Seeking Knowledge
THE SEEKING KNOWLEDGE IS OBLIGATORY FOR EVERY MUSLIM Tirmidhi/Ibn Majah
What is knowledge?
Knowledge is the noblest thing that one can ask for, and the best thing a seeker can strive to attain. Knowledge consists of many branches, but according to the scholars of Islam: “What is meant by knowledge in the absolute sense is Islamic Knowledge.” i.e. what “ Allaah said….” And “ The Messenger ﷺ said…”, which is called ‘Ilm-e-Sharah. It is the knowledge of the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ and all that assists it’s understanding (e.g.: the sayings of the Sahabah رضي الله عنه. This is the intended meaning of knowledge in the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ.
Shaykh al-Isalm Ibn Taymiyyahرحمة الله عليه says “…the source of all good and blessings is that one seeks help from Allaah in acquiring knowledge inherited from the Prophet ﷺ, because that is what is truly fit to be named knowledge. Anything else is either not knowledge at all, even though people call it so, or it is knowledge which is not beneficial knowledge, in which case it is necessarily true that there exists in the inheritance of Muhammad ﷺ that which replaces it, being similar to it or better than it. Thus, the person's effort should be to understand the purposes of the Messenger ﷺ in his commands, prohibitions and his various other sayings.” [Abul `Aasim al-Qaasim bin Yoosuf bin Muhammad at-Tajeebee as-Sabtee al-Maghribee]
Muadh Ibn Jabal رضي الله عنه, who was praised by the Prophet of Allaah ﷺ for his excellence in Deen, said: "Verily, when the people of knowledge will be present before their Lord, the Mighty and Sublime, Mu’aadh (radiyallahu anhu) will be one step ahead of them." [Saheeh - Ibn Sa`d, Aboo Nu`aim, at-Tabaraanee]
He (Muadh Ibn Jabal رضي الله عنه) described knowledge saying: "Knowledge is a comforting friend in times of loneliness, it is the best companion during travels, and it is the inner friend who speaks to you in your privacy. Knowledge is the discerning proof of what is right and what is wrong, and it is the positive force that will help you surmount the trials of comfort, as well as those of hardships. Knowledge is your most powerful sword against your enemy, and finally, it is your most dignifying raiment in the company of your close companions." [Reported by Aboo Nu`aim]
Islamic Knowledge is the best of sciences worth acquiring because through it Allah is recognized and acknowledge. In the absolute sense, it is the knowledge regarding Allah, His names and attributes, knowledge of His rights over His creation, and what He the Most High has prescribed for them. It is the detailed knowledge of the path that leads to Allah, knowledge of the purpose of our creation, and the end in which the slave will result. One who possesses this knowledge knows what Allah has made lawful for him and what He has prohibited him from, what pleases Him and what evokes His anger. Amongst those who have taken upon themselves to observe the precepts of the religion will result in Paradise and bliss, and the rest will result in a place of disgrace, humiliation and misery. Moreover, seeking knowledge is an obligation on every Muslim.
Knowledge - Guidance and A Cure to Ignorance and Disunity of the Ummah
Knowledge serves multiple purposes in Islam. For instance, seeking Islamic knowledge is a means of eliminating (getting rid of) one of the major factors that contribute to the disunity of the Ummah – namely, ignorance.
Ignorance directly effects every aspect of our lives. Moreover, we cannot unite in the absence of knowledge, which should be precipitated (hastened) by correct belief and correct understanding. When individuals in a society are armed with the necessary knowledge in regards to the religion, as well as how to deal with each other justly, only then can a society unite. Individuals firmly grounded in correct beliefs, knowledge, and understanding would unite in order to formulate a strong, healthy and united Ummah. Only such an ummah would be deserving of Allah’s protection and victory from Him. Therefore, it becomes essential to oppose it in a fashion that tackles (deals with) not simply the symptoms but the root cause of this disease itself.
Cure for Ignorance
The most fundamental ingredient of such a cure is to question and inquire (i.e. acquire knowledge.) As the Prophet of Allah ﷺ said: "Indeed, the cure for ignorance is to ask. (Inquire)" [Hasan - Reported by Abu Daawood # 337 narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas, Ahmed and Ibn Maajah.]
