In this essay, Dr. Saleh As-Saleh shows the categories of people regarding elm (knowledge) as Imam Ibn Al-Qayyem mentioned when he explained the following hadith in his book entitled, "The Key for the abode of Happiness". The Prophet (peace be upon Him) said, "The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. (And) another portion of it was hard and held the rain water and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the land for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits). The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah’s religion and gets benefit (from the knowledge) which Allah has revealed through me (the Prophet) and learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah’s guidance revealed through me (He is like that barren land.)" (Bukhari, v. 1, Book 1, Hadeeth 79).
