The Virtues of Seeking Knowledge
Seeking knowledge is one of the most virtuous acts of worship in Islam. Islam instructs people to live their lives in the light of knowledge and evidence rather than blind belief. Allah Almighty repeatedly points in the Qur’an toward reflection, research, the pursuit of knowledge, and the elevated status of those who possess knowledge.
The Prophet ﷺ said that seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim. This hadith clearly highlights the importance of acquiring knowledge.
In Kanz al-Ummal, many hadiths have been compiled regarding the virtues of seeking knowledge. It is stated that the status of scholars is far higher than that of worshippers, and that Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for those who walk the path of knowledge.
Knowledge enables a person to distinguish between truth and falsehood and plays an important role in establishing justice and peace in society.
In Islam, knowledge is not merely a means of worldly advancement; it is also essential for success in the Hereafter. A knowledgeable person can guide not only himself but also society toward the path of light.
Therefore, every Muslim should strive to acquire both worldly and religious knowledge so that they may attain the pleasure of Allah and salvation in the Hereafter.
Translated from the “Knowledge” chapter of Kanz al-Ummal by Shaykh Ali al-Muttaqi (رحمه الله)
Our translation and publication — Darus Saadat
Encouragement to Seek Knowledge
Seeking Knowledge Is Obligatory
28651- “طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم”. “عد، هب”
Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.
Benefit
Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim—it is the fundamental basis for following the correct path in both religious and worldly matters.
Giving Knowledge to the Unqualified
28652- “طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم، وواضع العلم عند غير أهله كمقلد الخنازير الجوهر واللؤلؤ والذهب”. “هـ” عن أنس
Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim. Giving knowledge to those who are unqualified to receive it is like putting jewels, pearls, and gold necklaces around the necks of pigs.
Benefit
Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim. Giving knowledge to an unqualified person is like misusing it and diminishing its value.
28653- “طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم، وإن طالب العلم يستغفر له كل شيء حتى الحيتان في البحر”. ابن عبد البر في العلم – عن أنس.
Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim. Everything seeks forgiveness for the seeker of knowledge, even the fish in the sea.
Responding to the Call of the Distressed
28654- “طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم والله يحب إغاثة اللهفان”. “هب” وابن عبد البر – عن أنس.
Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim. And Allah Almighty loves those who come to the aid of the distressed.
Seeking Knowledge Is Better Than Voluntary Worship
28655- ” طلب العلم أفضل عند الله من الصلاة والصيام والحج والجهاد في سبيل الله تعالى”. “طب” وابن عبد البر – عن أنس.
Seeking knowledge is better in the sight of Allah than prayer, fasting, Hajj, and striving in the way of Allah Almighty.
Spending Time Seeking Knowledge
28656- “طلب العلم ساعة خير من قيام ليلة، وطلب العلم يوما خير من صيام ثلاثة أشهر. “فر”عن ابن عباس.
Spending some time seeking knowledge is better than standing in prayer throughout the night. Spending one day seeking knowledge is better than fasting for three months.
The Foundation of Religion
28657- “العلم أفضل من العبادة، وملاك الدين الورع”. “خط” وابن عبد البر في العلم – عن ابن عباس.
Knowledge is better than worship, and the foundation of religion is piety and abstinence from doubtful matters.
Benefit
Knowledge is better than worship because worship cannot be performed correctly without knowledge. The foundation of Islam is religious devotion and God-consciousness (wara‘), which keep a person on the right path.
Knowledge Is Better Than Deeds
28658- “العلم أفضل من العمل، وخير الأعمال أوسطها، ودين الله تعالى بين القاسي والغالي والحسنة بين السيئتين لا ينالها إلا بالله، وشر السير الحقحقة”. “هب” عن بعض الصحابة.
Knowledge is better than deeds. The best deeds are those that follow the middle course. The religion of Allah Almighty lies between harshness and excessiveness, and goodness lies between two evils; it cannot be attained except through the grace of Allah. The worst journey is one in which a person overburdens himself.
Types of Knowledge
28659- “العلم ثلاثة وما سوى ذلك فهو فضل: آية محكمة، أو سنة قائمة، أو فريضة عادلة”. “د، هـ، ك” عن ابن عمرو
Knowledge is of three types, and everything beyond these is additional: a clear and decisive verse of the Qur’an whose ruling has not been abrogated; an authentic and established Sunnah; and the knowledge of inheritance laws by which an estate is distributed with justice.
