BENEFIT 396: Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Sheikh Yahya hafidahullah said: The Prophet ﷺ would teach certain supplications to some individuals, yet these supplications were intended for the entire Ummah. For instance, he taught Al-Hasan a particular supplication, not as something exclusive to him but as a means of conveying guidance for the entire Ummah. Similarly, he instructed Mu’ādh to say after every prayer: ((اللهم أعني على ذكرك وشكرك وحسن عبادتك)) "O Allāh, help me to remember You, be grateful to You, and worship You in the best manner." This was not meant for Mu’ādh alone but for all Muslims, as it is a significant and profound supplication. Likewise, he taught Al-‘Abbās to say: ((اللهم اغفر لي وارحمني واهدني وعافني وارزقني)) "O Allāh, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, grant me well-being, and provide for me." In another narration, he said, ((...اهدني وسددني...)) "Guide me and set my affairs straight." He also taught Ibn Mas‘ūd the Tashahhud, as he said: "...while my hands were placed between his palms (ﷺ): ((التحيات لله...)) 'All salutations belong to Allāh…'" and then narrated the full supplication. Likewise, he taught Ubayy (the Sūrah): {لم يكن الذين كفروا من أهل الكتاب} "Those who disbelieve among the People of the Book…" And he taught Ibn ’Abbās when he said to him, "I will teach you some statements:" ((احفظ الله يحفظك، احفظ الله تجده تجاهك...)) "Be mindful of Allāh, and He will protect you. Be mindful of Allāh, and you will find Him before you..." This shows that instructing one person serves as a means of educating the entire Ummah and spreading knowledge. Do not belittle/underestimate (the fruits of) teaching a single person, particularly one who is diligent in seeking knowledge. Rather, such an individual may become a more effective transmitter of knowledge than those before him. As the Prophet ﷺ said, "Perhaps a recipient of knowledge conveys it to someone with deeper understanding." Similarly, "Perhaps someone carrying jurisprudence is not themselves a jurist." ➡️@almanhajussalafi