Waterloo S1 Akhlaq

Importance of Acquiring Knowledge

Discussions from Quran & Traditions of the Ahlul Bait (as)

Knowledge

• We all know that it is important to acquire knowledge

• But do we know how much emphasis has been laid upon it in the Holy Quran?

• Do we know the how many blessings we get when we acquire knowledge?

• Let's look at a few verses regarding importance of knowledge and condemnation of ignorance

Education - Goal of the prophets (as)

[Shakir 2:151] Even as We have sent among you a Messenger from among you who recites to you Our communications and purifies you and teaches you the Book and the wisdom and teaches you that which you did not know.

Fear of Allah (swt) comes with Knowledge

[Shakir 35:28] ...those of His servants only who possess knowledge fear Allah..

Dont be like the ignorant ones

[Shakir 33:33] And stay in your houses and do not display your finery like the displaying of the ignorance of yore (former days)

Definition of Knowledge

Imam Sadiq (a.s) narrated that someone went to see Holy Prophet (saws) and said: “O' Prophet of God! What is knowledge?” The Prophet (saws) said: “To remain silent.” He asked: “What else?” The Prophet (saws) said: “To listen attentively.” He asked: “What else?” The Prophet (saws) said: “To remember.” He asked “What else?” The Prophet (saws) said: “Practicing what is learnt.” He asked: “What else?” The Prophet (saws) said: “Teaching it to other people.”
(Behar-ul-Anwar, vol 2, pg 28)

Traditions on Acquiring Knowledge

• Holy Prophet (saws): “Acquiring knowledge is wajib upon all Muslim men and women. Know that God loves students.” (Mishkatul-Anwar, H. 684)

• Imam Kazim (as): “If I was to find a youth from amongst the youth of the Shīa not gaining a deep knowledge and understanding, I would surely strike him with a sword.”

  (Fiqhul Rizā, Page 337)

Acquiring Knowledge is better than...

• Better than attending 1000 funeral processions, visiting 1000 sick patients, worshipping for 1000 nights, fasting for 1000 days, giving 1000 dirhams in charity, performing 1000 Umrah and participating in 1000 un-obligatory Jihad - (Mishkatu-ul-Anwar, H. 700)

• Imam Baqir (a.s): “The birds in the sky, and all the fish and other sea creatures will ask for God's forgiveness for students until the Resurrection Day.” (Mishkatul-Anwar, H. 712)

Conclusion

• Allah (swt) has mentioned the benefits of acquiring knowledge in the Holy Quran.

• Traditions of the Ahlul Bait (as) have strongly motivated us to seek knowledge.

• Do you think we should now invest our time in acquiring religious knowledge along with religious sciences?