\*\* The Role of Knowledge in Islam – Seeking Ilm as a Path to Jannah\*\*
**Why Seeking Knowledge is Obligatory in Islam – With Quranic Verses and Authentic Hadith**
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### Introduction
In Islam, knowledge (ilm) holds an elevated status. The pursuit of knowledge is not merely encouraged; it is considered an obligation for every Muslim—man and woman. It enlightens the mind, strengthens faith, and draws a believer closer to Allah. The very first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a command to read, indicating the vital role of knowledge in Islam.
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### Quranic Verses on Knowledge
> **“Read in the name of your Lord who created – Created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the most Generous – Who taught by the pen – Taught man that which he knew not.”** – (Surah Al-Alaq, 96:1-5)
> **“Say, Are those who know equal to those who do not know?”** – (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:9)
> **“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.”** – (Surah Al-Mujadila, 58:11)
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### Authentic Hadith on Seeking Knowledge
> Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
> **“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”** – (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 224)
> **“Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make a path to Paradise easy for him.”** – (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2699)
> **“The angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge out of pleasure for what he does.”** – (Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith: 3641)
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### Types of Knowledge in Islam
1. **Religious Knowledge:** Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, Aqeedah
2. **Worldly Knowledge:** Medicine, science, mathematics, languages (if used for halal purposes and benefit)
Both are valuable when pursued with the right intention and used for the benefit of the Ummah.
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### Benefits of Seeking Knowledge
* Increases taqwa (God-consciousness)
* Protects against ignorance and misguidance
* Strengthens the Muslim Ummah
* Empowers individuals to fulfill their duties correctly
* Builds a strong moral character
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### Etiquettes of a Knowledge Seeker
* Sincerity: Seek knowledge for the sake of Allah
* Respect: Honor teachers and fellow learners
* Patience: Consistency over time
* Acting upon knowledge: Practice what you learn
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### Women and the Pursuit of Knowledge
> A woman came to the Prophet ﷺ and said:
> **“O Messenger of Allah, the men have taken all your time, so set aside a day for us.” He did, and he taught them separately.** – (Sahih Bukhari)
Islam encourages and obligates both men and women to seek knowledge.
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### Conclusion
Knowledge is light. In Islam, it is the key to understanding the Creator, fulfilling obligations, and leading a meaningful life. The journey of learning is lifelong and deeply rewarding. Let us strive to become students of knowledge and live by what we learn.
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📖 **Sources:**
* Quran:
* Surah Al-Alaq (96:1–5)
* Surah Az-Zumar (39:9)
* Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11)
* Authentic Hadith:
* Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith: 224)
* Sahih Muslim (Hadith: 2699)
* Sunan Abu Dawood (Hadith: 3641)
* Sahih Bukhari (Hadith on women learning)