Knowledge Is of Three Types
28660- “العلم ثلاثة: كتاب ناطق، وسنة ماضية ولا أدري”. “فر” عن ابن عمر.
Knowledge is of three types: the Book of Allah, an established Sunnah, and saying, “I do not know” when one does not know something.
Benefit
Knowledge is of three types: the Book of Allah, the established Sunnah, and honestly saying “I do not know” regarding something unknown. This reflects intellectual honesty and humility.
Knowledge Is the Life of Islam
28661- “العلم حياة الإسلام وعماد الدين ومن علم علما أتم الله له أجره، ومن تعلم فعمل علمه الله ما لم يعلم”. أبو الشيخ – عن ابن عباس.
Knowledge is the life of Islam and the pillar of religion. Whoever acquires knowledge, Allah completes his reward for him. And whoever learns and acts upon what he learns, Allah teaches him what he did not know.
Knowledge Is a Treasure
28662- “العلم خزائن، ومفتاحها السؤال: فاسألوا يرحمكم الله فإنه يؤجر فيه أربعة: السائل، والمعلم، والمستمع، والسامع والمحب لهم”. “حل” عن علي.
Knowledge is a treasure, and its key is asking questions. So ask about knowledge—may Allah have mercy on you—for through a question four people receive reward: the one who asks, the teacher, the listener, and the one who loves them.
A Believer’s Companion
28663- “العلم خليل المؤمن، والعقل دليله، والعمل قيمه، والحلم وزيره، والبصر أمير جنوده، والرفق والده واللين أخوه”. “هب” عن الحسن مرسلا.
Knowledge is the companion of a believer. Intellect is his guide, deeds are his provisions, forbearance is his minister, insight is the commander of his troops, gentleness is like his father, and kindness is like his brother.
Knowledge and Religious Devotion
28664- “العلم خير من العبادة، وملاك الدين الورع”. ابن عبد البر – عن أبي هريرة.
Knowledge is better than worship, and the foundation of religion is piety and abstinence from doubtful matters.
28665- “العلم خير من العبادة، وملاك الدين الورع، العالم من يعمل بالعلم وإن كان قليلا”. أبو الشيخ – عن عبادة.
Knowledge is better than worship, and the foundation of religion is piety and abstinence from doubtful matters. A scholar is one who acts according to his knowledge, even if his deeds are few.
Acquiring Knowledge from Qualified People
28666- “العلم دين، الصلاة دين فانظروا عمن تأخذون هذا العلم وكيف تصلون هذه الصلاة فإنكم تسألون يوم القيامة”. “فر” عن ابن عمر.
Knowledge is religion, and prayer is religion. So consider carefully from whom you acquire this knowledge and how you perform this prayer, for you will be questioned about it on the Day of Judgment.
Beneficial Knowledge
28667- “العلم علمان فعلم في القلب وذلك العلم النافع، وعلم على اللسان فذلك حجة الله على ابن آدم”. “ش” والحكيم – عن الحسن مرسلا؛ “خط” عنه عن جابر.
Knowledge is of two kinds. One kind is knowledge that reaches the heart, and this is beneficial knowledge. The other kind is knowledge that merely reaches the tongue, and this becomes Allah’s proof against the son of Adam.
Benefit
Beneficial knowledge is the knowledge that increases a person’s righteous deeds and God-consciousness. Knowledge that remains only on the tongue without being reflected in actions can instead become a burden and a liability upon a person.
Knowledge Is the Legacy of the Prophets
28668- “العلم ميراثي وميراث الأنبياء قبلي”. “فر” عن أم هانئ.
Knowledge is my inheritance and the inheritance of the prophets who came before me.
Benefit
Knowledge is the inheritance of the Prophets and Messengers. Therefore, acquiring authentic knowledge means receiving one of the most valuable legacies left by the prophets.
Knowledge and Wealth
28669- “العلم والمال يستران كل عيب والجهل والفقر يكشفان كل عيب”. “فر” عن ابن عباس.
Knowledge and wealth conceal many faults, whereas ignorance and poverty expose many faults.
Benefit
Knowledge and wealth may conceal many shortcomings, while ignorance and poverty can expose a person’s weaknesses and faults.
