Seeking Knowledge

The issue of seeking knowledge has been exhausted by many Scholars. We all know the importance of gaining knowledge. Unfortunately we see an increasing number of Muslims who go to great lengths to acquire knowledge, when it comes to their secular education, work or even entertainment. However, when it comes to Islam they have very little knowledge or time.

This is not just limited to such individuals who don’t practise Islam in their daily lives, but also those individuals who portray themselves as practising Muslims. You find Muslims who wear Islamic clothing, keep long beards, wear full veils, read Salah with regularity. They assume that their religious obligations have been fulfilled, yet the same people struggle when asked, basic questions in Islam, such as what are the Fard of Wudu?

Whilst we are on the subject, let’s not exclude those Muslims who drop off their children to the local Mosque/ Madrasa and think that now the responsibility of their children’s Islamic education solely lies with the Imams. Some even use it as a crèche to save a couple of hours minding the kids.

The performance of Mosques is judged on how quickly children finish reading the Quran or how many Hafiz leave that Mosque. To fulfil the requirements of the parents, the teachers then concentrate in making sure children read the Quran quickly much to the detriment to their Islamic knowledge.

When we portray an Islamic exterior we have a greater responsibility than we think. Based on this outlook people perceive you to be pious and well versed in Islamic knowledge and thus would blame the religion for our failures. What kind of an ambassador of Islam are we?

The beloved Prophet (S.A.W) said: "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim". In another Hadith, Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said: "Allah, His Angels and all those in Heavens and on Earth, even ants in their hills and fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct others in beneficial knowledge". (Tirmidhi)

Knowledge is not fruitful, without actions. Although it is important to obtain knowledge about Islam, it more essential to implement what is learnt. We need to be educated in Islam so we can educate others. It is never too late to learn about our beautiful Deen.

To be successful in this world and hereafter we need to strive for knowledge in Islam. By learning about our Deen we can conduct ourselves better and others would learn by following our examples. We would be a good influence and become true ambassadors of Islam. May Allah (S.W.T) give us the ability to increase our knowledge and to practice what we learn.