What was the first thing Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)? It was to read. Islam is a religion that focuses on gaining knowledge. Let’s discover the importance of seeking knowledge in Islam.

Islam- Religion That Promotes Knowledge and Wisdom

Islam is a religion that focuses on social and moral development. This can only be achieved through knowledge. Not only is seeking knowledge compulsory in Islam but also imparting knowledge is extremely virtuous.  Seeking Islamic knowledge is important because it brings a person closer to Allah. On the other hand, seeking worldly knowledge is every Muslim’s responsibility to contribute positively to society. In Islam, knowledge is so important that ignoring the pursuit of knowledge is considered a sin. A learned and wise person is more conscious about his actions. He understands the consequences of misconduct and, therefore, will behave appropriately. Islam is all about making things easier for the society as a whole. Thus, Islam vehemently stresses the importance of gaining knowledge.

Benefits of Seeking Knowledge in Islam

Knowledge is the Gateway to Paradise

Allah immensely rewards those who strive to gain knowledge. It is such a virtuous act that it is compared to Jihad, one of the greatest services in Islam. Those who are learned enjoy higher ranks in the sight of Allah. A truly knowledgeable person will develop virtues such as humility, mercy, and fear of Allah. Hence he will earn multiple times the reward for his virtuous conduct. This is how knowledge leads a person to the Heaven in the Hereafter.

Knowledge Helps in Understanding the Religion

Seeking Islamic knowledge is a prerequisite to understanding Islam. When a person reads the Quran and ahadith, he understands many aspects of life. These include methods of performing worship. For example, it is important to have knowledge about the rituals of Hajj and the things that make Hajj void to have your Hajj accepted by Allah. Without knowledge, a person might not be doing things correctly.

Similarly, to invoke Allah and worship Him, we must learn duas, Allah’s names, surahs, and other important recitations. To be able to read and understand the Quran we must learn how to read the Arabic language and its translation.

Islam teaches us about all the aspects of life. Knowledge about things permitted or forbidden in Islam is important to stay away from sins. For example, Islam forbids Muslims from vices such as anger, arrogance, lying, deceit, and backbiting. Similarly, knowledge about virtues that earn rewards is also essential to make life useful. Therefore, seeking Islamic knowledge is important to be called a true Muslim.

Knowledge is Obligatory For a Progressive Society

Islam is a forward-looking religion. Islamic teachings focus on the collective good of a society. Knowledge is the building block of any thriving society. It helps us understand how things work, be it scientific, commercial, or geographical. Without scientific knowledge, we would not be able to solve many of our problems such as medical, ecological, social, or engineering-related.

Similarly, knowledge about commercial matters lets people understand the means of earning income. Understanding legal matters lets you do your business lawfully and earn halal income. When interacting with people of different cultures or regions, an understanding of their local way of life helps you in being considerate and empathetic. Islam is all about caring for each other.

When a person studies subjects like science, geography, and astronomy, he realizes how meticulously Allah manages the universe and everything within it. This could not be achieved by anyone except Allah. Therefore, even worldly knowledge brings a person closer to Allah. He realizes the unshakeable might and power of Allah. Hence, a person becomes more humble and god-fearing by gaining knowledge.

Significance of Seeking Knowledge in the Light of the Quran and Ahadith

Allah encourages the believers in the Holy Quran to seek knowledge and wisdom. Allah created humans as creatures with the best abilities. Hence they must utilize their thinking skills to spread goodness in a society.

وَسَخَّرَ لَكُم مَّا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا مِّنْهُ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

“And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth – all from Him. Indeed in that are signs for people who give thought” (Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:13)

The virtues of seeking knowledge are evident from the Quran and ahadith. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said.

“Whoever takes a path in search of knowledge, Allah will cause him to walk in one of the paths to Paradise. Indeed the angels will lower their wings in great pleasure with the one who seeks knowledge.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)

Allah says in the Quran:

إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ غَفُورٌ

“It is those of His servants who have knowledge who stand in true awe of Allah. Indeed Allah is almighty, most forgiving”

(Surah Fatir, 35:28)

While seeking knowledge is obligatory in Islam, it must be noted here that Allah forbids from seeking knowledge that is futile and does not benefit anyone. Knowledge about certain matters might bring harm. For example, ways to do black magic or fortune-telling are forbidden in Islam. Such acts interfere with the laws of nature and gaining knowledge about them brings the wrath of Allah. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Ask Allah for beneficial knowledge and seek refuge with Allah from knowledge that does not bring benefit” (Sunan Ibn Majah)