And Allah, the All Knowledgeable has revealed unto us the method by which we can obtain this cure: He said: "And We sent not (as Our Messenger) before you (O Muhammad ﷺ) any but men, whom We inspired (to preach and invite mankind to believe in the Oneness of Allah) So, ask of the people of knowledge if you do not know." [Soorah An-Nahl (16): 43]
The primary role that knowledge plays is one of guidance. It enables us to possess the correct and necessary understanding of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. In order to worship Allah, it is imperative to know the instructions laid down by Allah and His Messenger ﷺ in regards to the religion contained within the Qur’aan and the Sunnah as Allah revealed to us in the Qur'aan: "And thus, We have sent to you (O Muhammad ﷺ) Ruhan (an Inspiration and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’aan) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves. And verily, you (O Muhammad ﷺ) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the straight path. (Allah’s Religion of Islamic Monotheism)" [Soorah Ash-Shoorah (42): 52]
And He made the Qur’aan and the Sunnah as limits regarding religious matters. He said: "These are the limits (set by) Allah, and whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger ﷺ will be admitted to gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), to abide therein, and that will be the great success. And, whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger ﷺ and transgresses His limits He will cast him in the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment." [Soorah An-Nisa (4): 13-14]
Furthermore, Allah reminds us the main purpose of the creation of mankind saying: "And I created not the jinn and men except that they should worship Me." [Soorah Az-Zariyat (51): 56]
The aforementioned verses clarify the fact that Allah wants us to worship Him alone, and that this worship should be completely based upon what He revealed to His slave, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. And Knowledge is the factor that enables us to possess the correct and necessary understanding of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah.
As Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Knowledge ensures our acts as lawful for us. It provides the basis of worship.” [Abu Dawood and Saheeh at-Tirmidhee # 2590]
Seeking Knowledge is Obligatory
As far as the knowledge of the Sharee’ah is concerned, it is incumbent, since Allah has created jinn and mankind so that they may worship and fear Him. As He declares it in His Book saying: “I have not created jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” [Soorah Ad-Dhariyaat (51): 56]
And worship is not permissible except through Islamic knowledge. He cited the obligation of acquiring knowledge in His Book saying: “So ask the people of Knowledge if you don’t know” [Soorah An-Nahl (16): 43]
He also pointed out this obligation [i.e. seeking knowledge of Allah] prior to declaration of the Shahadah: “And know that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah then seek forgiveness for your sins...” [Soorah Al-Quraan 47: 19]
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made this obligation certain in his ﷺ Sunnah, when he said: “The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim; and the conveying of knowledge to the non-deserving is like putting necklaces of jewels, pearls and gold around the necks of swine.” [Transmitted by Ibn Majah and Bayhaqi in Shu'ab al-Iman up to the word "Muslim" saying: This is a hadith the text of which is quite well known but the chain of transmission is weak. [At-Tirmidhi # 218]
Consequently, we understand that it is a duty of every Muslim to study and understand the Deen, and reflect upon what Allah has prescribed. To explore the authentic Pure Aqeedah, which the Prophet of Allah ﷺ was sent with, which he ﷺ, his Companions رضي الله عنه and their followers in righteous were upon - which is belief in Allah, His Messenger ﷺ, His Names and His Attributes, believing in them in a manner, which is fitting to Allah without distortion (tahreef), denial (ta’teel), qualification (takyeef), or likening (tamtheel) – without increase or decrease.
