I remember, while studying in Jordan, some years back an incident that made me smile. You know the phrase ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’? Well I say don’t judge a person by his/ her appearance especially if they happen to be people of righteousness and knowledge (i.e Shuyukh).

The scenario is as follows:

The University’s kulliatus Shari’ah (Shari’ah faculty) has Shuyukh (teachers and professors) from various backgrounds, madhabs and different schools in creed (off course all are part of the broad spectrum of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Gama’ah). The students at the faculty of shari’ah were also from various backgrounds. Some were from the Sufi school; some from the Ikhwani School, while (a significant number) were from the Salafi School.

The University teaches primarily the Shafi’ school of thought and comparative fiqh (fiqhul muqaranah). Many of the teachers and students were from the Asha’ri school in creed.

One particular teacher, whom the students used to regard high for his knowledge and piety, stood out as being one of the most esteemed and qualified person at the University. One of the beautiful things I liked about him is that he always had a smile on his face. He always wore the typical Shaykhi attire from the Middle East; a shimagh (white or red scarves for men), long thawbs, and his glasses. When you look at him you will automatically assume he is from Saudi Arabia, his clothes do give that impression.

At the beginning of an academic year we had new students from various countries and backgrounds enrolling at the University. When some of them found out that many of the Shuyukh were from the Asha’ri school in creed they became very saddened and upset. They began to search for and distinguish the Ikhwani teachers from the Salafi teachers etc. This is what happened when they approached the Shaykh (May Allah preserve him):

Students: Assalamu ‘Alaikum Shaykh

Shaykh: Wa ‘alaykumussalam, marhaban

Students: How are you Shaykh?

Shaykh: All praise is due to Allah, I am well.

Students: Shaykh, may we ask you some questions?

Shaykh: Marhaban, please do.

Students: Is it true that the University teaches Ash’ari creed in the attributes of Allah

Shaykh: Yes but we teach all the madhahib

Students: SubhanAllah Shaykh, we heard that many of the teachers here do ta’weel of the verses and Ahadith pertaining to the names and attributes of Allah.

Shaykh: Yes that is true

Students: How is that possible? This is not right.

Shaykh: What is wrong with doing ta’weel of the attributes of Allah? Many great scholars of the Salaf traversed this path.

The students thought that the Shaykh would be against ta’weel just because he wore certain attire which, in their eyes, only teachers who follow the Salafi creed would put on. Off course the student realised that the Shaykh was not exactly what they expected but this did not deter them from learning from him.

The lesson is that we should not judge anyone because of what they wear or how they look. I have met many people who do not have beards, who wear shirts and ties but their knowledge and piety is on the same level or more with those people who dress ‘Islamically’ so to speak. I mean, would it be so outrageous if a Salafi (in creed) were to wear trousers and ties?