Knowledge in Hadith
The Prophet (s) said: “Seeking studies is a precept that is imposed
uponeveryMuslim.Godlikestheseekersofknowledge.”“Godprefers
asingleerrand forseeking knowledgeto the participationinone hun-
dredbattles.”“Peopleof knowledgeandjihadarethe closesttothede-
greeofprophecy.”“Iadvisetheseekersoftheworldlyaffairstoadhere
toknowledge,andadvisetheseekersoftheHereaftertoadheretoknow-
ledge, and advise the seekers of both to adhere to knowledge.” “You
should learn.Learning for God’s sake is a grace. Its study is a divine
praise,andseekingforitisassameasstrugglingforGod’ssake,andits
pursueisworship,anditsteachingisalms,anditspublicityisofferingto
God.” “Seek knowledge even in China.*”
The referencebooks of hadith include manyother sayingsthat expose
themeritsandstatus ofknowledge.Thosesayingsincitepeopletopro-
ceed in the scientificfields anddismiss the ghosts of ignorance outof
their society since it is the source of retardation and disintegration.
ImamAli(a) says,“Opeople!Youshouldrealizethattheperfectionof
thereligionisseekingandapplyingknowledge.Seekingstudiesismore
necessary thanseeking livelihood. The Just, who will surely fulfill the
promise,dividesandsecures thelivelihood. Knowledge isstoredatits
people and youhave been ordered of seeking it from its people. You
should carry out.”.
As he speaks with Kumeil bin Ziad, his student, about the merits of
knowledge,Imam Ali(a) says, “OKumeil!Knowledge is preferableto
wealth,foritguardsyouwhileyouguardwealth,whichisreducedby
expenditureandknowledgebettersthealmsgiving.Themadeofwealth
vanishes with the vanishing of wealth. O Kumeil! The cognition of
knowledgeisanadoptedcreedwithwhichGodgrantsobedienceinthis
lifeandremembrance afterdeath. Knowledge isrulingwhilewealthis
ruled.OKumeil!Thecollectorsofwealtharedeadintheirlives,andthe
scholarsareassameastimeinitspersistence.Theiressencesaremissed,
but their exemplars are existing in hearts.”.
Imamas-Sadiq(a)said,“Seekknowledgeandattach toleranceandven-
eration to it.”.
TheProphet’sprogenycalledandurgedonseekingknowledge,educat-
ing,crystallizingtheconcepts,andadorningwithawarenessandethics.
This is quite evident through the numerous uninterrupted reports.