Preventing People from Acquiring Knowledge
28670- ” العلم لا يحل منعه”. “فر” عن أبي هريرة.
It is not permissible to prevent people from acquiring knowledge.
Benefit
Preventing people from learning or depriving them of knowledge is not permissible, because knowledge is essential for both religious life and worldly life.
The Trustee of Allah
28671- “العالم أمين الله في الأرض”. ابن عبد البر في العلم – عن معاذ.
A scholar is Allah’s trustee on earth.
Benefit
Scholars are entrusted with the knowledge of Allah’s religion. They are responsible for preserving and conveying knowledge correctly and calling people toward the truth.
Equal Partners in Goodness
28672- “العالم والمتعلم شريكان في الخير وسائر الناس لا خير فيه”. “طب” عن أبي الدرداء.
The scholar and the student are equal partners in goodness, while there is no goodness in the rest of people.
Benefit
Both the scholar and the student share equally in goodness: one conveys knowledge and the other receives it. Beyond this, there is no true goodness.
The Sultan of Allah
28673- “العالم سلطان الله في الأرض، فمن وقع فيه فقد هلك”. “فر” عن أبي ذر.
A scholar is the authority of Allah on earth. Whoever attacks or dishonors a scholar is ruined.
Benefit
Scholars have a very high status because they carry the knowledge of Allah’s religion. However, one should not issue a definitive judgment that a particular person is ultimately “ruined”; rather, Islam teaches us to respect scholars and refrain from insulting them.
The Scholar, Knowledge, and Deeds
28674- “العالم والعلم والعمل في الجنة، فإذا لم يعمل العالم بما يعلم كان العلم والعمل في الجنة وكان العالم في النار”. “فر” عن أبي هريرة.
The scholar, knowledge, and deeds will be in Paradise. But if a scholar does not act upon what he knows, then knowledge and deeds will be in Paradise while the scholar will be in Hell.
Responsible for Allah’s Creation
28675- “العلماء أمناء الله على خلقه”. القضاعي وابن عساكر – عن أنس.
Scholars are Allah’s trustees over His creation.
28676- “العلماء أمناء أمتي”. “فر” عن عثمان.
Scholars are the trustees of my Ummah.
Benefit
Scholars are entrusted with Allah’s religion among His creation. They are responsible for preserving knowledge and conveying it correctly to people.
The Lamps of the Earth
28677- “العلماء مصابيح الأرض، وخلفاء الأنبياء وورثتي وورثة الأنبياء”. “عد” عن علي.
Scholars are the lamps of the earth, the successors of the Prophets, and the heirs of the Prophet ﷺ and the prophets.
Benefit
Scholars are the lights of the earth. They represent the legacy of the Prophets and carry their inheritance of knowledge.
Scholars Are Guides
28678- “العلماء قادة، والمتقون سادة ومجالستهم زيادة”. ابن النجار – عن أنس.
Scholars are guides, and the God-conscious are leaders. Sitting in their company increases faith.
Benefit
Scholars guide people, while the God-conscious are excellent leaders. Keeping their company increases a person’s faith and helps in spiritual purification.
Scholars Are the Heirs of the Prophets
28679- “العلماء ورثة الأنبياء يحبهم أهل السماء ويستغفر لهم الحيتان في البحر إذا ماتوا إلى يوم القيامة”. ابن النجار – عن أنس.
Scholars are the heirs of the Prophets. The inhabitants of the heavens love them, and the fish in the sea seek forgiveness for them even after their death, continuing until the Day of Judgment.
Three Types of Scholars
28680- “العلماء ثلاثة رجل عاش بعلمه وعاش الناس به ورجل عاش الناس به فأهلك نفسه ورجل عاش بعلمه ولم يعش به غيره”. “فر” أنس.
There are three types of scholars.
The first is a scholar who lives according to his knowledge, and people also live according to the knowledge they gain from him.
The second is a scholar through whom people live and learn, while he himself destroys his own soul by failing to act upon his knowledge.
The third is a scholar who lives according to his knowledge, but no one else benefits from his knowledge.
Following the Scholars
28681- “اتبعوا العلماء فإنهم سرج الدنيا ومصابيح الآخرة”. “فر” عن أنس
Follow the righteous scholars, for they are lamps that illuminate this world and lights for the Hereafter.
