Prophetic Sayings on Knowledge

Prophetic Traditions Encouraging the Pursuit of Knowledge

Here are some prophetic traditions that emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge:

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- said: “Ask Allah for beneficial knowledge and seek refuge in Allah from knowledge that does not benefit.”

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- stated: “May Allah brighten the face of a person who hears a statement from us, preserves it, and conveys it to others. Indeed, there may be a bearer of understanding who is not an understanding individual, and there may be a bearer of understanding who reaches one more knowledgeable than them.”

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- mentioned: “Whoever comes to this mosque purely for good, whether to learn or teach, is as if they are a warrior in the path of Allah. Anyone who comes for other reasons is like a man looking at someone else’s possessions.”

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- once went out with the companions in a gathering and asked: “Which of you would like to go every day to Buthan or Al-Aqiq and return with two camels without sin or severing ties?” We replied: “O Messenger of Allah, we would love that.” He then said: “Isn’t it better for one of you to attend the mosque and learn or recite two verses from the Book of Allah, for it is better than two camels, and three is better than three, and so forth, in numbers of camels.”

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- stated: “Whoever alleviates the hardship of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve them of a hardship on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever facilitates for a debtor, Allah will make it easy for them in this world and the Hereafter. Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal their faults in this world and the Hereafter. Allah continues to assist the servant as long as the servant aids their brother. And whoever embarks on a path in search of knowledge, Allah will ease for them a path to Paradise. Whenever a group of people gathers in one of the houses of Allah reciting the Book of Allah and discussing it, tranquility descends upon them, mercy envelops them, angels surround them, and Allah mentions them among those with Him. And whoever is slowed down by their actions will not be hastened by their lineage.”

The following prophetic traditions discuss the merits of knowledge:

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- said: “When a man passes away, his deeds cease except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- stated: “There is no envy except in two things: a man whom Allah has granted wealth, and he spends it rightly, and a man whom Allah has bestowed with wisdom, he judges justly and teaches it.”

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- remarked: “Indeed, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from His servants, but He takes away knowledge by taking away scholars, until when no scholar remains, the people will take ignorant heads as leaders, and when asked, they will respond without knowledge, thus leading themselves astray and leading others astray.”

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- emphasized: “Whoever acquires knowledge for the sake of Allah, intending nothing but to gain worldly benefits, will not find the fragrance of Paradise on the Day of Resurrection.”

The following prophetic traditions reflect the elevated status of scholars and students of knowledge:

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- said: “You will encounter people seeking knowledge; when you see them, greet them warmly and welcome them as the advice of the Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him-.”

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- stated: “Whoever Allah intends good for, He provides them with understanding of religion. I am just a distributor, and Allah is the giver. This ummah will remain steadfast on the truth, and those who oppose them will not harm them until Allah’s Command comes.”

Here are some prophetic traditions that underscore the need to disseminate knowledge:

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- said: “May Allah brighten the face of a person who hears a statement from us, preserves it, and conveys it to others. Indeed, there may be a bearer of understanding who is not an understanding individual, and there may be a bearer of understanding who reaches one more knowledgeable than them.”

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- drew a comparison: “The example of what Allah has sent me with guidance and knowledge is like abundant rain that hits the land; among it is clean soil that absorbs the water, thus producing grass and a great deal of vegetation, and among it is arid land that retains water and benefits people who drink, irrigate, and cultivate. And there is another portion that is just hard soil; it neither holds water nor produces vegetation. This is the example of one who comprehends the religion of Allah, benefits from what I have been sent with, learns and teaches, and the example of one who does not raise their head and does not accept the guidance sent to them.”

The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- said: “The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.”

The Quran contains numerous verses that highlight the significance of knowledge and encourage its pursuit. Below are several examples:

Allah the Almighty says: “Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing, afraid of the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord? Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only they will remember [who are people of reason].”

Allah the Almighty states: “It is only those who possess knowledge among His servants that fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Forgiving.”

Allah the Almighty instructs: “Read in the name of your Lord who created; created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the most Generous—who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not.”

Allah the Almighty reminds: “And We did not send before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that there is no deity except Me, so worship Me. And ask the people of knowledge, if you do not know.”

Allah the Almighty advises: “So exalted is Allah, the True King. And do not hasten, [O Muhammad], with the Quran before its revelation is completed to you, and say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’

Allah the Almighty mentions: “And We certainly gave knowledge to David and Solomon, and they said, “Praise is [due] to Allah, who has favored us over many of His believing servants.”

Allah the Almighty affirms: “Rather, it is clear signs in the chests of those who were given knowledge. And none deny Our verses except the wrongdoers.”

Allah the Almighty states: “It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom, although they were before in manifest error.”