Hadiths on the Intention of Seeking Knowledge
Numerous hadiths highlight the significance of having the right intention when pursuing knowledge. Amongst them are:
- Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever learns knowledge for the sake of Allah, and does not do so to acquire worldly gain, will not find the scent of Paradise on the Day of Resurrection.”
- Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “Do not seek knowledge to boast with the scholars, nor to argue with the foolish, and do not prefer certain gatherings over others. Whoever does so will find himself in the Fire.”
Hadiths on the Virtue of Knowledge
Several hadiths emphasize the virtues associated with knowledge, including:
- Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”
- Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “Whomever Allah intends good for, He grants him understanding of the religion.”
- Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “People are like ores, like gold and silver; the best of them in ignorance is the best of them in Islam if they gain understanding, and the souls are soldiers recruited; what they recognize among themselves will come together, and what they do not recognize will differ.”
- Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned: “The superiority of a scholar over a worshiper is like my superiority over the least of you.” He then added: “Indeed, Allah, His angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, even the ant in its hole, and the fish, send blessings upon the teacher of good to mankind.”
- Saad ibn Abi Waqqas and Hudhayfa ibn Al-Yaman (may Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The superiority of knowledge is more beloved to me than the superiority of worship, and the best of your religion is piety.”
- Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, this world is cursed, and cursed is everything in it except for the remembrance of Allah, and what is allied to it, and a scholar or a learner.”
A Hadith on the Journey of Seeking Knowledge
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to seek knowledge, stating: “Whoever follows a path to seek knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.” This hadith illustrates that those who pursue knowledge will find that Allah facilitates their journey towards entry into Paradise.
Whether through travel from one country to another for knowledge, or through attending schools, universities, study circles, and lessons, seekers of knowledge hold a significant status before Allah (the Exalted). Allah (the Almighty) says: “Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’” Thus, scholars are granted a special position and immense honor not accessible to others.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) equated the pursuit of knowledge to that of striving in jihad, stating: “Whoever comes to this mosque of mine solely seeking knowledge or to teach it, he is like one who strives in the path of Allah.”
A Hadith on the Lasting Impact of Knowledge After Death
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: a continuous charity, knowledge that benefits others, or a righteous child who prays for him.” This hadith highlights the enduring merit of knowledge, which continues to benefit the knowledgeable even after their passing; thus, the rewards for beneficial knowledge do not cease but rather persist until the Day of Judgment.
An example of this includes the works and writings left behind by scholars, as well as the hadiths that have been transmitted by the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), whereby the merits of their deeds continue to be recorded and earn them significant rewards.
Hadiths on the Conveyance of Knowledge
Several hadiths address the importance of conveying knowledge, including:
- Za’id ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “May Allah illuminate a man who hears my statement and conveys it; perhaps a bearer of knowledge is not a scholar, and perhaps a bearer of knowledge conveys it to one who is more knowledgeable than he.” Additionally, Ali ibn Muhammad added: “Three matters do not betray the heart of a believer: sincerity of intention for Allah, advising the leaders of the Muslims, and adhering to their community.”
- Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) addressed the people on the Day of Sacrifice, saying: “Let the one present convey to the absent, for perhaps the one who conveys a message will be more aware of it than the one who hears it.”