The Scholar’s Mistake
28682- ” اتقوا زلة العالم وانتظروا فيئته”. الحلواني، “عد، هق” عن كثير بن عبد الله بن عوف عن أبيه عن جده.
Beware of the mistake of a scholar, and if he does slip, wait for his return to the right path.
28683- ” احذروا زلة العالم فإن زلته تكبكبه في النار”. “فر” أبي هريرة
Beware of a scholar’s deviation, for a scholar’s deviation can cause him to be cast into Hell.
Longing for Knowledge
28684- “أجوع الناس طالب العلم وأشبعهم الذي لا يبتغيه”.أبو نعيم في كتاب العلم، “فر” عن ابن عمر.
Among people, the hungriest is the seeker of knowledge, while the most satisfied is the one who does not seek it.
Sitting with Believers
28685- “احبسوا على المؤمنين ضالتهم العلم”. “فر” وابن النجار في تاريخه – عن أنس.
Stay close to the believers, for knowledge is what they seek.
Benefit
Remain in the company of believers, because they seek knowledge and goodness, and their gatherings benefit a person.
Differences within the Ummah
28686- “اختلاف أمتي رحمة”.نصر المقدسي في الحجة والبيهقي في رسالة الأشعرية بغير سند وأورده الحليمي والقاضي حسين وإمام الحرمين وغيرهم ولعله خرج به في بعض كتب الحفاظ التي لم تصل إلينا.
The differences of opinion within my Ummah are a mercy.
Benefit
This indicates that differences of opinion within the acceptable boundaries of Islam can teach tolerance, ease, and mutual respect.
A Day of Regret
28687- إذا أتى علي يوم لا أزداد فيه علما يقربني إلى الله تعالى فلا بورك لي في طلوع شمس ذلك اليوم. “طس، عد، حل” عن عائشة.
When a day comes upon me in which I do not increase in knowledge that brings me closer to Allah Almighty, then may there be no blessing for me in the rising of the sun of that day.
The Worshipper and the Scholar
28688- “إذا اجتمع العالم والعابد على الصراط؛ قيل للعابد: ادخل الجنة وتنعم بعبادتك، وقيل للعالم: قف هنا واشفع لمن أحببت فإنك لا تشفع لأحد إلا شفعت فقام مقام الأنبياء”. أبو الشيخ في الثواب، “فر” عن ابن عباس.
When the worshipper and the scholar stand together upon the Sirat, the worshipper will be told: “Enter Paradise and enjoy the blessings in return for your worship.” The scholar will be told: “Remain here and intercede for whoever you wish, for whenever you intercede for someone, your intercession will be accepted.” Thus, he will be made to stand in the position of the Prophets.
Detachment from the World
28689- “إذا أراد الله بعبد خيرا فقهه في الدين وزهده في الدنيا وبصره عيوبه”. “هب” عن أنس وعن محمد بن كعب القرظي مرسلا.
When Allah wishes good for a servant, He grants him deep understanding of religion, makes him detached from the worldly life, and enables him to recognize his own faults.
Deep Understanding of Religion
28690- “إذا أراد الله بعبد خيرا فقهه في الدين وألهمه رشده”. البزار – عن ابن مسعود.
When Allah wishes good for a servant, He grants him deep understanding of religion and inspires him with sound judgment.
When Allah Wills Good for a Family
28691- “إذا أراد الله بأهل بيت خيرا فقههم في الدين ووقر صغيرهم كبيرهم ورزقهم الرفق في معيشتهم والقصد في نفقاتهم وبصرهم عيوبهم فيتوبوا منها وإذا أراد بهم غير ذلك تركهم هملا”. “قط” في الأفراد – عن أنس.
When Allah wishes good for a household, He grants them understanding of religion, enables their younger members to respect their elders, grants them gentleness in their livelihood, moderation in their spending, and the ability to recognize their own faults so that they may repent from them.
And when Allah wills otherwise for a household, He leaves them to themselves.
When Allah Wills Good for a Community
28692- “إذا أراد الله بقوم خيرا أكثر فقهاءهم وأقل جهالهم فإذا تكلم الفقيه وجد أعوانا، وإذا تكلم الجاهل قهر، وإذا أراد بقوم شرا أكثر جهالهم وأقل فقهاءهم وإذا تكلم الجاهل وجد أعوانا وإذا تكلم الفقيه قهر”. أبو نصر السجزي في الإبانة عن حبان بن أبي جبلة “فر” عن ابن عمر.
