Fear of Allah is the highest wisdom

Speech delivered by Shaykh Said Afandi al-Chirkawi at graduation ceremony of Nur al-Irshad Islamic institute, 30 June 2006.

They say, “Whoever makes his best surely achieves success”. We can witness today how true those words are. How old is Aslauddin? He is 53! We should probably take his photo and write articles for As-Salam and Nur al-Islam papers. His example vividly proves that Allah gives anything to those who do their best! At the age of 53 he is a student! Late Patal Hajji once told me a similar story. When studying in Karakhi, he got to know an `alim who started studying `ilm at 50. He became a good `alim! Never give up studying because of age. If you can learn a letter, do it. We have got possibilities nowadays. May Allah help us!

I have very special feelings for the young people who graduated this year. I had this thought: “Oh Allah! I wish I were one of them and could follow the knowledge they have!” I am a little jealous and even feel tears in my eyes. There was nothing like this, when we were growing up. Just a few people were praying. A person performing his daily prayers was like an angel for us.

The people who had a chance to study here and to graduate are very special creatures of Allah. They are lucky. We must thank Allah for this. There are a lot of institutions, but this one gave you the true knowledge of pure madhab. Allah gave you the knowledge of pure madhab with the help of true books of true `ulama. Allah gave you the knowledge and now you are in charge, remember this.

Angel Azrael will not wonder about your diplomas, when he comes for your soul. Neither will Munkar and Nakir. When you enter the bridge of Sirat, again nobody will ask you about your diploma. They will ask you about your deeds. The fear of God is the highest wisdom. There is no use of your knowledge without your deeds.

A lot of students have graduated here already. And there is no one complaining about them. Everyone is satisfied with them and thanks us. May Allah help you, so that people will thank you, too!

And here is one more example. `Alibulat’s son from Khasavyurt graduated last year. He was sent to the village of Gogotl, Shamilski district. He had worked there for about a year, when some children from this village won the first prize in regional ilm competition. Just think about it. These children took the first place while they competed with the kids from such famous villages as Batlukh, `Asab and others. These villages have their own madrasahs and ulama, but they lagged behind.

This is an evidence of young Imam’s great abilities, is it not? I wish you could see how happy their Jamaat was! I was about to cry with joy when I saw this! May Allah help you to become the joy for your Jamaats! There is already nothing left for me to say. May Allah grant Barakah to your diplomas and help you to perform your duties! May Allah make you the `ulama of the Akhirat and reward you, your students and your teachers!