The purpose of acquiring knowledge

[The new academic year for Madrsas is starting.  With this in mind, we present an article by Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi on the etiquette of knowledge]

The deeds of a believer are acceptable in the court of Allah only when they are done absolutely for the sake of Allah mh because deeds are based on their intent. 

 

The reward is as per the intention.  In the same way, the purpose of acquiring knowledge must be to gain the pleasure and approval of Allah and His Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and that we will act upon our knowledge and convey the same to others.  We will spread the message of truth and make all efforts to end falsehood in a civilized manner.

 

Whether it is the religious sciences or the modern sciences, along with serving the creation, the ultimate aim is realization of Allah Most High.  Allah Most High says in the Holy Quran:

 

Know then that there is no God except Almighty Allah and (to offer worship and to educate the Ummah {community}).  Surah Muhammad (47:19)

 

Further Almighty Allah says:

 

Translation: So, why should a party from within every group (or tribe) not go forth in order that they may acquire deeper knowledge (i.e. thorough understanding and insight) of Din (Religion), and warn their people when they return to them so that they may guard themselves (against a life of sins and disobedience).  Surah Tawbah (09:122)

 

‘Allama Alusi (May Allah shower His mercy on him) says in the interpretation of the aforementioned verse of the Holy Quran:

 

Translation: The fundamental motive of a teacher should be to show the path of guidance to the student, to warn him against wrong beliefs and bad deeds and the ultimate aim of a student should be to be conscious of Allah at all times.  The student’s aim should neither be fun or frolic nor pride.  (Ruhul Ma’ani, Surah Tawbah, 09:122)

 

The first and foremost purpose of obtaining knowledge should be to instil fear and consciousness of Allah in one’s heart.  Almighty Allah says:

 

Translation:  So only those of His servants who have knowledge (of these realities with a vision and outlook) fear Him.  (Surah Fatir: 35:28) 

 

A learner (student) should not seek popularity or honor nor should there be any deplorable objective behind it.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has prohibited seeking knowledge for deplorable aims.  There is a Hadith in Jame’ Tirmidhi:

 

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Ka’ab bin Malik (May Allah be well pleased with him), he said:  I have heard the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) say:  Whosoever obtains knowledge with the purpose of competing with the scholars through it or to quarrel with the ignorant or to garner attention towards himself with it, then Allah will cast such a person into hell.  (Jame’ Tirmidhi, Hadith No: 2866) 

 

There is another Hadith in Jame’ Tirmidhi:

 

Translation: Hadhrat Shafi Ashi (May Allah shower His mercy on him) says that I presented myself before Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) and requested him to narrate Hadith.  When he started narrating Hadith, he was so overwhelmed that he sobbed and fainted.  When he recovered, he said:  I will narrate that Hadith to you which I heard from the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) at this place.  He reeled many times.  When he recovered, he said:  On the Day of Judgment, 3 persons will be summoned before Allah Most High.

 

(1)  That person who will be given knowledge of the Holy Quran.

 

(2)  That person who has been martyred in the path of Allah.

 

(3)  A wealthy person.

 

Almighty Allah will say:  Did I not teach you that Word which I revealed to my Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

 

He will say:  Of course!

 

It will be said:  How much did you act upon as per your knowledge?

 

He will say:  I recited it day and night.

 

It will be said:  You lie!  The angels will also say:  You are a liar!  Allah will say:  You desired that it be said:  So and so is a Qari.”  That has been said for you.

 

It will be said to the wealthy:  Did I not give you wealth and affluence to the point that you did not need anyone else?

 

He will say:  Of course!

 

It will be said:  What did you do with my grant?

 

He will say:  I treated my relatives nicely and gave charity.

 

Allah will say:  You lie!  Even the angels will say:  You are a liar!

 

It will be said:  You desired that it be said:  “So and so is very generous” and that has been said.

 

Then the martyr will be called.  He will be asked:  Why were you killed?

 

He will say:  You ordered me to strive in your path.  For this, I fought until I was martyred.

 

Allah will say:  You lie!  Even the angels will say:  You lie!

 

Allah will say:  Your intention was that people say:  “So and so is very brave” and this has been said.

 

Then the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  O Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him)!  From the whole creation of Allah, the fire of hell will be blazed with these three.  (Jame’ Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2557)

 

Students whose intention is to acquire knowledge, who spend their time is seeking knowledge, they should also have good manner and character.  They should have all praiseworthy qualities and should refrain from every blameworthy quality.

 

Students are not adorned with knowledge that they should gain their degrees and people call them educated, but the aim of education is that people look at their character and learn from it.  They should become beacons of guidance for the common folk in their lives.  Their character should be a touchstone for others.