Importance of Seeking Knowledge in Islam
Islam is a religion of knowledge. Islam gives too much importance on seeking knowledge. Knowledge is a key to success. Seeking knowledge is better than any value in the world. Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran: “And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (Quran 20:114) It protects us from many difficulties. It has many benefits in this world and also in the hereafter. Knowledge is the base of our lives, and religious knowledge is pleasant, appropriate, and gives pleasure to us because we came to know about our Lord. No other religion gives as much importance to knowledge as the religion Islam. Islam has made seeking knowledge necessary for all Muslims and has believed that not doing so is considered as a sin. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said about it in these words: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (At-Tirmidhi)
This obligation is not limited to certain sex or class but it is also important and obligatory for women as for men, young and old, rich and poor. Whoever seeks knowledge and help other people to learn will get astonishing rewards from Allah Almighty. Allah (SWT) will grant him/her high ranks in this world and the Hereafter. Allah Almighty says in Noble Quran: “Allah raises of those who believe and those who have been given knowledge many levels.”(Quran 58:11).
Teaching others is one of the good deeds from which we will earn great rewards even after death. Whoever leaves behind beneficial knowledge will get rewards as long as people are still getting benefits from his knowledge. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “When a man dies all his deeds come to an end except for three: an ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who prays for him.” (Al-Bukhari)
In another hadith, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “The excellence of a scholar over another (ordinary) worshipper is like the excellence of the full moon over the rest of the heavenly bodies.”(Abu Dawood). From this hadith, we came to know that there is a great difference between a Muslim who has a knowledge and the one who does not have. So it’s important to seek knowledge in Islam to know about our existence or creation of this world and everything in it. If you want to know about the purpose of your creation and this world then you must seek knowledge about it.
Islam emphasizes the great importance of knowledge and education. When the Quran began to be revealed, the first word of its first verse was ‘Iqra’ that is, read. Allah says in Noble Quran: “Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not” (Quran, 96: 1-5)
We must have knowledge about what is permissible and impermissible in daily life. A person must also learn how to purify their hearts and deeds from guilty traits. Muslims must know how to purify their hearts from the love of wealth, status, and fame, and how to make one’s love for Allah alone. They must also learn the soaring manners taught to us by the religion Islam, and try to live our lives according to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). When someone tries to learn while it is hard for him/her, they will surely receive the double reward from Allah Almighty because they put a lot effort into seeking it.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever reads the Quran and stutters while reading, due to its difficulty, will receive a double reward.”(Sahih Muslim)
Learning about religion will make easy for us the path to Paradise, as Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in a way: “Whoever treads a path in seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise” (Al-Tirmidhi). The main purpose of seeking knowledge is to bring us closer to our Creator Allah Almighty. It is not simply for the pleasure of the mind or the senses. Knowledge accordingly must be linked to values and goals.
Stages of Seeking Knowledge are mentioned below:
- Ask questions in a good manner
- Remain quiet and listen attentively
- Understand well
- Memorize it
- Teach it to others
- Act upon it and keep it to the limit
In short, knowledge is mandatory for the creation of a just world in which authentic peace can obtain. Quran emphasizes the importance of the seeking of knowledge. We should try to seek knowledge for the sake of Allah Almighty.
