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AlGhazalisIhya-Book_of_knowledge, page : 93
Fathers, were still living. Whenever they were sought (for appointment as
judges), they would flee, disdaining (altogether such honor). Consequently the
caliphs were compelled to be insistent in their desire to appoint them as judges
and to delegate to them the power of government. Contemporaries were thus
awakened to the glory of the learned men who, while they paid no attention to the
caliphs and governors, were persistently sought by them. As a result these
contemporaries turned with their efforts towards knowledge, which they hoped to
acquire in order to attain power and glory through the solicitation of governors.
They bent themselves to the study of the science of legal opinions and offered
their services to governors from whom they sought office and rewards. In this
some failed while others met success, but those who were successful were not
free from the obsequiousness of begging and the servility of indebtedness.
Consequently the learned men, after having once been sought, have now
become job seekers, and after having once been proud of their indifference to
the sultans, have now become obsequious by waiting upon them. (This is true of
all) except the few learned men of religion whom Allah has blessed in every age.
judges), they would flee, disdaining (altogether such honor). Consequently the
caliphs were compelled to be insistent in their desire to appoint them as judges
and to delegate to them the power of government. Contemporaries were thus
awakened to the glory of the learned men who, while they paid no attention to the
caliphs and governors, were persistently sought by them. As a result these
contemporaries turned with their efforts towards knowledge, which they hoped to
acquire in order to attain power and glory through the solicitation of governors.
They bent themselves to the study of the science of legal opinions and offered
their services to governors from whom they sought office and rewards. In this
some failed while others met success, but those who were successful were not
free from the obsequiousness of begging and the servility of indebtedness.
Consequently the learned men, after having once been sought, have now
become job seekers, and after having once been proud of their indifference to
the sultans, have now become obsequious by waiting upon them. (This is true of
all) except the few learned men of religion whom Allah has blessed in every age.