Knowledge (ilm) in Islam is a sacred obligation for every true believer, forming the bedrock of Islamic teaching and principles. Islamic scholars regard knowledge as a treasure with profound spiritual and practical rewards for those who diligently seek it. Above all, it is an uncommon ladder to spiritual growth, ideal worshipping of Allah (Ibadah) as well as a path to paradise.

Both the Quran and Hadith support this claim, highlighting knowledge as a cornerstone of faith and a means to worship Allah. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), in one of his sayings, reported by Anas Ibn Malik, said, “seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”

This Hadith underscores that seeking knowledge makes one a complete Muslim. It further highlights that it has important role it plays in the lives of believers who seek God’s favour.

Knowledge in Islam embodies both spiritual and worldly domains, provided it serves a righteous purpose. Spiritual knowledge includes understanding
Tawhid (monotheism), the pillars of worship (salah, zakah, sawm, hajj), and the distinctions between halal (lawful) and haram (forbidden). Worldly knowledge, such as sciences, skills, and technologies, is equally valued when it benefits the humanity and aligns with Islamic ethics.

The Quran also underscores this divine mandate. The first revelation to the Prophet, in Surah al-‘Alaq (96:1–5), commands:
“Recite in the Name of your Lord Who created—Created man from a clinging substance. Recite, and your Lord is the Most Generous—Who taught by the pen—Taught man that which he knew not.”

These verses demonstrate that the pursuit of knowledge is divinely ordained. The word ilm (knowledge) appears 854 times in the Holy Quran, making it the most emphasised concept in the Quran.

This therefore, suggests that matter of knowledge in Islamic religion is not treated as inconsequential but as a vital component of faith and practice.

In another scenario, the Prophet (SAW) also highlighted greater benefit of seeking knowledge, saying “Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise” (Sahih Muslim). What this simply mean is that knowledge is not an end in itself but a means to grow closer to Allah (SWT). The hadith also enjoins Muslims to seek knowledge that is beneficial and increases God-consciousness which is key towards entering paradise.

This calls for reflection on the type of knowledge one should seek because not all knowledge is beneficial. Scholars have warned against pursuits that lead to harmful outcomes, such as knowledge tied to magic, sorcery, or denial of Allah, or that promote arrogance and worldly gain over spiritual growth.

For instance, Imam Al-Ghazali noted that, “Whoever cannot distinguish between beneficial and harmful knowledge will become preoccupied with superficial sciences that lead to worldly gains. This is the root of ignorance and the source of corruption.”

Thus, the intention (niyyah) behind seeking knowledge is paramount, it must be for Allah’s pleasure and the service of His creation, not for personal gain or prestige.

Dear brethren, as the inheritors of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), seeking knowledge, is considered an essential endeavour, that aims to enlighten one’s soul, and assist in knowing Allah. When this happens, Muslims have the courage and conviction to worship Allah.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified the pursuit of knowledge as a transformative force for innovation, knowledge, and positive change. His establishment of Al-Suffah, a dedicated space for learning next to his mosque in Madinah, reflects this legacy.

The Ahl al-Suffah, including devoted companions like Abu Hurairah, committed themselves to studying and disseminating Islamic teachings. The Prophet also promoted literacy, as seen after the Battle of Badr, where educated captives earned their freedom by teaching Muslim children to read and write.

This legacy underscores that seeking knowledge is an act of worship that enlightens the soul and strengthens one’s connection to Allah. It equips believers to fulfill their duties, from performing acts of worship correctly to contributing to the betterment of society.

While seeking knowledge brings great benefits, ignorance can be dangerous, leading to distortion of the religion, false fatwas as well as innovation (bid’ ah). The Prophet warned of the consequences of neglecting knowledge, stating: “Among the signs of the Hour are the disappearance of knowledge, the establishment of ignorance, the drinking of wine, and the appearance of fornication” (Sahih Muslim).

Similarly, Abu Hurairah reported the Prophet saying: “Knowledge will be taken away, ignorance and sedition will appear, and there will be a lot of killing.”

In this part of the world, many Muslim scholars are already deviating from the legacy of Prophet Muhammad especially in how they apply their knowledge which is neither beneficial to mankind nor improve the Muslim community.

Instead of using their knowledge to unite and uplift, many of these scholars now turn to social media as arenas for unnecessary polemics, insults, and ideological clashes rather than fostering it with knowledge.

This new trend is hinged on debates with the motive of fault-finding and verbal attacks rather than constructive dialogue or genuine da’wah (Islamic teaching and guidance).

Dear brethren, once again, let us reflect on the pursuit of knowledge and our master’s enduring legacy. No doubt, knowledge is a divine obligation that transforms individuals and communities, guiding them toward spiritual fulfillment and eternal reward. Therefore, it is important we uplift the Muslim community rather than divide it.