The Parting of Knowledge Begins with the Parting of Humility

In the Name of Allāh, the Ever Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy

Shaddād ibn Aws (رضي الله عنه) said to Jubayr ibn Nufayr (رحمه الله):

Shaddād ibn Aws (رضي الله عنه) said to Jubayr ibn Nufayr (رحمه الله): “Do you know what it means for knowledge to be lifted?”

Jubayr (رحمه الله) replied: “I do not know.”

Shaddād (رضي الله عنه) said: “The departure of its vessels.” (i.e., the death of scholars)

Shaddād (رضي الله عنه) continued: “And do you know which part of knowledge is the first to be lifted?”

Jubayr (رحمه الله) replied: “I do not know.”

Shaddād (رضي الله عنه) said: “Humility (خشوع), until you can hardly find anyone humble.”

_{Reference: Musnad Aḥmad, ḥadīth number 23990.}

Translated by Abū Dilāra Naief al-ʿAydarūs.