Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The example of the scholars on earth is that of the stars in the sky, by which guidance is sought in the darkness of land and sea. When the stars are extinguished (that is, hidden), it is likely that the guides will go astray."
Ahmad recorded it; its chain contains Rishdin bin Sa'd, about whose use as evidence there is disagreement, and Abu Hafs, the student of Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), is also majhul (unknown). And Allah knows best.
Hadith Referenceمجمع الزوائد ومنبع الفوائد / كتاب العلم / 489
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:إسنادہ ضعیف
Hadith Takhrij«أورده المؤلف فى كشف الاستار 157/3 اورده المؤلف فى زوائد المسند 175 ، أخرجه مسند أحمد برقم: 12189»