Seeking Beneficial Knowledge in Islam

Seeking beneficial knowledge is considered one of the greatest acts of worship in Islam, and it is a path to Allah’s pleasure and to elevation in rank in both this world and the Hereafter. Islam has made knowledge the foundation for the advancement of both the individual and society, distinguishing human beings through it and raising the status of those who possess it. Allah, the Most High, says: “Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, in degrees,” and He also says: “Say, are those who know equal to those who do not know?”

Allah, the Exalted, began revelation with the command to read, saying: “Read in the name of your Lord who created”, which clearly indicates the importance of knowledge in Islam and that it is the foundation of guidance and the beginning of the path of understanding.

Beneficial knowledge is every form of knowledge that brings a servant closer to his Lord and helps him improve himself and his society. For this reason, the Prophet ﷺ used to supplicate: “O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, good provision, and accepted deeds,” and he sought refuge from knowledge that brings no benefit. This shows the importance of distinguishing between beneficial and useless knowledge.

Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge and makes it an obligation. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim,” and he also said: “Whoever follows a path seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.” He also said: “The scholars are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets did not leave behind dinars or dirhams, but they left behind knowledge.”

One of the most important principles in seeking knowledge is that it must be based on the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ, according to the understanding of the righteous predecessors from among the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). They are the best of generations and the most knowledgeable of people regarding the intent of Allah and His Messenger. Allah has praised them, saying: “And the first forerunners among the Muhajireen and the Ansar and those who followed them with excellence—Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him.”

The understanding of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) is the correct standard for understanding religious texts, as they witnessed revelation, knew its causes, and received knowledge directly from the Prophet ﷺ. Therefore, adhering to their understanding is a means of remaining steadfast upon truth and avoiding deviation. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best of people are my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them.”

From this, it is necessary for a student of knowledge to ensure that he takes knowledge from reliable and authentic sources, and that he refers in his understanding of texts to what the Companions and the righteous predecessors were upon. Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Whoever among you wishes to follow someone, let him follow those who have died, for the living are not safe from trial.”

The early scholars also warned against taking knowledge from those who are not qualified. Muhammad ibn Sirin (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Indeed, this knowledge is religion, so look carefully from whom you take your religion.” It is not enough merely to seek knowledge; one must ensure its authenticity and refer to trustworthy scholars known for knowledge and integrity, who follow the methodology of the Qur’an and Sunnah upon the understanding of the Salaf.

Allah commands referring back to the people of knowledge when one does not know, saying: “So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” Imam Al-Shafi‘i (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “The Muslims have agreed that if a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ becomes clear to someone, it is not permissible for him to abandon it for the saying of anyone.”

Among the virtues of seeking knowledge is that Allah makes the people of knowledge witnesses to the greatest testimony—Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah). He says: “Allah bears witness that there is no deity except Him, and so do the angels and those endowed with knowledge, maintaining justice.” This indicates the honor of their status and the greatness of their rank.

A seeker of knowledge receives عظیم reward; the angels lower their wings in approval of what he does, and forgiveness is sought for him by all creation, even the fish in the sea, as mentioned in authentic narrations. All of this shows the greatness of knowledge and its impact on the life of the individual and society.

Seeking knowledge is not limited to learning alone; it also includes acting upon it and spreading it among people. Allah says: “By time, indeed mankind is in loss, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds…” Knowledge is the foundation of righteous action. Some of the early scholars said, “Knowledge calls for action; if it responds, it remains, otherwise it departs.”

In our time, many means of learning are available, which increases the responsibility of Muslims to choose beneficial knowledge and avoid what is useless, especially with the spread of unreliable information. Therefore, a Muslim should verify his sources, seek knowledge from its qualified people, adhere to the Qur’an and Sunnah according to the understanding of the righteous predecessors, remain patient and sincere, and ask Allah for guidance. Allah says: “And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”

In conclusion, seeking beneficial knowledge is a great act of worship and a vast door of goodness through which nations are built, and values are preserved. Every Muslim should strive along this blessed path, adhering to authentic sources and the understanding of the Companions and the righteous predecessors, hoping for Allah’s acceptance and success.