Home

Back

Guidelines for Seeking Islamic Knowledge

 

First of all, you need to turn to Allah (SWT). bear-witness that He knows All, and seek assistance from Him

"And say: O Lord, increase me in knowledge" [Taa Haa 21:114]

 

Then you need to make sure your intention is for Allah (SWT) and not for worldly gains-Desire to Please Allah (SWT) only.

The Messenger (saws) said: "Whoever learnt knowledge by which the Face of Allah is to be sought, but he does not do so except for attaining a goal of this world, he will not smell                   the fragrance of Paradise on the Day of Resurrection."                                                                    [SAHEEH: Reported by Ahmad, Abu Daaood and Ibn Hibbaan. Authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami [6297].]

Have Taqwah-Fear Allah (SWT)

Allah (SWT) said in the Holy Qur'an: 

"It is only those who have knowledge among his slaves that fear Allah." [Soorah Faatir 35:28]

If you fear Allah (SWT) you will try to gain knowledge, as it was prescribed to us to do so in many ahadith and ayas in the Qur'an. If you fear Allah (SWT), you will only acquire true and useful knowledge and you will not waste your time doing otherwise.

 

Don't be shy or arrogant in acquiring knowledge

Aisha (Radia Allahu 'Anha) said: 
"How excellent are the women of the Ansaar, shyness/modesty does not prevent them from understanding the religion." [Bukhari Reported this]

When you are shy-you don't attempt to acquire knowledge on your own

When you are arrogant-you don't take the time acquire knowledge because you have too much pride and feel as if you know 'enough'

You have to be strong and determined to acquire knowledge. Every Muslim is supposed to acquire knowledge and should not be shy nor arrogant about it. 

 

Act upon the knowledge you learn

The Messenger of Allah (SWT) said:

 "A servants two feet will not move on the Day of Judgement until he is questioned about four (things): His youth, how he spent it, his knowledge, how he acted upon it, his wealth, how he earned it and how he spent it and his body, how he used/wasted it."[at-Tirmidhee 2417]

You must act upon everything that you know...When you have knowledge of something that you are doing that is wrong, you are accounted for it-and will be questioned about it. The pens are lifted for those who do not know of something and commit a sin...but if you know and commit a sin..you will be accounted for it. 

 

Sources that should recieve credit: