Salman al-Farisi has shown us a timeless masterclass in seeking knowledge in Islam. The following generation(s) revealed remarkable scholars. Scholars like our four Imams, as well as scientists and polymaths such as Al-Khwarizmi, Ibn Sina, and Al-Farabi and countless others.
Quran and Sunnah constantly praise people who seek knowledge over and over. Seeking knowledge in Islam is among the most honourable pursuits for a person. Allah has dignified the people of knowledge and distinguished them from others.
“Say, are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Qur’an 39:9)
Unfortunately, some people today look highly at people with “pseudoknowledge” or no knowledge at all! Social media influencers and people with worldly pursuits are constantly pedalised and are flooding the internet. Alhmdulillah that the standard set by humans is irrelevant to Allah SWT. Allah declares that those with real knowledge truly understand and appreciate His signs and place them in their rightful context (above worldly pursuits):
“None will grasp [these signs] except the knowledgeable.” (Qur’an 29:43)
“Rather, it [the Qur’an] is clear signs [preserved] in the hearts of those who have been given knowledge.” (Qur’an 29:49)
Allah has associated the testimony of those with knowledge with His own, saying:
“Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and so do the angels and those of knowledge – [He is] maintaining [creation] in justice.” (Qur’an 3:18)
The Ranks of the Knowledgeable
“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees.” (Qur’an 58:11)
This elevated status on judgement day is because knowledgeable ones and scholars are the most aware of their Lord, the most committed to conveying His message, and the most reverent of Him.
“It is only those who have knowledge among His servants who fear Allah.” (Qur’an 35:28)
This is the importance of seeking knowledge in Islam: Fearing Allah and obiding by his laws is a natural outcome to possessing true knowledge and wisdom!
The First Revelation and the Importance of Seeking Knowledge in Islam
It is not surprising that the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ began with “Read” (Iqra’), emphasising the significance and obligation of seeking knowledge. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 224)
Abu Darda (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever treads a path to seek knowledge, Allah will make the path to Paradise easy for them. Indeed, the angels lower their wings out of contentment for the seeker of knowledge, and the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth – even the fish in the depths of the sea – seek forgiveness for the knowledgeable.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 2682)
Al-Qurtubi explained this narration, stating that the angels’ lowering of their wings signifies their humility and reverence for the seeker of knowledge, as well as their willingness to assist them on their journey.
Benefits of Knowledge
A scholar once eloquently said:
“Seek knowledge! For it will refine you as a youth, elevate you as an elder, mend your flaws, and silence your critics. It will straighten your crookedness, enhance your aspirations, and illuminate your goals.”
Imam An-Nawawi (RA) beautifully summarized the virtues of knowledge, saying:
“Knowledge is the life of hearts from ignorance and the light of vision in darkness. Through it, one attains the ranks of the righteous and the degrees of the virtuous.”
The Role of Knowledge in Civilization
Knowledge is the foundation for the prosperity of nations and the building of civilizations. Without it, communities remain in ignorance, devoid of spirit. Our Prophet ﷺ described the scholars as the heirs of the prophets:
“The prophets did not leave behind gold or silver coins as inheritance, but they left knowledge. Whoever takes it has indeed taken a great share.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, 3641)
In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ compared scholars to guiding stars:
“The example of scholars on earth is like the stars in the sky by which people are guided in the darkness of the land and sea. When the stars are obscured, the guides are likely to go astray.” (Musnad Ahmad, 6582)
Is Seeking knowledge Mandatory for Muslims?
It is a Fard Ayn (individual obligation) to acquire knowledge. This includes understanding and affirming the oneness of Allah—recognizing that He has no partner in His Lordship, His divinity, Names, and Attributes. Not only this, but also believing in Prophet Muhammad, understand his commands, refraining from what he prohibited and acknowledging all aspects of Shariah laws.
However, the quest for knowledge has no end. A Muslim has to deepen their understanding and strengthen their connection with Allah (SWT) through ongoing seek of knowledge
In Islam, seeking knowledge is not just encouraged, it’s a mandatory path that leads to eternal reward. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”
Start Now but Make Intention
One of the most rewarding things in this dunya is seeking and attaining knowledge, as well as, competing with others for it! Seeking knowledge in Islam elevates the seeker, bringing them closer to Allah and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: the ultimate goal in this dunya. Kknowledge, however, is a pathway to eternal success only if it comes with the correct intention. As Imam Malik says, “The reward of knowledge is for those who act upon it and seek it sincerely for the sake of Allah.”
So start now. Read books, find new interesting courses and start new projects. Stay away from social media the best you can. Take on new challenges that will almost certainly increase your expertise and get you to new places in life. If you were waiting for a sign to start something new, this is it. Just make intention that it is for the sake of Allah.