When Allah wishes good for a community, He increases the number of their jurists and decreases the number of their ignorant people. When a jurist speaks, he finds many supporters, while when an ignorant person speaks, he is overcome.
And when Allah wishes evil for a community, He increases the number of their ignorant people and decreases the number of their jurists. When an ignorant person speaks, he finds many supporters, while when a jurist speaks, he is overcome.
The Student of Knowledge and the Reward of Martyrdom
28693- “إذا جاء الموت لطالب العلم وهو على هذه الحالة مات وهو شهيد”. البزار – عن أبي ذر وأبي هريرة.
If death comes to a seeker of knowledge while he is engaged in seeking knowledge, he dies as a martyr.
Benefit
Being devoted to the pursuit of knowledge is so virtuous that if a person dies in this state, there is hope that he will receive the reward of a martyr.
Representatives of the Prophets
28694- “إذا قرأ الرجل القرآن واحتشى من أحاديث رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وكانت هناك غريزة2 كان خليفة من خلفاء الأنبياء”. الرافعي في تاريخه عن أبي أمامة.
When a person recites the Qur’an, gathers the hadiths of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and develops noble character, he becomes one of the successors of the Prophets.
The Gardens of Paradise
28695- “إذا مررتم برياض الجنة فارتعوا، قيل: وما رياض الجنة؟ قال: مجالس العلم”. “طب” عن ابن عباس.
When you pass by the gardens of Paradise, graze there. It was asked, “What are the gardens of Paradise?” He said, “The gatherings of knowledge.”
Those Who Will Have the Greatest Regret on the Day of Judgment
28696- “أشد الناس حسرة يوم القيامة رجل أمكنه طلب العلم في الدنيا فلم يطلبه، ورجل علم عاما فانتفع به من سمعه منه دونه”. ابن عساكر – عن أنس.
The person who will have the greatest regret on the Day of Judgment is one who had the opportunity to seek knowledge in this world but did not do so. Another person who will have great regret is one who acquired knowledge and others benefited from it, while he himself did not benefit from his own knowledge.
Seeking Knowledge Even in China
28697- “اطلبوا العلم ولو بالصين فإن طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم “. “عق، عد، هب” وابن عبد البر في العلم.
Seek knowledge even if you have to travel to China, for seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.
Benefit
One should seek knowledge even if it requires traveling to a distant place, because acquiring knowledge is an important responsibility for every Muslim.
28698- “اطلبوا العلم ولو بالصين، فإن طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم إن الملائكة تضع أجنحتها لطالب العلم رضى بما يطلب. ابن عبد البر – عن أنس.
Seek knowledge even if you have to travel to China, for seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim. The angels spread their wings for the seeker of knowledge, pleased with what he seeks.
The Path to Paradise
28699- “من سلك طريقا يلتمس فيه علما سهل الله له طريقا إلى الجنة”. “ت” عن أبي هريرة.
Whoever follows a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make the path to Paradise easy for him.
Benefit
Whoever travels a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for him, because knowledge guides a person toward correct deeds and guidance.
The One Who Seeks Knowledge
28700- “من طلب العلم كان كفارة لما مضى”. “ت” عن مخبرة
Whoever seeks knowledge, it becomes an expiation for his previous sins.
Benefit
Seeking knowledge contributes to spiritual purification and righteous deeds. Sincerely pursuing knowledge can also become a means of having previous sins forgiven.
Allah Takes Responsibility for His Provision
28701- “من طلب العلم تكفل الله له برزقه”. “خط” عن زياد بن الحارث الصدائي.
Whoever seeks knowledge, Allah Himself takes responsibility for his provision.
Benefit
Whoever sincerely seeks knowledge, Allah makes the means of his provision easier and helps him.
The One Who Is in the Path of Allah
28702- ” من طلب العلم فهو في سبيل الله حتى يرجع”. “حل” عن أنس.
Whoever seeks knowledge is in the path of Allah until he returns.
Benefit
A person who remains engaged in seeking knowledge is considered to be in the path of Allah until he returns or completes his journey, because knowledge keeps him on the path of guidance.
The One Who Teaches Others
28703- “من علم علما فله أجر من عمل به لا ينقص من أجر العامل”. “هـ” عن معاذ بن أنس.
