Holy Prophet on knowledge & education
One of the distinctive features of Islam is its emphasis on knowledge. The Holy Qur’an and the Islamic Tradition (Sunnah) invite Muslims to seek and acquire knowledge, wisdom and understanding of Deen and to hold men of knowledge in high esteem.
The first few verses of Holy Qur’an that were revealed to our Holy Prophet Mohammed (ﷺ-Sallallaho Alaihi Wa’Sallam):
“Read in the name of your Lord who created”
“Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood”
“Read, and your Lord is the most Generous”
“Who taught by the pen”
“Taught man that which he knew not.”
(Holy Qur’an 96:1-5)
Hence, it is a beautiful prayer for every Muslim to ask always:
“O my Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” (Quran 20:114)
The only limit set to the acquisition of knowledge in Islam is that Muslims should seek useful knowledge. Our great Prophet (ﷺ-Sallallaho Alaihi Wa’Sallam) is reported as having said: “My Lord, save me from the useless knowledge.”
Useless means that is not helpful towards anything. Another aspect of it is that how it will help you on judgement day, this includes good deeds and bad deeds.
Example of useless knowledge: Abul Hikam (Father of Wisdom) was the title of Amr Ibn Hesam, one of the bitterest enemies of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Holy Prophet Mohammed (ﷺ-Sallallaho Alaihi Wa’Sallam) nicknamed him Abu Jahl (Father of Ignorance) because of his rigid attitude towards understanding the teachings, meaning of life and Islam.
From the above example we can see, how much our Holy Prophet (ﷺ-Sallallaho Alaihi Wa’Sallam) disliked ignorant and at the same time we can learn from the following example, how much our Holy Prophet (pbuh) liked to learn.
The mosque of Medina was not only a place of worship. The believers assembled here to learn.
When the Holy Prophet Mohammed (ﷺ-Sallallaho Alaihi Wa’Sallam) was present they heard his words of wisdom, his elucidation on the verses of the Holy Qur’an and benefited from his counsel. And when he was not present, other faithful companions taught what they had heard from the Prophet of Almighty God.
Once our Holy Prophet (ﷺ-Sallallaho Alaihi Wa’Sallam) entered the Mosque before the prayer time. He found two groups in the Mosque. One group was busy with its own act of worship; some were reading the Holy Qur’an while the others were supplicating. The other group was in a corner busy learning. They learnt how to read and write and discussed the teachings of Islam and their application to their daily lives.
Looking at both, the Holy Prophet (ﷺ-Sallallaho Alaihi Wa’Sallam) said: “They are both engaged in useful pursuits. But I am a teacher. I shall join the group assembled to learn.” So he (S.A.W) sat with the group of students.
And in those times the prisoners used to achieve their freedom by teaching 10 Muslim children, how to read & write.
But one should also be aware of the point that nation of Noah/Nuh (alaihi as-salām – عليه السلام) also went astray with their knowledge. Knowledge without religious guidance is recipe for disaster. Without proper “Navigation system”, it is not possible to reach the desired destination.
::SOME OF HIS WISE SAYINGS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF “KNOWLEDGE”::
It is an obligation for every Muslim to seek knowledge.
To acquire knowledge is binding upon all Muslims, whether male or female.
Seek knowledge from cradle to grave.
Acquire knowledge, it enables its possessor to distinguish right from wrong; it lights the way to heaven.
The most learned of men is the one who gathers knowledge from others on his own; the most worthy of men is the most knowing and the meanest is the most ignorant.
The loss of running after an affair without learning about it is more than its benefit.
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(Riyad as-Salihin, The Book of Knowledge, Book 13, Hadith 1376)
Mu’awiyah (r.a) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him the understanding of Deen.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
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The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim.” – (Tirmidhi, Hadith 74).
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The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ – peace be upon him) said: “One who treads a path in search of knowledge has his path to Paradise made easy by God…” – (Riyadh us-Saleheen, 245)
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The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ – peace be upon him) said: “A servant of God will remain standing on the Day of Judgment until he is questioned about his (time on earth) and how he used it; about his knowledge and how he utilized it; about his wealth and from where he acquired it and in what (activities) he spent it; and about his body and how he used it.” – (Tirmidhi, Hadith 148)