Merits and Virtues of Knowledge
Merits and virtues of Knowledge vary depending on the extent of one’s adherence to it (knowledge). Knowledge is a sign of goodness, happiness and success. As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is reported to have said:"If Allah wants to favor someone, He grants him comprehension (understanding) of this religion." [Sahih Bukhari vol.1 # 71, Tirmidhi and Musnad Ahmad]
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The example of guidance and knowledge with which, Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil, absorbed rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. (And) another portion of it was hard and held the rainwater and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the land for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren which, could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits). The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah's religion and gets benefit (from the knowledge), which Allah has revealed through me (the Prophet) and learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah's guidance revealed through me (He is like that barren land.)" [Sahih Al-Bukhari v.1 no.79. Narrated by Abu Musa]
The Excellence of Seeking Knowledge
Seeking knowledge – a cure for weak Iman Seeking knowledge of the religion helps to achieve Taqwa (fear) from Allah and increases Iman. Allah said “It is only those who have knowledge amongst His slaves that fear Allah.” [Soorah Al-Fatir (35): 28]
Generally speaking the fear is present in all believers. But the true and complete fear is present only among the people of knowledge, due to their knowledge of Allah, His Names and His attributes; they are the most eager among the men for the truth depending on the extent of their knowledge of Allah. At the head being the Prophets. Hence, when some people who took the knowledge to which, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was guiding to be insufficient and said: “We are not like you, O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Allah has forgiven your past and future sins.” The Prophet ﷺ said, “By Allah! Indeed I am the one who fears Allah the most amongst you, and the most pious of you.” [Sahaeeh Al-Bukhari]
Seeking Knowledge - Sign of a Believer
Knowledge is what distinguishes a believer from a hypocrite because he (a hypocrite) is abundantly acquainted of trivial things and various other useless facts, which do not benefit him, but when comes the understanding of Deen, he knows, not a thing. As also mentioned in the Book of Allah: "But the hypocrites do not understand." [Soorah Al-Munaafiqoon (63): 7]
The sign of a believer is that he is acquainted with his Religion and is constantly increasing his knowledge about subjects that benefit him and he is desirous of all that is good, as well as the gatherings wherein it is detached.
Seeking the knowledge of Deen is a path to Paradise, learning it more is a Jihaad. Reviewing and learning more is like Tasbeeh. As the companion of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Muadh ibn Jabal رضي الله عنه said: "Seek knowledge, because seeking it for the sake of Allah is a worship. And knowing it makes you more God-fearing; and searching for it is jihad, teaching it to those who do not know is charity, reviewing and learning it more is like tasbeeh. Through knowledge Allah will be known and worshipped. With the knowledge Allah will elevate people and make them leaders and imams, who will in turn guide other people." [Fatawa Ibn Taymiyya vol.10, p.39]
In the same vein, Imam Shafi’رحمة الله عليه said: "Whoever seeks the fruits of this life should gain Islamic knowledge, and whoever seeks the hereafter should gain (Islamic) knowledge." [An-Nawawi, Majmoo’ vol.1, p.12]
Excellence of one, who seeks knowledge
There are many ahadeeth showing the virtues and merits of those who go in search of knowledge. From them being: "Whoever treads on a path in search of Islamic knowledge, Allah will ease the way to Paradise for him. The angels will lower their wings, pleased with this seeker of knowledge, and everyone in the heavens and on earth will ask forgiveness for the knowledgeable person, even the fish in the deepest of waters will ask for his forgiveness” [Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi # 2835-sahih hadith]
Every path that he takes in search of knowledge is a way to Paradise; this is true for every path literal or otherwise. His journey from one country to another; from one circle of knowledge to another, from one mosque to another with the sole intention of seeking knowledge. These are the ways of acquiring knowledge, likewise memorizing and studying books of knowledge, perusal (reading or studying carefully), and writing even his sleep are also from the ways of seeking knowledge and the paths to Paradise.
If the seeker of knowledge dies while, striving to acquire knowledge, then there will be a difference of one degree between him and the Prophets in Paradise.
Prophet ﷺ said: “He whom death overtakes while he is engaged in acquiring knowledge with a view to reviving Islam with the help of it, there will be one degree between him and the Prophets in Paradise.” [Al-Tirmidhi Hadith no. 249. Narrated by Al-Hasan al-Basri]
Virtues of Scholars – People of Knowledge
The people of knowledge are the leaders of this earth, they are the lights and lamps, and they have been preferred above everyone else. They direct the people to the way of happiness, they guide them to the means of salvation, they lead them to that which pleases Allah, the Majestic and Sublime, and His Mercy, and keep them far from that which evokes His Anger and punishment. They are the heirs of Prophets, as Prophet Muhammad ﷺ informed us emphasizing the excellence of the people of knowledge.
