In the Name of Allah, the Most High.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAWS said, “The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim.” From this hadith, it is clear that seeking knowledge is not only compulsory for the teachers of our community, but every single Muslim. Additionally, Prophet Muhammad SAWS said, “Whoever follows a path in the pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to paradise.” Seeking of knowledge is highly regarded in Islam. We as Muslims must seek knowledge and teach it to others.
Seeking knowledge is one of the most noble acts. A knowledgeable person not only guides themselves, but all those around them towards goodness. The Prophet SAWS said, “The superiority of the learned man over the devout worshiper is like that of a full moon over the rest of the stars.” The light of the full moon shines bright, illuminating everyone and everything around it.
Ponder on the importance placed on seeking knowledge in Islam knowing that the first word sent down to the Prophet Muhammad SAWS from Allah SWT was Iqra- read!
Benefits of Seeking Knowledge:
The time before Islam is known as Jahaliya or the age of ignorance. All sorts of terrible acts were committed by ignorant people during this time. AllahSWT blessed the world with the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAWS. His SAWS impact led to endless change which positively influenced not only his SAWS entire community, but the entirety of the world and continues to benefit us till today.
Allah SWT says in the Quran …Say, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” Only those who possess intelligence will take heed, (39:9). Allah SWT is making a clear distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. We must stride to increase ourselves in understanding and be amongst those whom AllahSWT elevates through his beautiful words.
The Prophet SAWS said, “When the human being dies, his deeds end except for three: ongoing charity (Sadaqa Jaariyah), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him,” (Muslim). Beneficial knowledge not only benefits a Muslim in this life but is also a form of Sadaqah Jariyah. Gaining knowledge and spreading it to others will not only be of benefit in this lifetime, but a mode of endless benefit beyond our comprehension.
How can we seek knowledge in Islam?
Allah SWT says in the Quran, “If you do not know, ask those who possess knowledge.” We can seek knowledge by going to places where knowledge is taught. Several scholars emphasize the importance of going somewhere to seek knowledge. Prophet Muhammad SAWS said, “As a person goes out seeking knowledge, the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth all seek forgiveness for that person. Whether it be the angels in the heavens or the fish in the sea.” Seek knowledge by attending khutbas, jalsas, bahr e aam and other gatherings where AllahSWT is remembered, and knowledge is shared. In our Mahdavia community, a very important source of information is the Sohbath e Sadiqeen (the company of the righteous).
The righteous persons include the Murshids and other scholars of our community. Through them we can also learn the spiritual aspects of our religion.
Make an intention to seek knowledge and ask Allah SWT for guidance. Allah SWT says, “Whoever draws close to Me by the length of a hand, I will draw close to him by the length of an arm. Whoever draws close to Me by the length of an arm, I will draw close to him by the length of a fathom. Whoever comes to Me walking, I will come to him running. Whoever meets Me with enough sins to fill the earth, not associating any partners with me, I will meet him with as much forgiveness,” (Muslim). SubhanAllah!
Set realistic goals, start small and grow. Here are a few examples that you can choose from to begin with:
Attend an in-person Islamic gathering at least once a month
Listen to one virtual or pre-recorded Islamic talk at least once a week
Read one page of the translation of the Quran everyday
Listen to the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS during commutes to and from work or school.
Learn and apply one act of the Prophet SAWS to your life every month.
Visit our Mahdavia Websites such as www.promisedmehdi.com and www.miccusa.org, etc.
Let’s begin and continue the journey of seeking knowledge through all the wonderful people, books, videos, podcasts around us so that we may grow closer to Allah SWT, to the Prophet Muhammad SAWS, and Imam Mahdi AHS so that Allah SWT may make our path to paradise easy for us, InshaAllah.
May Allah SWT guide us all to the right path. Ameen.