The purpose of seeking knowledge: Knowledge is the information that we use to perform daily functions and plan future actions. When a child is born, Allah (s.w.t.) gives him or her some basic knowledge known as instincts. For example, as soon as a baby is born, it automatically knows how to cry and move his arms and legs. As we grow older, our experiences teach us lessons in life. We gain more knowledge of the world and what our purpose on earth is. As we learn about the world and the natural laws that govern it, it becomes evident that there must be an all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful superior being who created life. We know this being can only be Allah (s.w.t).
Because Allah (s.w.t) granted us intelligence, it is our duty to seek knowledge, so we can understand what Islam is and how we can best worship and serve Him. Rasulullah (saws) has said:
The search for knowledge is a duty for every Muslim, male and female. (transmitted by Bukhari)
Therefore, it is the duty of every Muslim, man or woman, to seek knowledge. By studying Allah (s.w.t)'s creation, we feel a deep sense of awareness and respect for Allah (s.w.t) as our Creator, and thus, strengthen our Iman. The Holy Quran says:
Those truly fear Allah, among His servants, who have knowledge. (35:28).
Knowledge also protects us from the pitfalls that the Shaitan may mislead us into. As Rasulullah (saws) said:
One scholar is harder on the devil than a thousand worshippers. (transmitted by Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)
If we know how to recognize good from bad, we can avoid wrong beliefs and make an effort to win the pleasure of Allah (s.w.t) through sincere worship and good deeds. One who struggles in pursuit of knowledge becomes very dear to Allah (s.w.t). Rasulullah confirmed this in the following hadith:
Whoever travels in search of knowledge is on Jihad until he returns. (transmitted by Tirmidhi and Darimi)
In addition to preparing for the Day of Judgment, knowledge is a valuable tool for living in in this world. Allah (s.w.t) has provided us many natural resources. Without knowing how to access these resources, life would be very difficult. We would not have many vital technologies, such as electricity, improvement of crops, and farming techniques, building dams for irrigation, and hydroelectric power, developing medicines to cure disease, among many others.
Value of educators: Because they teach the fundamentals of knowledge, educators are greatly respected in Islam. Without good educators, students cannot develop a strong foundation for their knowledge base. In fact, Rasulullah (saws) is reported to have said:
The ink of the 'alim (knowledgeable person) is more precious than the blood of the shahid (one who dies fighting for the cause of Allah (s.w.t). (transmitted by Tirmidhi)
Therefore, a knowledgeable person deserves respect and consideration, because as an educator, they provide an invaluable service to humanity.
What is meant by knowledge? A Muslim's knowledge base must include a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of Islam. In addition, one should be well-versed in Islamic law (Shariah), the sciences, languages, mathematics, agriculture, medicine, arts and crafts, etc. However, on the course of his or her non-religious studies, the Muslim is taught something that is contrary to the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, he or she must only follow what Allah (s.w.t) and His Messenger have said. We must never forget that Allah (s.w.t)'s knowledge is perfect and complete. The limited knowledge human beings do possess was also granted by Allah (s.w.t).
Source: Islamic Tahdhib and Akhlaq by Aisha Lemu. Labels: Islamic Akhlaq