He said: “…The superiority of the knowledgeable man over the worshipper in Islam, is like the superiority of the full moon over the rest of the planets. And the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets, but the Prophets did not leave behind wealth but they left behind knowledge. And whoever takes firm hold of this is a very fortunate man." [Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi # 2835 Sahih hadeeth]
The message of this hadeeth is truly profound. As we all know, worship is a praiseworthy act in Islam. However, it dulls in comparison to practicing with knowledge, as is obvious from the above-mentioned hadeeth.
Allah has honored and extolled those who possess knowledge, and raised their status high, He made them bear witness to His Oneness with sincerity and devotion. He reminds us of the exalted status that is bestowed upon them saying: “Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe and those who have been granted knowledge.” [Soorah Mujadilah (58): 11]
Regarding their virtues Allah says: “Allah (Himself) bears witness that La ilaha illa huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) and the Angels and those having knowledge (also give this witness).” [Soorah Aal-Imran (3): 18]
The above mentioned verse shows the superiority of knowledge and its people, the following points can be referred from this verse:
1. Allah chose the people of knowledge (Oolul ’ilm) to bear witness to His Oneness (Tawheed: La ilaha illa Allah) over and above the rest of His creation.
2. Allah honored the people of knowledge by mentioning their testimony along with His testimony.
3. He raised the status of the scholars by associating their testimony with the testimony of the angels.
4. This verse beaears witness to the superiority of those who posses knowledge because Allah does not make any of His creation bear witness except the upright amongst them. There is a well-known narration from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: “The upright in every generation will carry the knowledge, rejecting the distortion of the extremists, the false claims of the liars, and the false interpretation of the ignorant.” [Declared Hasan by Shaykh Saleem al-Hilaalee]
5. Allah the One free from all defects, Himself bears witness to His Oneness, and He is the greatest witness. Then, He chose from His creation the angels and the scholars – this is sufficient to show their excellence.
6. Allah made the scholar bear witness with the greatest and the most excellent testimony: “La ilaha illa Allaah.” We know this because Allah, the One free from all defects and the Most High does not bear witness except to matters of great importance and only the greatest of Allah’s creation bear witness to this.
7. Allah made the testimony of the people of knowledge a proof against the rejecters. Thus, they are its proof and its signs, indicating His Oneness (Tawheed).
8. Allah, the Most High, used a single verb (shahadah) to refer to His testimony and the testimony of the Angels and the scholars. He did not use additional verb for their testimony: thus he connected their testimony to His. This show the strong link between their testimony and Allah of testimony, as if He bore witness to His Oneness upon their tongue and made them utter this testimony.
9. Allah, the One free from all defects made the scholars fulfill His right (that none has the right to be worshipped but Him) through this testimony and if they fulfill it, then they have fulfilled and established this right of Allah upon them. Then, it is obligatory upon mankind to accept this right of Allah upon them. Then it is obligatory upon mankind to accept this final return, this testimony, which, is the means to reach happiness in this life and in their final return (to Allah). Whosoever takes this guidance from the scholars and accepts this truth because of their testimony, then for the scholars there is a reward equal to them. And none knows the value of these rewards but Allah.
The Most High explained clearly that there is none equal to them: “Say: Are those who know equal with those who know not? It is only men of understanding that will remember (i.e. get lesson from Allah’s Signs and Verses)” [Soorah Az-Zumar (39): 9]
And the Mighty and Majestic distinguished the people of Knowledge from the ignorant. He said: “Shall he then who knows that what has been revealed unto you (O Muhammad ﷺ from your Lord is the truth be like him who is blind? But it is only the men of understanding that pay heed.” [Soorah Ar-Raa’d (13): 19]
Therefore, the people of knowledge and the ignorant are not alike. There is an immense difference between the knowledgeable and the ignorant. It is the difference between one who knows the truth and obtains insight through its light and acts accordingly to its guidance until he meets his Lord achieving success with nobility, and to who is blind to this way and follows his desires taking the path of Shaytan.
