In seeking knowledge there must be an Islamic rule that must be learned by every learner and educator, teacher or scholar.
This rule is made for anyone who seeks knowledge to make it easier for His way to heaven. So, here we go the 17 rules of seeking knowledge in Islam.
- The command to seek knowledge in Islam
In the Quran, Allah Almighty has said that we as Muslims must be motivated to learn and gain knowledge.
Just as the prophets and The Messengers of Allah Almighty who have a lot of knowledge and teach us about the holy book of Quran and its content. Below here Allah says in the Quran. See also Rules of Seeking Knowledge in Islam
“Just as We have sent among you a messenger from yourselves reciting to you Our verses and purifying you and teaching you the Book and wisdom and teaching you that which you did not know.” (2:151)
2. Have the intention of seeking knowledge
Anyone who wants to seek knowledge must have sincere intentions. But it is not intended to seek profit or because of other reason.
Truly any Muslim who seeks knowledge and he has good intentions Allah Almighty will give him His heaven. Below here The Messenger of Allah Almighty (PBUH) says in this hadith.
“Whoever requires the knowledge of syar’i which he should do to seek Allah’s face with sincerity, but he does not do it but to seek worldly gain, then he will not get the scent of heaven on the Day of Resurrection.” (Ahmad)
3. Ask Allah Almighty for useful knowledge
For any Muslim who requires science should ask God for a good, useful science.
Undoubtedly with us begging Him we can gain knowledge and be useful to both ourselves and to others. Below here The Messenger of Allah Almighty (PBUH) says in this hadith. See also Virtues of Gaining Knowledge in Islam
“O Allah Almighty, I beg of You to be a useful science, good sustenance, and acceptable deeds.” (Ibn Majah)
4. Do truly in the seeking of knowledge
As a science that is taught by a teacher, should a student must be serious in studying. Anyone who is just wasting knowledge in learning. In fact, he will lose. Below here The Messenger of Allah Almighty (PBUH) says in this hadith.
“Two greedy ones who never satisfy, first are people who are greedy for knowledge and never satisfied with it and second are people who are greedy to the world and never satisfied with it.” (Al-Bayhaqi) [AdSense-B]
5. Keep yourself away from sin
There are times when someone who learns, he encountered obstacles on the way to seek knowledge.
Therefore, as Muslim believers in the face of any obstacles when learning, we should pray to Allah Almighty to keep yourself away from sin. Below here the Messenger of Allah Almighty (PBUH) said in this hadith. See also How to Gain Spiritual Knowledge in Islam
“Surely Allah Almighty stretches out his hand at night to repent of evil by day and He stretches out his hands during the day to repent of evil in the night, so the sun rises from the west (the doomsday).” (Muslim)
6. Listen to the teaching given by the teacher
Every one taught to the teacher to his students is the best of knowledge. So, listen to what your teacher teaches. Every knowledge taught by a teacher truly it is an infinite benefit to the end of life. Below here Allah Almighty says in the Quran.
“But those who have avoided Taghut, lest they worship it, and turned back to Allah – for them are good tidings. So give good tidings to My servants. Who listen to the speech and follow the best of it. Those are the ones Allah has guided, and those are people of understanding.” (Verse 39:17-18)
7. Please silence as teaching applies
It’s good, as a student to hear and be silent while studying. When seeking of knowledge, it is hoped that you will not talk about unnecessary things and you have nothing to do with the science presented. [AdSense-A]
Below, Allah Almighty says in the Quran. See also Ways of Acquiring Knowledge in Islam
“So when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.”(Verse 7: 204)
8. Can understand and memorize the science taught by the teacher
Students should be able to understand and memorize the knowledge taught by the teacher.
Someone who is able to understand and then memorize it then tells to others (da’wah) that Allah Almighty will always give light to your face. Below here is the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says in this hadith.
“May Allah give light to those who hear my words, then he understands, memorizes them, and conveys them. Many people bring fiqh to those who understand them.” (At-Tirmidhi).
