WHY MUST YOU SEEK KNOWLEDGE?

byMubaraq Abdul-Wahab

Have you ever wondered about the essence of knowledge in Islam? In Islam, knowledge is very important. All the books of Hadith have a chapter on knowledge. In Saheeh Al-Bukhaari there is a chapter entitled "The virtue of one who acquires learning and teaching others."

The Quran frequently asks us to observe the earth and the heavens. This instills in man a desire to learn natural science as well.

Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet (PBUH)was reported to have said “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.” (Sunanibn majah,224)

Therefore, seeking knowledge will make one an obedient servant to the commandments of Allah.  Hence, when knowledge is sought with the good intentions, it turns to an act of Ibadah (worship) which results in getting rewards from Allah. Allah says in the Quran:

“…Are those who know equal to those who know not?”(Q39: 9)

There are several hadiths that show the virtues and merits of knowledge. 

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Whosoever takes a path to seek knowledge therein, Allaah will thereby make easy for him a path to Paradise." (Al Tirmidhi, chapter on knowledge, 2)

This shows us the great excellence of seeking for knowledge.  For  whoever  corrects  his  intention  in  seeking knowledge  and  desires  only  His  Face,  he  is  on  the path to salvation (from the  Fire) and happiness  (in Paradise). 

Islam calls us to learn all kinds of beneficial knowledge. Branches of knowledge vary in status, the highest of which is knowledge on Shari'ah (Islamic Law), followed by other fields of knowledge such as medicine, Math, Science etc This is the knowledge (Shari'ah) with which Allah honoured His Messengerand He taught itsothat he might teach it to mankind: “Indeed, Allah granted a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammed) from among themselves, reciting unto them His Verses, purifying them (from sins), and teaching them the Book (the Quran) and Al-Hikmah [the wisdom and the Sunnah] while before that they had been in manifest error".

Knowledge prevents one from blindness

Knowledge is the light that shines to bring about wisdom. It is life for one's soul and fuel for one's character. For one to be leading a happy life free of worry, one has to seek knowledge. Times when one sits down while a friend comes with his own fatwa or ruling on a particular topic- if you have no knowledge, he may confuse you which may lead you to just follow another person. So, it is of vital importance to set out to seek knowledge so you will be able to correct misdeeds in the society today. Once you acquire the beneficial knowledge, you know the reason why things should be done in a way and why it is not done the other way. It is of paramount importance to impart knowledge on others. It is also pertinent to do this in a very friendly, calm way and in a manner that will prevent arguments.

”…And argue with them in a way that is best” Surah An-Nahl[16:125]

Aisha reported that the prophet sallallahualayhiwasalam said “The most despicable amongst people in the sight of Allah is one who tries to fall into dispute with others for nothing (but only to display his knowledge and power of argumentation). (Sahih Muslim, The book of knowledge, 6)

There is a common saying that knowledge is power.  Not really, in fact, knowledge is information. It is potential power and it becomes power only when it is acted upon. So when you seek for knowledge and fail to act with its principles, it is futile and has no essence.

The prophet sallallahualayhiwasalam said “knowledge for which no benefit is derived is like a treasure out of which nothing is spent in the cause of God.”[Al tirmidhi, hadith 422]

Therefore seek out for knowledge, for it prevents you from being an ignorant person; thereby showcasing the difference between the good and the bad, the sweet and the bitter, the way and the stray.

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