What is knowledge?
Knowledge is the noblest thing that one can ask for, and the best thing a seeker can strive to attain. Knowledge consists of many branches, but according to the scholars of Islam: “What is meant by knowledge in the absolute sense is Islamic Knowledge.” i.e. what “ Allaah said….” And “ The Messenger ﷺ said…”, which is called ‘Ilm-e-Sharah. It is the knowledge of the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ and all that assists it’s understanding (e.g.: the sayings of the Sahabah رضي الله عنه. This is the intended meaning of knowledge in the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ.
Shaykh al-Isalm Ibn Taymiyyahرحمة الله عليه says “…the source of all good and blessings is that one seeks help from Allaah in acquiring knowledge inherited from the Prophet ﷺ, because that is what is truly fit to be named knowledge. Anything else is either not knowledge at all, even though people call it so, or it is knowledge which is not beneficial knowledge, in which case it is necessarily true that there exists in the inheritance of Muhammad ﷺ that which replaces it, being similar to it or better than it. Thus, the person's effort should be to understand the purposes of the Messenger ﷺ in his commands, prohibitions and his various other sayings.” [Abul `Aasim al-Qaasim bin Yoosuf bin Muhammad at-Tajeebee as-Sabtee al-Maghribee]
Muadh Ibn Jabal رضي الله عنه, who was praised by the Prophet of Allaah ﷺ for his excellence in Deen, said: "Verily, when the people of knowledge will be present before their Lord, the Mighty and Sublime, Mu’aadh (radiyallahu anhu) will be one step ahead of them." [Saheeh - Ibn Sa`d, Aboo Nu`aim, at-Tabaraanee]
He (Muadh Ibn Jabal رضي الله عنه) described knowledge saying: "Knowledge is a comforting friend in times of loneliness, it is the best companion during travels, and it is the inner friend who speaks to you in your privacy. Knowledge is the discerning proof of what is right and what is wrong, and it is the positive force that will help you surmount the trials of comfort, as well as those of hardships. Knowledge is your most powerful sword against your enemy, and finally, it is your most dignifying raiment in the company of your close companions." [Reported by Aboo Nu`aim]
Islamic Knowledge is the best of sciences worth acquiring because through it Allah is recognized and acknowledge. In the absolute sense, it is the knowledge regarding Allah, His names and attributes, knowledge of His rights over His creation, and what He the Most High has prescribed for them. It is the detailed knowledge of the path that leads to Allah, knowledge of the purpose of our creation, and the end in which the slave will result. One who possesses this knowledge knows what Allah has made lawful for him and what He has prohibited him from, what pleases Him and what evokes His anger. Amongst those who have taken upon themselves to observe the precepts of the religion will result in Paradise and bliss, and the rest will result in a place of disgrace, humiliation and misery. Moreover, seeking knowledge is an obligation on every Muslim.
Knowledge - Guidance and A Cure to Ignorance and Disunity of the Ummah
Knowledge serves multiple purposes in Islam. For instance, seeking Islamic knowledge is a means of eliminating (getting rid of) one of the major factors that contribute to the disunity of the Ummah – namely, ignorance.
Ignorance directly effects every aspect of our lives. Moreover, we cannot unite in the absence of knowledge, which should be precipitated (hastened) by correct belief and correct understanding. When individuals in a society are armed with the necessary knowledge in regards to the religion, as well as how to deal with each other justly, only then can a society unite. Individuals firmly grounded in correct beliefs, knowledge, and understanding would unite in order to formulate a strong, healthy and united Ummah. Only such an ummah would be deserving of Allah’s protection and victory from Him. Therefore, it becomes essential to oppose it in a fashion that tackles (deals with) not simply the symptoms but the root cause of this disease itself.
Cure for Ignorance
The most fundamental ingredient of such a cure is to question and inquire (i.e. acquire knowledge.) As the Prophet of Allah ﷺ said: "Indeed, the cure for ignorance is to ask. (Inquire)" [Hasan - Reported by Abu Daawood # 337 narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas, Ahmed and Ibn Maajah.]