9. Write it down the science taught by the teacher
It would be better if a student who is studying, can tie knowledge that is taught by a teacher through writing.
With this writing, students are expected to better understand, memorize and then they can deliver it. Below here the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) says in this hadith. See also Rules for Sleeping in Islam
“Write it down. By the Essence, my soul is in His hand. Not out of it but the truth.” (Ahmad and Al-Hakim)
10. Implement the knowledge taught by teachers
In the hadiths, knowledge is likened such as candles, anyone who teaches science (kindness) to other humans, this lamp (candle) will illuminate humans.
However, if the lamp (candle) is only used alone and he becomes arrogant then this lamp (candle) will burn himself. Below here is the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says in this hadith.
“The parable of a godly man who teaches good to man, he forgets himself (not practicing his knowledge) is like a lamp that shines on man, but burns himself.” (Ath-Thabrani)
11. Doing da’wah with knowledge owned
As good as the useful knowledge that small should be submitted (with da’wah) to others.
Begin da’wah from the smallest scope, your family. Convey the knowledge that you get this to them, your family and your brothers or sisters. Below here Allah Almighty says in the Quran. See also Importance of Studying in Islam
“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.” (Verse 66: 6)
12. Be patient in seeking knowledge in Islam
In seeking knowledge in Islam we should have patience. Indeed, whoever is patient in Allah’s way then they will find ease in his way. Below here Allah Almighty says in the Quran.
“O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.” (Verse 3:200)
13. Act with what you know
As a Muslim, we have to act based on what we know. For example; You have the knowledge of cooking with goat’s meat base ingredients.
In this situation, your mother does not know how to cook it. You who have this knowledge should immediately help your mother cook goat’s meat. Below, here Allah Almighty says in the Quran. See also How to Motivate Yourself to Study in Islam
“The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books]. Wretched is the example of the people who deny the signs of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” (Verse 62: 5) [AdSense-C]
14. Take advantage of the best time possible for seeking knowledge
In seeking of knowledge you should use the best time possible. We never know what will happen next time. Take advantage of your time and do not let yourself regret it later. Below here Allah Almighty says in the Quran.
“By time. Indeed, mankind is in the loss. Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” (Verse 103:1-3)
15. Be afraid of Allah Almighty
You have more of knowledge, the more we know about Him, and the more we are close to Him.
Surely among the Muslims that believers who fear Allah are the scholars. Below, Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran. See also Virtues of Scholars in Islam
“And among people and moving creatures and grazing livestock are various colors similarly. Only those fear Allah, from among His servants, who have knowledge. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Forgiving.”
(Verse 35:28)
16. The knowledge is not contrary to the law of Allah and the Messenger
As believing Muslims, we are encouraged to learn as much as we want, but we must remember that every knowledge we seek is good knowledge and it is not contrary to Allah’s law and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Indeed precedes the commandment of Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) is forbidden in Islam. Below here Allah Almighty says in the holy book of the Quran.
“O you who have believed, do not put (yourselves) before Allah and His Messenger but fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (Verse 49:1)
17. The obligation to all Muslims
That the law requires knowledge for all Muslims is a must. The first revelation given by Allah to Prophet Muhammad SAW “Read” (verse 96: 1). Here it means that Muslims must read (Quran).
Indeed in the Quran, there is much knowledge in the world and in the Hereafter. If you want both, then you should seek knowledge as the command of Allah Almighty and Rasulullah (PBUH). Below here is the hadith. See also Benefits of Listening Holy Quran
“Whoever wants the affairs of the world, it is obligatory for him to have the knowledge, and whoever wants the Hereafter, he also has the knowledge, and whoever wants both, let him has the knowledge of it.” (Muslim)
Hopefully, the 17 rules of seeking knowledge in Islam above can provide benefits for anyone Muslims who reads it. With the 17 rules of seeking knowledge in Islam, anyone who is seeking knowledge, it hopes to practice their knowledge well later.