Whoever teaches knowledge will receive a reward similar to the reward of the person who acts upon it, without the reward of the person who acts upon it being diminished.
28704- ” من علم آية من كتاب الله أو بابا من علم أنمى الله أجره إلى يوم القيامة”. ابن عساكر – عن أبي سعيد.
Whoever teaches an ayah from the Book of Allah or a chapter of knowledge, Allah will continue increasing his reward until the Day of Judgment.
When Allah Wills Good for Someone
28705- “من يرد الله به خيرا يفقهه في الدين”. “حم، ق” عن معاوية؛ “حم، ت” عن ابن عباس؛ “هـ” عن أبي هريرة.
When Allah wishes good for someone, He grants him deep understanding of religion.
Benefit
When Allah wishes good for someone, He grants him correct and deep understanding of religion, because knowledge leads a person toward sound understanding and righteous action.
The One Who Remains in Paradise
28706- “من غدا أو راح وهو في تعليم دينه فهو في الجنة”. “حل” عن أبي سعيد.
Whoever goes out in the morning or evening to learn or teach his religion is in Paradise.
Benefit
Whoever goes out in the morning or evening with the intention of acquiring religious knowledge is on the path of Allah’s pleasure, and there is hope for the reward of Paradise.
Guidance in the Heart
28707- “من يرد الله به خيرا يفقهه في الدين ويلهمه رشده”. “حل” عن ابن مسعود.
When Allah wishes good for someone, He grants him deep understanding of religion and inspires him with sound guidance.
28708- “من يرد الله بهديه يفهمه”. السجزي – عن عمر.
When Allah wishes guidance for someone, He grants him guidance and understanding.
Knowledge and Guidance
28709- “المتعبد بغير فقه كالحمار في الطاحون”. “حل” عن واثلة.
A person who worships without understanding is like a donkey in a mill.
28710- “نعم العطية كلمة حق تسمعها ثم تحملها إلى أخ لك مسلم فتعلمها إياه”. “طب” عن ابن عباس.
What an excellent gift it is to hear a word of truth, then take it to your Muslim brother and teach it to him.
Sleeping with Knowledge
28711- “نوم على علم خير من صلاة على جهل”. “حل” عن سلمان.
Sleeping with knowledge is better than praying in ignorance.
Benefit
Resting while possessing knowledge can sometimes be better than engaging in worship with ignorance, because worship without correct knowledge can lead a person in the wrong direction.
Two Types of People
28712- “الناس رجلان عالم ومتعلم ولا خير فيما سواهما”. “طب” عن ابن مسعود.
People are of two types: a scholar and a student. There is no goodness in anything beyond them.
Benefit
This indicates the great importance of learning and teaching, because they spread guidance, morality, and goodness throughout society.
Better Than Red Camels
28713- “والله لأن يهدى بهداك رجل واحد خير لك من حمر النعم. “د” عن سهل بن سعد.
By Allah, if even one person is guided through you, it is better for you than red camels.
The Ink of Scholars and the Blood of Martyrs
28714- وزن حبر العلماء بدم الشهداء فرجح عليه. “خط” عن ابن عمر.
The ink of the scholars will be weighed against the blood of the martyrs, and the ink of the scholars will outweigh it.
28715- يوزن يوم القيامة مداد العلماء ودم الشهداء فيرجح عليهم مداد العلماء على دم الشهداء.الشيرازي – عن أنس؛ المرهي – عن عمران بن حصين؛ ابن عبد البر في العلم – عن أبي الدرداء؛ ابن الجوزي في العلل – عن النعمان بن بشير.
On the Day of Judgment, the ink of the scholars and the blood of the martyrs will be weighed, and the ink of the scholars will outweigh the blood of the martyrs.
Patience in Seeking Knowledge and Acting Upon It
28716- تعلموا العلم وتعلموا للعلم الوقار. “خد” عن عمر.
Learn knowledge, and learn dignity and patience for the sake of knowledge.
Benefit
Patience and composure are essential when seeking knowledge, because knowledge does not come easily; it requires effort, perseverance, and steadfastness.
28717- تعلموا العلم وتعلموا للعلم السكينة والوقار، وتواضعوا لمن تعلمون منه. “طس عد” عن أبي هريرة
Learn knowledge, learn tranquility and dignity for the sake of knowledge, and be humble before the person from whom you learn.