And Allah, the All Knowledgeable has revealed unto us the method by which we can obtain this cure: He said: "And We sent not (as Our Messenger) before you (O Muhammad ﷺ) any but men, whom We inspired (to preach and invite mankind to believe in the Oneness of Allah) So, ask of the people of knowledge if you do not know." [Soorah An-Nahl (16): 43]
The primary role that knowledge plays is one of guidance. It enables us to possess the correct and necessary understanding of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. In order to worship Allah, it is imperative to know the instructions laid down by Allah and His Messenger ﷺ in regards to the religion contained within the Qur’aan and the Sunnah as Allah revealed to us in the Qur'aan: "And thus, We have sent to you (O Muhammad ﷺ) Ruhan (an Inspiration and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’aan) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves. And verily, you (O Muhammad ﷺ) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the straight path. (Allah’s Religion of Islamic Monotheism)" [Soorah Ash-Shoorah (42): 52]
And He made the Qur’aan and the Sunnah as limits regarding religious matters. He said: "These are the limits (set by) Allah, and whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger ﷺ will be admitted to gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), to abide therein, and that will be the great success. And, whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger ﷺ and transgresses His limits He will cast him in the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment." [Soorah An-Nisa (4): 13-14]
Furthermore, Allah reminds us the main purpose of the creation of mankind saying: "And I created not the jinn and men except that they should worship Me." [Soorah Az-Zariyat (51): 56]
The aforementioned verses clarify the fact that Allah wants us to worship Him alone, and that this worship should be completely based upon what He revealed to His slave, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. And Knowledge is the factor that enables us to possess the correct and necessary understanding of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah.
As Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Knowledge ensures our acts as lawful for us. It provides the basis of worship.” [Abu Dawood and Saheeh at-Tirmidhee # 2590]
Seeking Knowledge is Obligatory
As far as the knowledge of the Sharee’ah is concerned, it is incumbent, since Allah has created jinn and mankind so that they may worship and fear Him. As He declares it in His Book saying: “I have not created jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” [Soorah Ad-Dhariyaat (51): 56]
And worship is not permissible except through Islamic knowledge. He cited the obligation of acquiring knowledge in His Book saying: “So ask the people of Knowledge if you don’t know” [Soorah An-Nahl (16): 43]
He also pointed out this obligation [i.e. seeking knowledge of Allah] prior to declaration of the Shahadah: “And know that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah then seek forgiveness for your sins...” [Soorah Al-Quraan 47: 19]
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made this obligation certain in his ﷺ Sunnah, when he said: “The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim; and the conveying of knowledge to the non-deserving is like putting necklaces of jewels, pearls and gold around the necks of swine.” [Transmitted by Ibn Majah and Bayhaqi in Shu'ab al-Iman up to the word "Muslim" saying: This is a hadith the text of which is quite well known but the chain of transmission is weak. [At-Tirmidhi # 218]
Consequently, we understand that it is a duty of every Muslim to study and understand the Deen, and reflect upon what Allah has prescribed. To explore the authentic Pure Aqeedah, which the Prophet of Allah ﷺ was sent with, which he ﷺ, his Companions رضي الله عنه and their followers in righteous were upon - which is belief in Allah, His Messenger ﷺ, His Names and His Attributes, believing in them in a manner, which is fitting to Allah without distortion (tahreef), denial (ta’teel), qualification (takyeef), or likening (tamtheel) – without increase or decrease.
