Allah (swt) did not ask the Prophet (SAW) to increase in anything other than knowledge. Surah Taha (Ayah 114), “High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth! Be not in haste with the Qur’an before its revelation to thee is completed, but say, ‘O my Lord! Increase me in knowledge’.”
The best provision for the journey of life is Taqwa, among its many descriptions; it is the fear of Allah, knowledge of religion and the application of knowledge. Having Taqwa is a barrier to Allah’s punishment. Seek knowledge to increase in Taqwa and spread goodness for the sake of Allah.
Imam Hanifa was a businessman. A very popular imam of his time was Imam Ash Shabi, who once told him that, and “I have seen in you intelligence and an active mind”. Inspired by these words he started his quest for knowledge and went on to become one of the most knowledgeable in matters of the religion of Islam. Allah (swt) says, “Those who have knowledge are not the same as those who do not.” When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows on him the understanding of His religion.
Envy is permitted in two cases, a man whom Allah gives wealth and he disposes of it to please Allah and a man on whom Allah bestows knowledge and he applies it and teaches it to others. If a single person is guided to Allah because of you, it is better for you than a lot of red Camels, it is better for you than the whole world and what it contains or better for you than what the sun rises over.
Abu Hurairah narrated, Prophet (SAW) said, “Allah makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge”. Knowledge is like rain, a land absorbs it and produces food and fruits, stony and rocky land holds the water for people and animals. There’s another kind of land that would absorb the water but produce nothing. When you learn something of your religion, teach it to others.
Narrated by Tirmidhi, Prophet (SAW) says, “Verily Allah and His Angels, dwellers of the heaven and earth, even the ants in their holes, the whale in the sea, praises the one who teaches knowledge that is beneficial”.
This world and all that it contains is cursed except for three things:
- The remembrance of Allah (SWT) and all that you do to please Allah with.
- A Scholar.
- A Student of knowledge.
The Superiority of a scholar over a worshipper is like that of the Prophet (SAW) over the lowest among the companions. Time spent in learning and teaching beneficial knowledge is better than standing in worship all night (Qiyam ul Lail). The time spent in search of knowledge is like being in Jihad, you’re in the care and protection of Allah.
A gathering where people sit and discuss and recite Qur’an, Allah covers them with mercy, sends tranquility upon them and mentions them in the company of Angels.
Prophets do not leave behind any worldly belongings as inheritance. The inheritance of Prophets is only Knowledge.
Excellence of Knowledge, Aalim, means knower of the seen and unseen. Aleem means having deep knowledge. Above every person of knowledge there is one with more knowledge and Allah (SWT) is above all those who have knowledge.