Question
What is the meaning of this quote?
وقال أبو بكر: الدخول في العلم سهل والخروج منه إلى الله شديد
Answer
‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has cited this as the statement of Imam Abu Bakr ibn ‘Ayyash (rahimahullah).
Imam Abu Bakr ibn ‘Ayyash (rahimahullah) said: “Entering into knowledge is easy, but exiting from it to Allah is difficult.”
(Siyaru A’lamin Nubala, vol. 8, pg. 503)
This quote seems to mean that it is easy to start learning and acquiring knowledge, but it’s much harder to properly apply that knowledge in a way that pleases Allah. Imam Abu Bakr ibn ‘Ayyash (rahimahullah) is pointing out that true religious knowledge isn’t just about collecting information; rather, it is about allowing that knowledge to genuinely guide you toward Allah Ta’ala.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar
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التخريج من المصادر العربية
سير أعلام النبلاء: (٨/ ٥٠٣)
وعن أبي بكر بن عياش، قال: الدخول في العلم سهل، لكن الخروج منه إلى الله شديد.