I’ve been asked about my toughest subject during my journey seeking knowledge thus far. Along with this question- is the famous question about my most memorable teacher.

Its really tough for me to answer the latter question (regarding the most memorable teacher), however if I was to amalgamate the two questions together within one context; I’d say comfortably that the toughest subject I’ve come across is a science called illal alHadeeth which is a Hadeeth related science dealing with subtle discreprecies/issues with the chain/s and/or text/s of a narration.

It requires one to really develop the ability to audit hadeeth content diligently, with a precision requiring much strength, and I recall how drained I’d feel after each lesson related to the practical side of this subject especially. It really made me love deeper the Hadeeth Giants from our history, such as Imam Ali bin alMadeeni, Imam albukhari, Imam Muslim, Imam ibn Abi alHaatim, and others.

Don’t get me wrong; it’s not an impossible subject to study, and with time things do get more manageable. It’s just that it does require intense discipline, starting with discipline in one’s intentions.

As for the 2nd question; then given the context of this post, he would have to be, hands down, our Sheikh Abdullah bin Abdur-Rahman asSa’d (may Allah preserve him).

His In-depth knowledge of the science from both a theoretical and practical perspective is just phenomenal, beyond my ability to fully describe, and along with this abundant knowledge, he possesses exemplary character which in a way inspires a process of transformation within a student of knowledge.

The day I leave Riyadh and the borders of KSA, there will be so much to miss. Allahul Musta’aan.

May Allah preserve our teachers in His obedience and increase our knowledge. Ameen.