Merits and Virtues of Knowledge
Merits and virtues of Knowledge vary depending on the extent of one’s adherence to it (knowledge). Knowledge is a sign of goodness, happiness and success. As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is reported to have said:"If Allah wants to favor someone, He grants him comprehension (understanding) of this religion." [Sahih Bukhari vol.1 # 71, Tirmidhi and Musnad Ahmad]
The Prophet ﷺ said: "The example of guidance and knowledge with which, Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil, absorbed rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. (And) another portion of it was hard and held the rainwater and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the land for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren which, could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits). The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah's religion and gets benefit (from the knowledge), which Allah has revealed through me (the Prophet) and learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah's guidance revealed through me (He is like that barren land.)" [Sahih Al-Bukhari v.1 no.79. Narrated by Abu Musa]
The Excellence of Seeking Knowledge
Seeking knowledge – a cure for weak Iman Seeking knowledge of the religion helps to achieve Taqwa (fear) from Allah and increases Iman. Allah said “It is only those who have knowledge amongst His slaves that fear Allah.” [Soorah Al-Fatir (35): 28]
Generally speaking the fear is present in all believers. But the true and complete fear is present only among the people of knowledge, due to their knowledge of Allah, His Names and His attributes; they are the most eager among the men for the truth depending on the extent of their knowledge of Allah. At the head being the Prophets. Hence, when some people who took the knowledge to which, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was guiding to be insufficient and said: “We are not like you, O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Allah has forgiven your past and future sins.” The Prophet ﷺ said, “By Allah! Indeed I am the one who fears Allah the most amongst you, and the most pious of you.” [Sahaeeh Al-Bukhari]
Seeking Knowledge - Sign of a Believer
Knowledge is what distinguishes a believer from a hypocrite because he (a hypocrite) is abundantly acquainted of trivial things and various other useless facts, which do not benefit him, but when comes the understanding of Deen, he knows, not a thing. As also mentioned in the Book of Allah: "But the hypocrites do not understand." [Soorah Al-Munaafiqoon (63): 7]
The sign of a believer is that he is acquainted with his Religion and is constantly increasing his knowledge about subjects that benefit him and he is desirous of all that is good, as well as the gatherings wherein it is detached.
Seeking the knowledge of Deen is a path to Paradise, learning it more is a Jihaad. Reviewing and learning more is like Tasbeeh. As the companion of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Muadh ibn Jabal رضي الله عنه said: "Seek knowledge, because seeking it for the sake of Allah is a worship. And knowing it makes you more God-fearing; and searching for it is jihad, teaching it to those who do not know is charity, reviewing and learning it more is like tasbeeh. Through knowledge Allah will be known and worshipped. With the knowledge Allah will elevate people and make them leaders and imams, who will in turn guide other people." [Fatawa Ibn Taymiyya vol.10, p.39]
In the same vein, Imam Shafi’رحمة الله عليه said: "Whoever seeks the fruits of this life should gain Islamic knowledge, and whoever seeks the hereafter should gain (Islamic) knowledge." [An-Nawawi, Majmoo’ vol.1, p.12]
Excellence of one, who seeks knowledge
There are many ahadeeth showing the virtues and merits of those who go in search of knowledge. From them being: "Whoever treads on a path in search of Islamic knowledge, Allah will ease the way to Paradise for him. The angels will lower their wings, pleased with this seeker of knowledge, and everyone in the heavens and on earth will ask forgiveness for the knowledgeable person, even the fish in the deepest of waters will ask for his forgiveness” [Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi # 2835-sahih hadith]
Every path that he takes in search of knowledge is a way to Paradise; this is true for every path literal or otherwise. His journey from one country to another; from one circle of knowledge to another, from one mosque to another with the sole intention of seeking knowledge. These are the ways of acquiring knowledge, likewise memorizing and studying books of knowledge, perusal (reading or studying carefully), and writing even his sleep are also from the ways of seeking knowledge and the paths to Paradise.
If the seeker of knowledge dies while, striving to acquire knowledge, then there will be a difference of one degree between him and the Prophets in Paradise.
Prophet ﷺ said: “He whom death overtakes while he is engaged in acquiring knowledge with a view to reviving Islam with the help of it, there will be one degree between him and the Prophets in Paradise.” [Al-Tirmidhi Hadith no. 249. Narrated by Al-Hasan al-Basri]
Virtues of Scholars – People of Knowledge
The people of knowledge are the leaders of this earth, they are the lights and lamps, and they have been preferred above everyone else. They direct the people to the way of happiness, they guide them to the means of salvation, they lead them to that which pleases Allah, the Majestic and Sublime, and His Mercy, and keep them far from that which evokes His Anger and punishment. They are the heirs of Prophets, as Prophet Muhammad ﷺ informed us emphasizing the excellence of the people of knowledge.