Learning Knowledge You Wish to Acquire
28718- تعلموا ما شئتم أن تعملوا فلن ينفعكم الله بالعلم حتى تعملوا بما تعلمون. “عد، خط” عن معاذ؛ ابن عساكر – عن أبي الدرداء.
Learn whatever knowledge you wish, but know that knowledge will not benefit you until you act upon what you learn.
28719- “تعلموا من العلم ما شئتم، فوالله لا تؤجروا بجمع العلم حتى تعملوا”. أبو الحسن بن الأحزم المديني في أماليه – عن أنس.
Learn as much knowledge as you wish. By Allah, you will not receive reward merely for gathering knowledge until you act upon it.
Knowledge of the Obligatory Duties
28720- “تعلموا الفرائض والقرآن وعلموا الناس فإني مقبوض به”. “ت” عن أبي هريرة.
Learn the knowledge of the obligatory duties and the Qur’an, and teach it to people, for I will not remain among you.
Astronomy
28721- “تعلموا من النجوم ما تهتدون به في ظلمات البر والبحر ثم انتهوا. ابن مردويه، “قط” في كتاب النجوم – عن ابن عمر.
Learn from the stars that which enables you to find your way through the darkness of land and sea, and then stop there.
Good Habits
28722- “الخير عادة والشر لجاجة ومن يرد الله به خيرا يفقهه في الدين. “هـ” عن معاوية.
Goodness is a habit, while evil is persistence in wrongdoing. And whoever Allah wishes good for, He grants him deep understanding of religion.
Better Than a Thousand Worshippers
28723- “عالم ينتفع به خير من ألف عابد”. “فر” عن علي.
A scholar whose knowledge benefits people is better than a thousand worshippers.
Benefit
The status of a scholar whose knowledge benefits others is immense, because beneficial knowledge brings not only an individual but an entire society toward goodness.
The Lost Property of a Believer
28724- “ضالة المسلم العلم كلما قيد حديثا طلب إليه آخر”. “فر” عن علي.
Knowledge is the lost property of a Muslim. Whenever he finds a piece of knowledge, he continues seeking more.
The Status of the Seeker of Knowledge
28725- “طالب العلم تبسط له الملائكة أجنحتها رضى بما يطلب”. ابن عساكر – عن أنس.
The angels spread their wings for the seeker of knowledge, pleased with what he seeks.
The Example of a Seeker of Knowledge
28726- “طالب العلم بين الجهال كالحي بين الأموات”. العسكري في الصحابة وأبو موسى في الذيل – عن حسان بن أبي سنان مرسلا.
A seeker of knowledge among ignorant people is like a living person among the dead.
Benefit
This indicates that a seeker of knowledge stands out among the ignorant like a living person among the dead, because knowledge gives a person thought, awareness, and the light of guidance.
The Mujahid Who Goes Out in the Path of Allah
28727- “طالب العلم أفضل عند الله تعالى من المجاهد في سبيل الله”. “فر” عن أنس.
A seeker of knowledge is better in the sight of Allah Almighty than a person striving in the path of Allah.
Like a Mujahid
28728- “طالب العلم لله كالغادي والرائح في سبيل الله”. “فر” عن عمار وأنس.
The person who seeks knowledge for the sake of Allah is like a person who goes out morning and evening in the path of Allah.
Seeking Allah’s Mercy
28729- “طالب العلم طالب الرحمة طالب العلم ركن الإسلام، ويعطى أجره مع النبيين”. “فر” عن أنس.
The seeker of knowledge is a seeker of mercy. The seeker of knowledge is a pillar of Islam, and he will be given his reward alongside the Prophets.
Be a Scholar or a Student
28730- “اغد عالما أو متعلما أو مستمعا أو محبا ولا تكن الخامس فتهلك”. البزار، “طس” عن أبي بكر
Be a scholar, a student, a listener, or a lover of knowledge. Do not be the fifth, or you will be ruined.
The Best Deed
28731- “أفضل الأعمال العلم بالله، إن العلم ينفعك معه قليل العمل وكثيره، وإن الجهل لا ينفعك معه قليل العمل ولا كثيره”. الحكيم – عن أنس.
The best of deeds is knowledge of Allah. Knowledge benefits you whether your deeds are few or many, whereas ignorance benefits you neither with few deeds nor with many.
