Tirmidhi

Explanation:
1:
Religious knowledge is to be acquired so that through it, the pleasure and approval of Allah may be attained. However, if the intention behind acquiring this knowledge is not the pleasure and approval of Allah, but rather the pursuit of status, position, or worldly gain, then the abode of such a person is Hell.

Note:
(There is a discontinuity (inqita‘) in the chain of narration between Khalid and Ibn ‘Umar radi Allahu anhuma.)

Commentary:

(1)
A person who acquires knowledge without sincerity generally has the very intentions mentioned in the hadith. Such a person, due to the crime of corrupt intention, will be deserving of the punishment of Hell.

(2)
Scholars who do not act upon their knowledge often continue to invent new issues so that the public may consider them scholars. Especially in those ijtihadi (jurisprudential) matters in which there has been disagreement among the Salaf (pious predecessors), or where an act is permissible in two ways and one of those ways has become prevalent, it is not commendable to rekindle disagreement in such matters. However, if a Sunnah (Prophetic practice) has been abandoned in society or a bid‘ah (innovation) has become widespread, then reviving that Sunnah and refuting the innovation is necessary.

(3)
If there is a need to mention a disputed issue at any place, it should be presented in such a manner that it does not involve the disparagement or insult of scholars who hold the other view. And if it comes to a debate or discussion with a scholar, then the entire respect of the interlocutor should be kept in mind, and the conversation should remain within the bounds of etiquette. Abusive language is not befitting the dignity of scholars; rather, such actions are a sign of insincerity.

(4)
Some people desire that their name becomes more famous among the public and that long and elaborate titles are written and spoken with their name, or that they attain a high position and rank in some religious or political organization. For this purpose, they adopt various tactics for self-promotion and for disparaging other scholars. All these actions are due to a lack of sincerity. Scholars should rigorously self-examine so that they may remain safe from the traps of Shaytan (Satan). In this regard, the study of “Talbis Iblis” (by Allamah Ibn al-Jawzi rahimahullah), “al-Da’ wa al-Dawa’” by Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, and other such books is beneficial.

(5)
Some researchers, based on supporting evidence, have declared this narration to be hasan (sound). For details, see: (al-Mishkat by al-Albani, Hadith: 225, 226). In addition, our esteemed researcher has also mentioned its supporting evidences in his research, but has not indicated their authenticity or weakness. In any case, the narration is authoritative due to its supporting evidences. And Allah knows best.