He said: “…The superiority of the knowledgeable man over the worshipper in Islam, is like the superiority of the full moon over the rest of the planets. And the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets, but the Prophets did not leave behind wealth but they left behind knowledge. And whoever takes firm hold of this is a very fortunate man." [Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi # 2835 Sahih hadeeth]
The message of this hadeeth is truly profound. As we all know, worship is a praiseworthy act in Islam. However, it dulls in comparison to practicing with knowledge, as is obvious from the above-mentioned hadeeth.
Allah has honored and extolled those who possess knowledge, and raised their status high, He made them bear witness to His Oneness with sincerity and devotion. He reminds us of the exalted status that is bestowed upon them saying: “Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe and those who have been granted knowledge.” [Soorah Mujadilah (58): 11]
Regarding their virtues Allah says: “Allah (Himself) bears witness that La ilaha illa huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) and the Angels and those having knowledge (also give this witness).” [Soorah Aal-Imran (3): 18]
The above mentioned verse shows the superiority of knowledge and its people, the following points can be referred from this verse:
1. Allah chose the people of knowledge (Oolul ’ilm) to bear witness to His Oneness (Tawheed: La ilaha illa Allah) over and above the rest of His creation.
2. Allah honored the people of knowledge by mentioning their testimony along with His testimony.
3. He raised the status of the scholars by associating their testimony with the testimony of the angels.
4. This verse beaears witness to the superiority of those who posses knowledge because Allah does not make any of His creation bear witness except the upright amongst them. There is a well-known narration from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: “The upright in every generation will carry the knowledge, rejecting the distortion of the extremists, the false claims of the liars, and the false interpretation of the ignorant.” [Declared Hasan by Shaykh Saleem al-Hilaalee]
5. Allah the One free from all defects, Himself bears witness to His Oneness, and He is the greatest witness. Then, He chose from His creation the angels and the scholars – this is sufficient to show their excellence.
6. Allah made the scholar bear witness with the greatest and the most excellent testimony: “La ilaha illa Allaah.” We know this because Allah, the One free from all defects and the Most High does not bear witness except to matters of great importance and only the greatest of Allah’s creation bear witness to this.
7. Allah made the testimony of the people of knowledge a proof against the rejecters. Thus, they are its proof and its signs, indicating His Oneness (Tawheed).
8. Allah, the Most High, used a single verb (shahadah) to refer to His testimony and the testimony of the Angels and the scholars. He did not use additional verb for their testimony: thus he connected their testimony to His. This show the strong link between their testimony and Allah of testimony, as if He bore witness to His Oneness upon their tongue and made them utter this testimony.
9. Allah, the One free from all defects made the scholars fulfill His right (that none has the right to be worshipped but Him) through this testimony and if they fulfill it, then they have fulfilled and established this right of Allah upon them. Then, it is obligatory upon mankind to accept this right of Allah upon them. Then it is obligatory upon mankind to accept this final return, this testimony, which, is the means to reach happiness in this life and in their final return (to Allah). Whosoever takes this guidance from the scholars and accepts this truth because of their testimony, then for the scholars there is a reward equal to them. And none knows the value of these rewards but Allah.
The Most High explained clearly that there is none equal to them: “Say: Are those who know equal with those who know not? It is only men of understanding that will remember (i.e. get lesson from Allah’s Signs and Verses)” [Soorah Az-Zumar (39): 9]
And the Mighty and Majestic distinguished the people of Knowledge from the ignorant. He said: “Shall he then who knows that what has been revealed unto you (O Muhammad ﷺ from your Lord is the truth be like him who is blind? But it is only the men of understanding that pay heed.” [Soorah Ar-Raa’d (13): 19]
Therefore, the people of knowledge and the ignorant are not alike. There is an immense difference between the knowledgeable and the ignorant. It is the difference between one who knows the truth and obtains insight through its light and acts accordingly to its guidance until he meets his Lord achieving success with nobility, and to who is blind to this way and follows his desires taking the path of Shaytan.