A Believer’s Well-Wishing Companion
28732- “ألا أعلمك خصلات ينفعك الله بهن؟ عليك بالعلم فإن العلم خليل المؤمن والحلم وزيره والعقل دليله والعمل قيمه والرفق أبوه واللين أخوه والصبر أمير جنده”. الحكيم – عن ابن عباس.
Shall I teach you some qualities through which Allah will benefit you? Acquire knowledge, for knowledge is the believer’s well-wishing companion. Forbearance is his minister, intellect is his guide, deeds are his valuable provision, gentleness is like his father, kindness is like his brother, and patience is the commander of his troops.
Record Knowledge Before It Is Lost
28733- “اكتبوا العلم قبل ذهاب العلماء، وإنما ذهاب العلم بموت العلماء”. ابن النجار – عن حذيفة.
Write down knowledge before the scholars pass away, for knowledge disappears through the death of scholars.
Traveling in Search of Knowledge
28734- ” إن الله تبارك وتعالى أوحى إلي أنه من سلك مسلكا في طلب العلم سهلت له طريق الجنة ومن سلبت كريمتيه أثبته عليهما الجنة، وفضل في علم خير من فضل في عبادة، وملاك الدين الورع”. “هب” عن عائشة.
Allah, Blessed and Exalted, revealed to me that whoever follows a path in search of knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for him. Whoever loses his two eyes will be rewarded with Paradise for them. An increase in knowledge is better than an increase in worship, and the foundation of religion is piety and God-consciousness.
Different Types of Knowledge
28735- “إن الله تعالى جعل العلم قبضات، ثم بثها في البلاد فإذا سمعتم بعالم قد قبض في الأرض فقد رفعت قبضة فلا يزال يقبض حتى لا يبقى شيء. “فر” عن ابن مسعود.
Allah Almighty has placed knowledge in different portions and then spread it throughout the lands. When you hear that a scholar has died somewhere on earth, know that a portion of knowledge has been taken away. This will continue until nothing remains.
Everyone Prays for the Teacher
28736- “إن الله وملائكته حتى النملة في جحرها وحتى الحوت في البحر يصلون على معلم الناس الخير”. “طب” والضياء – عن أبي أمامة.
Allah and His angels—even the ant in its hole and the fish in the sea—pray for the one who teaches people goodness.
28737- “صاحب العلم يستغفر له كل شيء حتى الحوت في البحر”. “ع” عن أنس.
Everything seeks forgiveness for the possessor of knowledge, even the fish in the sea.
28738- “الخلق كلهم يصلون على معلم الخير حتى حيتان البحر”. “فر” عن عائشة.
All of creation prays for the one who teaches goodness, even the fish of the sea.
28739- “معلم الخير يستغفر له كل شيء حتى الحيتان في البحار”. “طس” عن جابر؛ البزار – عن عائشة.
Everything seeks forgiveness for the one who teaches goodness, even the fish in the seas.
The Scholar’s Superiority Over the Worshipper
28740- “فضل العالم على العابد كفضلي على أدناكم إن الله عز وجل وملائكته وأهل السماوات والأرضين حتى النملة في جحرها وحتى الحوت ليصلون على معلم الناس الخير”. “ت” عن أبي أمامة.
The superiority of a scholar over a worshipper is like my superiority over the least of you. Allah Almighty, His angels, and the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth—even the ant in its hole and the fish in the sea—pray for the one who teaches people goodness.
Conclusion
Through acquiring knowledge, a person emerges from the darkness of ignorance and reaches the light of truth. Islam does not regard knowledge merely as the accumulation of information; rather, it considers knowledge the foundation for faith, righteous action, and character development.
The purer and more authentic the knowledge, the more correctly a person’s thoughts and actions will be guided. Therefore, Islamic teachings place scholars in a highly honored position and regard the pursuit of knowledge as an important responsibility.
These hadiths regarding the virtues of seeking knowledge teach us that knowledge is not merely a means of achieving worldly success; it also opens the path to salvation in the Hereafter.
Whoever sincerely seeks knowledge and uses it for the benefit of others is promised Allah’s special mercy and the glad tidings of Paradise.
Therefore, every Muslim should regularly seek knowledge, put it into practice in daily life, and spread it among others.
For true success lies in knowledge that brings a person closer to Allah and secures goodness in both this world and the Hereafter.
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👉 also read The Virtues of La Hawla