Introduction

Islam places knowledge as the primary foundation in the life of a Muslim. Without knowledge of Islamic teachings and laws, a person cannot properly perform acts of worship to Allah SWT in accordance with the purpose of their creation.

The Obligation of Seeking Knowledge

The obligation of seeking knowledge in Islam has a very strong theological basis, as emphasized in the Qur’an and Hadith. In Qur’an Surah At-Taubah (9:122), Allah SWT instructs that not all believers should go to the battlefield; rather, a group among them should devote themselves to gaining deep understanding of the religion so they can guide their people.

This principle is reinforced in Qur’an Surah An-Nahl (16:43), which commands people to ask those who possess knowledge if they do not know something.

Explicitly, a hadith narrated by Anas ibn Malik records that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said that seeking knowledge is an obligation (fard) upon every Muslim without exception.

The Virtues of Those Who Possess Knowledge

Those who possess knowledge hold a distinguished status, including:

• Ease on the Path to Paradise: Allah SWT makes the path to Paradise easy for those who seek knowledge.
• The Pleasure of the Angels: The angels lower their wings as a sign of approval for the seeker of knowledge.
• Heirs of the Prophets: Scholars and knowledgeable people are the inheritors of the Prophets; they inherit knowledge, not wealth.
• A Very High Rank: The superiority of a knowledgeable person over a devout worshipper is likened to the brightness of the full moon compared to the stars.
• Continuous Reward: Beneficial knowledge is one of the deeds whose reward continues to flow even after a person has passed away.

The Ruling on Seeking Knowledge

Based on the consensus of scholars, the ruling on seeking knowledge is divided into:

• Individual Obligation (Fard ‘Ayn): Knowledge that every individual must know for themselves, such as knowledge of tawhid (creed), the procedures of prayer, fasting, zakat, and purification (taharah).
• Collective Obligation (Fard Kifayah): Knowledge that, if acquired by some members of the community, relieves the rest from the obligation.

Priorities in Seeking Knowledge

Every Muslim should prioritize learning the following:

• Foundations of Faith: Knowledge of belief in Allah, the Angels, the Books, the Messengers, and the Last Day.
• Islamic Law (Shari‘ah): Practical knowledge concerning daily acts of worship such as ablution (wudu), prayer, and its pillars.
• Prohibited Matters: Learning about what Allah has forbidden, such as adultery (zina), usury (riba), and intoxicants (khamr), to avoid committing them out of ignorance.
• Knowledge of Social Interaction and Profession: For example, a merchant is obligated to learn the rulings of buying and selling according to Islamic law.

Etiquette of Seeking Knowledge

In order for knowledge to bring both outward and inward benefit, a seeker of knowledge must observe the following manners:

• Sincerity of Intention: Learning solely for the sake of Allah SWT and for the Hereafter.
• Removing Ignorance: Aiming to eliminate ignorance from oneself and others.
• Defending the Shari‘ah: Intending to preserve and defend Islamic law through the knowledge one possesses.
• Open-Mindedness: Respecting differences of opinion (khilaf) that arise from scholarly reasoning (ijtihad) while maintaining brotherhood.
• Acting Upon Knowledge: Applying knowledge in daily life as the true fruit of learning.

Source

Manik, Wagiman. (2017). Kewajiban Menuntut Ilmu. Deli Serdang: Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam As-Sunnah Deli Serdang, n.d. https://www.waraqat.assunnah.ac.id/index.php/WRQ/article/view/63