Guidelines of Imam Abu Yusuf

Imam Abu Yusuf, may Allah have mercy on him, instructed scholars on several important matters, which are:

1. Prioritize seeking knowledge over everything else. When free, engage in earning a livelihood because both cannot be done simultaneously.
2. Maintain consistency between your inner and outer selves. Treat your relationship with God as you portray it to others. In other words, be genuine rather than putting on a facade.
3. When visiting a city, meet the scholars in such a way that they do not feel competition (i.e., exercise humility in displaying knowledge).
4. Exercise caution in scholarly discussions, speak thoughtfully, and refrain from stating anything for which you have no evidence.
5. When engaged in scholarly discussions, maintain composure and courage. Avoid being fearful, as it clouds the mind and hinders articulate speech.
6. Refrain from engaging in discussions with those who lack etiquette in scholarly gatherings and only seek argumentation.
7. Never speak ill of your teachers, as your students may follow your example. Continuously pray for forgiveness for your teachers.
8. Show love and compassion to your students to the extent that observers believe they are your own offspring.
9. If granting permission to a student to teach, involve yourself in their lesson to evaluate their capabilities.
10. When asked a question, provide a concise answer. Avoid lengthy elaborations.
11. Be especially cautious of not displaying anger in scholarly gatherings, as this behavior is becoming increasingly common.
12. Refrain from discussing matters of religion and beliefs with the common people.
13. Continuously hold yourself accountable.
14. Preserve and safeguard knowledge.
15. Remember Allah frequently.
16. Perform worship more than the common people do, and ensure to worship in the mosque.
17. Stand for ablution upon hearing the call to prayer (Adhan), and head to the mosque immediately after ablution.
18. After every prayer, engage in reciting the Quran and remembrance of Allah.
19. Refrain from advancing to lead prayers until you are called upon.
20. Fast for two to four days every month and develop the habit of visiting graves to remind yourself of death.

Imam Abu Yusuf emphasizes the importance of performing optional prayers (Nawafil) in mosques rather than at home, to instill a sense of devotion among the people.

He suggests that the neglect of optional prayers is detrimental as it lacks visibility, unlike other forms of worship. Furthermore, he advises scholars to promote the practice of optional fasting (Nawafil Rozay) and highlights its significance in spiritual development.

Optional prayers are often overlooked despite their potential to nurture piety. They serve as a pathway to spiritual purity and naturally lead one away from sins, fostering a disdain for transgressions. This aversion to sin is divinely bestowed and acts as a shield against wrongdoing.

Just as we hear about the dietary habits of people in Southeast Asia consuming peculiar items, we should similarly understand the importance of optional prayers, which are often ignore.