A comprehensive Hadith about excellence of knowledge

Through His words, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has revealed the excellence of knowledge on various occasions.  In one Hadith, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) described some 35 benefits of knowledge.  Let us see this Hadith:

 

Translation: The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Acquire knowledge, as doing so for the pleasure of Allah is a virtue.  Acquiring it is worship.  Discussing matters of knowledge is like glorifying Allah.  Research in knowledge is rewarded like Jihad (struggle in the path of Allah).

 

Imparting knowledge to an ignorant person is a virtue.  Expending knowledge on those who are worthy of it is a means of gaining proximity to Allah as knowledge is the means of awareness of the lawful and the unlawful.

 

It is the beacon on the path of the dwellers of Jannah.  Knowledge is a friend and comforter in desolation and loneliness.  It is the best company in a journey.  It is someone to talk to in seclusion.  It is a guide in affluence and a helper in times of need.  It is a weapon against enemies and an adornment for friends.

 

Allah grants ascent and high status to some people because of knowledge and makes them leaders in works of good, makes others follow their footsteps.  Their methods are assumed by others and their opinion is considered the final word.

 

Angels like their manners and spread their wings for them.  Everything in the world prays for their forgiveness.  The fishes of the oceans and other marine life and other terrestrial animals supplicate for them, as knowledge is like life for the hearts of those who live in ignorance.

 

It is a lamp for the sight for those who live in darkness.  Through the blessings of knowledge, one reaches the stations of the pious and is seated on high stations in this world and the hereafter.

 

Reflecting upon knowledge is like fasting.  Sitting together and reading it is like standing in worship in the night.  Through this relationships are forged, through this lawful and the unlawful are recognized.  It leads one to implementation of knowledge and stays with one.  It is granted to the favored and held back from those who are doomed.  (Nuzhatul Majalis, Babu Fadhlil Ilmi Wa Ahlihi)