Among shortcomings in seeking knowledge is that a student of knowledge knows nothing about the story of Nooh or any of the prophets mentioned in the Qur’aan in detail, or their order. This means that he is completely heedless of the stories of the prophets although they are present in the Qur’aan and their stories contain benefit, not merely for passing time but, indeed, for learning lessons. Allaah said,
{لَقَدْ كَانَ فِى قَصَصِهِمْ عِبْرَة}
“There was certainly in their stories a lesson…” (Yoosuf 111)
Also, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khatt-ttaab (may Allaah be pleased upon him) said, ‘Indeed, the Children of Israa’eel have passed away, and what you hear now refers to you!’ (Al-Durr Al-Manthoor, AS-Suyooty, 1:273). Thus, if we regard what we read the stories mentioned by Allaah about them and the fate of previous nations, like we read human history, that is a problem. True, there is mental enjoyment, information and recreation in this, it nevertheless contains moral lessons and admonishment. Qur’aanic stories are among the most important concerns for students of knowledge, and if people were to heed was mentioned by the trustworthy and versed scholars who explain the Qur’aan, and referred to some of the reliable books of history, such asAl-Bidaayah wa AN-Nihaayah by Ibn Katheer or ATt-Ttabary’s Taarikh, they would have gained great benefit. Through knowing such stories, more meanings of the Qur’aan would have become clearer because the stories of the prophets with their nations, and what happened to them occupies a large part of the Qur’aan. Some stories are repeateda number of times, and in each time, there are many benefits not found in others. Hence, a student of knowledge should be concerned with achieving this knowledge.