What does the Quran teach us about gaining knowledge?
Islam is a religion that celebrates seeking knowledge. We can find many verses in the Quran that encourage us to think and gain knowledge wherever it is from.
The Quran emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge as a fundamental aspect of faith and many verses in the Quran that tell us to gain knowledge. One can gain knowledge and spread it by doing the things listed below.
- Ask questions in a good manner
- Remain quiet and listen attentively
- Understand well
- Memorize it
- Teach it to others
- Act upon it and keep it to the limit
Divine Command to Seek Knowledge
First revelation on our Prophet.
Our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had his very first revelation which was the first 5 verses of Surah Al-Alaq (96:1-5). The First verse says “Iqra” which means “Read”.
This command highlights the importance of literacy and learning as an essential component of faith.
Other verses in which God commands us to seek knowledge.
Similarly, the Quran encourages us to exercise our intellect to think and ponder in Surah Al-Jathiyah.
Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:13)
“And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth – all from Him. Indeed in that are signs for people who give thought”
Allah (swt) promises to raise our ranks by many degrees and also reward us with His blessings in Surah Al-Mujadila. On top of rewarding the virtuous act of seeking knowledge, Allah (s.w.t.) also acknowledges the bearers of knowledge. Those who have attained it are praised by Allah s.w.t. in the Quran with their ranks being raised.
Surah Al-Mujadilah 58:11
“Allah will raise those who believe among you and those who were given knowledge, by many degrees. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do”
Seeking knowledge is also considered an act of worship.
Knowledge as a Form of Worship
Acquiring knowledge is seen By Allah (swt) as not just an intellectual pursuit but as an act of worship. In Islam, seeking knowledge is a way to understand Allah’s creation. It is also considered a way to understand God Himself.
The Prophet Muhammad said,
Sunan Ibn Majah
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”
We are encouraged to continue to uplift ourselves by learning new skills and obtaining new knowledge. It is considered a tradition of knowledge to inquire, analyze and contemplate.
Type of knowledge
The Quran tells us about 2 types of knowledge that are Religious knowledge and Worldly knowledge.
Religious knowledge (fard ayn)
This includes understanding the teachings of Islam, the Quran, and the Sunnah. This type of knowledge is essential for guiding one’s life according to Islamic principles.
Religious knowledge is considered a reward from Allah (SWT) as in a hadith, Rasulullah s.a.w. Mentioned to us how knowledge is given to a person whom Allah s.w.t. intends good:
Sahih Bukhari
“If Allah intends goodness for a person, He gives him the understanding of the religion“
Worldly knowledge (fard kifâyah)
The Quran encourages the study of the natural world and the sciences. Surah Al-Ankabut (29:20) tells the people to travel the earth and observe the signs of God in creation, whether the signs are observed on the earth or in space.
Surah Al-Ankabut (29:20)
“Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Travel throughout the land and see how He originated the creation, then Allah will bring it into being one more time. Surely Allah is Most Capable of everything.”
Allah tells us to gain knowledge but He also tells us to remain humble. We should avoid intellectual arrogance
Humility in Knowledge
The Quran teaches that true knowledge brings humility. In Surah Al-Isra (17:70), God honors human beings, but it is clear that wisdom comes from God alone. Those who possess knowledge are encouraged to be humble and recognize that their understanding is limited.
Surah Al-Isra (17:70)
Indeed, We have dignified the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them good and lawful provisions, and privileged them far above many of Our creatures.
What if one becomes arrogant?
If one becomes arrogant by obtaining knowledge, Allah Al-Mighty doesn’t like such a person as mentioned by the Prophet in Sahih Muslim;
Sahih Muslim
“Arrogance is disdaining the truth (out of self-conceit) and contempt for people.”
The Connection Between Knowledge and Faith
A person with knowledge is not equal to a person to a person who is ignorant as stated in Surah Az-Zumar(39:9) as knowledge enhances one’s faith and strengthens one’s relationship with God.
Surah Az-Zumar
“Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Are those who know equal to those who do not know? None will be mindful ˹of this˺ except people of reason.”
It is recommended for people to gain knowledge from professionals. Teachers in Islam have an important role and are Respected very much.
The Role of Teachers and Scholars
The Quran emphasizes the importance of teachers and scholars in knowledge. Surah Al-Tawbah (9:122) mentions that a group of believers should dedicate themselves to seeking knowledge to teach others while they should also keep themselves away from evil.
Surah Al-Tawbah
˹However, ˺ it is not necessary for the believers to march forth all at once. Only a party from each group should march forth, leaving the rest to gain religious knowledge then enlighten their people when they return to them, so that they ˹too˺ may beware ˹of evil˺
As knowledge is considered compulsory, Islam tells us to gain knowledge in any part of our life whether in the cradle or in the nineties. It is considered a lifelong pursuit.
Knowledge as a Lifelong Pursuit
Islam encourages lifelong learning. This pursuit of knowledge should not end with formal education. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of seeking knowledge
Conclusion
Knowledge is mandatory for creation. The Quran emphasizes the importance of the seeking of knowledge in many verses and also in Hadiths. We should try to seek knowledge for the sake of Allah Almighty.
The Quran presents a comprehensive framework for understanding the value of knowledge in both spiritual and worldly contexts. The Quran encourages Muslims to seek knowledge relentlessly, reflecting on God’s signs in creation, and to use that knowledge to understand his surroundings.
It also tells us to be morally right, and focus on social justice and fairness. By comparing both faith and reason, the Quran promotes an interconnected approach to knowledge that aims to elevate individuals and society as a whole.