Few Attain Excellence in Ḥadīth: Lessons from the Early Scholars – al-Khaṭīb al-Baghdadī

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Shuʿayb ibn Ḥarb (d. 197 AH / 812 CE) said: “There were four thousand of us studying ḥadīth, but none except four became proficient.”

Abū Dāwūd Sulaymān ibn Dāwūd al-Ṭayālisī (d. 204 AH / 819 CE) said: “I was once standing at the door of Shuʿbah, while the mosque was filled with students. Shuʿbah then came out, leaned on me, and said, ‘O Sulaymān, do you think all of them will become scholars of ḥadīth?’ I replied, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Correct. Not even five of them will become scholars.’ I said, ‘Not even five?’ He replied, ‘Yes. One of them seeks knowledge in his youth, then abandons it when he grows older. Another seeks knowledge in his youth, then indulges in sin when he becomes older.’ Abū Dāwūd al-Ṭayālisī said: ‘He continued mentioning other matters.’ Then he added: ‘I later investigated and found that not even five of them became scholars.’”

Al-Firyābī (Muḥammad ibn Yūsuf, d. 212 AH / 827 CE) said: “Sufyān al-Thawrī (d. 161 AH / 778 CE) once said to me, while people were gathered around him: ‘O Muḥammad, do you see all these people? Look how many they are. A third of them will die, a third will abandon what they are hearing, and from the remaining third only a few will become highly competent.’”

Isrāʾīl ibn Yūnus (d. 160 AH / 777 CE) said: “Students of ḥadīth gathered in vast numbers during the time of al-Aʿmash (Sulaymān ibn Mihrān, d. 148 AH / 765 CE). It was said to him, ‘O Abū Muḥammad, do you not see how numerous they are?’ He replied: ‘Do not look at their numbers. A third of them will die, a third will become occupied with work, and from every hundred of the remaining third, only one will succeed.’”

Translator – These narrations from the early scholars of Islam illustrate a profound reality regarding the path of sacred knowledge. Although large numbers may begin the journey of seeking ḥadīth and religious learning, only a small minority persevere with sincerity, discipline, and righteousness until they attain true proficiency. Their statements demonstrate that mere attendance, memorisation, or enthusiasm in youth does not guarantee lasting success. Many abandon knowledge due to worldly preoccupations, personal desires, or spiritual weakness. Others are diverted by sin, heedlessness, or lack of perseverance. Only those who combine sincerity (ikhlāṣ), patience (ṣabr), righteous conduct, and consistent effort are granted lasting benefit. These reports also serve as a warning against being deceived by large numbers and outward appearances. True success in knowledge is not measured by crowds, certificates, or popularity, but by steadfastness upon the truth and sincere adherence to the Sunnah.

For the student of knowledge, these accounts encourage humility, self-accountability, and renewed intention. They remind him that the path is long, demanding, and selective, and that only those who remain sincere to Allah ﷻ and committed to righteous action will be granted excellence and acceptance.