كمال الفتى بالعلم لا بالمناصب

A man's perfection lies in knowledge, not in political offices; the rank of the people of knowledge is the loftiest of ranks.

They inherited the knowledge of the prophets, so every nocturnal traveler and wanderer was guided by them.

There is no true glory without inheriting the law of Ahmad, and no distinction without acquiring virtues.

Through scholarly inquiry, meticulous scrutiny, the clarification of complex puzzles, the formulation of proofs, and the refutation of opponents.

They are arbiters of the Book and the Sunnah, which came from a Messenger belonging to the lineage of Lu'ayy ibn Ghalib.

This man has allied himself with the sciences, and because of them, all absolute darkness has been illuminated for him.

Every doubt and suspicion is swept away from him, and beams of light shine upon him from every direction.

It is the supreme rank that elevates its people to a resting place stationed above the celestial spheres.

So take hold of it if you are a seeker of right guidance, that you might attain the best hoped-for reward in this life and the next.

Never equate wealth, elevated social standing, leveled lances, or sharp flashing swords with knowledge.

Imagine your worldly life turning its back on you—do not fret, for in exchange you have been granted pure, unclouded springs.

What is the worth of this lowly world, what is the worth of its people, and what is the worth of childish play or alluring maidens?

When you weigh the sciences against worldly things using a sound intellect and a true, correct mind.

No transient pleasure or acquired livelihood remains; only knowledge stands higher than all other earnings.