Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh, I am Zayd Haji, a student at ZAD Academy. In this blog post, I summarize important lessons from a lecture related to the virtue of seeking knowledge, the respect for scholars, and the responsibility of Muslims to follow authentic Islamic teachings from the Qur’an and Sunnah. Islam places great importance on acquiring beneficial knowledge. Knowledge is not merely information; it is a means of understanding Allah, strengthening faith, and guiding people toward righteousness. Allah says: “Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only those of understanding will remember.” (Qur’an 39:9 – Quran.com) Knowledge helps believers distinguish truth from falsehood and guides them in practicing Islam correctly. Narrated `Uthman: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it." Sahih al-Bukhari 5027 https://sunnah.com/bukhari:5027 In Islam, scholars hold a respected position because they preserve and teach authentic knowledge. They play a vital role in guiding the Muslim community. Narrated Kathir ibn Qays: Kathir ibn Qays said: I was sitting with AbudDarda' in the mosque of Damascus. A man came to him and said: AbudDarda, I have come to you from the town of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) for a tradition that I have heard you relate from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). I have come for no other purpose. He said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, Allah will cause him to travel on one of the roads of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks knowledge, the inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man. The superiority of the learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave neither dinar nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion. Sunan Abi Dawud 3641 https://sunnah.com/abudawud:3641 Allah also praises those who possess knowledge and fear Him: “Only those fear Allah, from among His servants, who have knowledge.” (Qur’an 35:28 – Quran.com) True knowledge leads to humility and fear of Allah, not arrogance. Islam teaches Muslims to respect scholars, teachers, elders, and those who guide others toward goodness. Ibn Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: " He is not one of us who does not have mercy upon our young, respect our elders, and command good and forbid evil." Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1921 https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:1921 Students are encouraged to approach their teachers with humility. Imam Ahmad رحمه الله emphasized that students should humble themselves before those from whom they learn. Respecting scholars and seeking knowledge from reliable sources protects Muslims from confusion and misguidance. Not everyone has the ability to derive rulings or explain Islamic matters independently. Therefore, Islam encourages believers to consult knowledgeable scholars. Allah says: “So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” (Qur’an 16:43 – Quran.com) Islam also teaches believers to follow divine guidance and maintain unity within the Muslim community. Allah says: “O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.” (Qur’an 4:59 – Quran.com) Classical scholars such as Ibn Kathir explained that “those in authority” includes both rulers & scholars who guide the community. Seeking knowledge is one of the greatest acts of worship in Islam. It strengthens faith, guides actions, and benefits society. Muslims should strive to learn the Qur’an, follow authentic teachings, respect scholars, & seek guidance from knowledgeable people. May Allah grant us beneficial knowledge & make us among those who learn & teach the truth. Wa Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
