May Allah Ta’alamake Rasulullah (sallellaho alaihe wasallam) happy with the talk which we delivered today about the greatness of the ‘ulamâ’ because Rasulullah (sallellaho alaihe wasallam) becomes happy when respect is shown to the ‘ulamâ’. Rasulullah (sallellaho alaihe wasallam) said that the person who does not show respect to the ‘ulamâ’ is not of us. Just ponder over this! Allah Ta’alaconferred much greatness on the ‘ulamâ’. Imam Râzî rahimahullâh quotes a Hadîth on the merits of knowledge in his Tafsîr Kabîr which states that Allah Ta’alawill stop the ‘ulamâ’ at the doors of Paradise and say to them:

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“Do not enter Paradise at present. [Stand here and] intercede in favour of whomever you like.”

In other words, Allah Ta’alawill personally say: “O honourable ‘ulamâ’! We blessed you with the wealth of knowledge. You may intercede and We will accept your intercession.” Now look at what a great thing this is! The ‘ulamâ’ are the inheritors of the Prophets (Alaihimus salaam). A Hadîth states that none except three types of people shall receive the right of intercession: the Prophets (Alaihimus salaam), the ‘ulamâ’ and the martyrs.