step. It is not beneficial that one seeks knowledge of Mustalah and he doesn’t know what is tied to these essential matters from reading in the books of the mannerisms of the students of knowledge. For verily reading in them benefits the student much even in your seeking knowledge and clarifying to you how to seek knowledge. And this is from the first steps – i.e. knowing what being a student of knowledge is. And the Aalim is not independent of this and the guidance is with Allaah سُبحانه وتعالى.

We advise you to take knowledge step by step, beginning with that which is easy then that which proceeds it.  For example in Mustalah ,you begin with Baiqooneeyah memorizing it and learning it with one who teaches it simply. And in Tajweed you begin with what is easy for you by a teacher who will teach you tajweed, make you understand some of its ruling with simple understanding and listening to some of those who are proficient in reading. And like this you learn writing if you are unable to do so and also Imlaa (how to use punctuation marks and the Hamza in particular) and you learn both because they are from each other.

And in Tawheed you may learn the three principles and the beneficial statements and also Mabaadi Al Mufeedah. All these are easy to understand and memorize. And from them are Ahadeeth and Ayaat and there is no hardship in them. And if you learn these, all the other books are readable. And also Lum’ah Al Ittiqaad remains in one’s mind because of its simplicity and understanding and also these beginner’s books make other books easy and helps you to understand them. 

And also with regards to inheritance it is recommended to take Rahibeeyah and memorize and learn it or to learn Ar-Raaid. And these are from the easy books that are specific in mentioning the rulings. As for Maths and other than this, it can make the beginner tired but he understands what he can and tries to understand and learn from those who understand the lessons and summarizes it.

As for Usuul one can memorize Nadhm Al Imriiti for Waraqaat. It is an easy beautiful poem… it doesn’t have difficulty in it. And also learning the book Al Usuul Min Ilm Al Usool by Sheikh Salih Al Uthaimeen (may Allaah have mercy on him.) It is a beneficial book for beginners and easy upon them. And he has printed on it a wider scope of explanation for those who wish to seek more information.

And it is also upon the student to examine his level and seek advice from those who are more knowledgeable and have a better understanding. He should inquire as to what they should begin with and afterward take knowledge level by level.

In Nahuw you take Ajroomiyyah or Mulha Al I’raab for it is easy… and they have a very detailed explanation of it. Then you go to Mutammimah after Ajroomiyyah and after Mutammimah you go to Qatr An Nadaa. And like this one takes it step by step. However, if one goes immediately to high level books such as Qatr, this will not give you understanding and will make you tired. Also it would be difficult upon you.