Does Islam puts a lock on people’s heart and mind and stops them from thinking and questioning? Then what explains the very first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) that emphasised the act of reading?
The truth is, Islam places immense value on education and knowledge, viewing them as necessary to comprehend faith, purpose of life, and the world around us. A Hadith even says that a scholar in search of knowledge is in fact far better than a mere worshipper. In fact, seeking knowledge is considered an obligation in Islam for both men and women. Read this on till the end to learn more.
Holy Quran on Importance of Knowledge
Read is the 1st word revealed in Quran
ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ١ خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ ٢ ٱقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ ٱلْأَكْرَمُ ٣ ٱلَّذِى عَلَّمَ بِٱلْقَلَمِ ٤ عَلَّمَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ ٥ كَلَّآ إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ لَيَطْغَىٰٓ ٦ أَن رَّءَاهُ ٱسْتَغْنَىٰٓ ٧ إِنَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ ٱلرُّجْعَىٰٓ ٨ أَرَءَيْتَ ٱلَّذِى يَنْهَىٰ ٩ عَبْدًا إِذَا صَلَّىٰٓ ١٠ أَرَءَيْتَ إِن كَانَ عَلَى ٱلْهُدَىٰٓ ١١ أَوْ أَمَرَ بِٱلتَّقْوَىٰٓ ١٢ أَرَءَيْتَ إِن كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّىٰٓ ١٣ أَلَمْ يَعْلَم بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَرَىٰ ١٤ كَلَّا لَئِن لَّمْ يَنتَهِ لَنَسْفَعًۢا بِٱلنَّاصِيَةِ ١٥ نَاصِيَةٍۢ كَـٰذِبَةٍ خَاطِئَةٍۢ ١٦ فَلْيَدْعُ نَادِيَهُۥ ١٧ سَنَدْعُ ٱلزَّبَانِيَةَ ١٨ كَلَّا لَا تُطِعْهُ وَٱسْجُدْ وَٱقْتَرِب ۩ ١٩
Read, in the Name of your Lord Who created. Created humans from a clinging clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who taught by the pen, taught humanity what it knew not. Most certainly, one exceeds all bounds, once they think they are self-sufficient (see the Aham Brahmasmi concept of Brahmanism). But˺ surely to your Lord is the return ˹of all˺. Have you seen the man who prevents a servant ˹of Ours˺ from praying? What if this ˹servant˺ is ˹rightly˺ guided, or encourages righteousness? What if that ˹man˺ persists in denial and turns away? Does he not know that God sees ˹all˺? But no! If he does not desist, We will certainly drag him by the forelock, a lying, sinful forelock. So let him call his associates. We will call the wardens of Hell. Again, no! Never obey him, Rather, continue to prostrate and draw near ‘to God’. Holy Quran 96:1-19
God is Perfect in Knowledge and Wisdom
قَالُوا۟ سُبْحَـٰنَكَ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَآ إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمْتَنَآ ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ٣٢
They said: “Glory to Thee, of knowledge We have none, save what Thou Hast taught us: In truth it is Thou Who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom.” Holy Quran 2:32
Men devoted to Learning are not Arrogant
۞ لَتَجِدَنَّ أَشَدَّ ٱلنَّاسِ عَدَٰوَةًۭ لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱلْيَهُودَ وَٱلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا۟ ۖ وَلَتَجِدَنَّ أَقْرَبَهُم مَّوَدَّةًۭ لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا نَصَـٰرَىٰ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ مِنْهُمْ قِسِّيسِينَ وَرُهْبَانًۭا وَأَنَّهُمْ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ ٨٢
Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers wilt thou find those who say, “We are Christians”: because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant. Holy Quran 5:82
Knowledge necessary to comprehend Faith
فَإِن تَابُوا۟ وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتَوُا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ فَإِخْوَٰنُكُمْ فِى ٱلدِّينِ ۗ وَنُفَصِّلُ ٱلْـَٔايَـٰتِ لِقَوْمٍۢ يَعْلَمُونَ ١١
But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then are they your brethren in religion. We detail Our revelations for a people who have knowledge. Holy Quran 9:11
We have made it easy to learn lessons from the Quran: will anyone take heed? Holy Quran 54:22
Do they not see that they are tried once or twice every year? Yet they neither repent nor do they learn a lesson. Holy Quran 9:126
Learned ones witness to God
شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَأُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمِ قَآئِمًۢا بِٱلْقِسْطِ ۚ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ١٨
Allah (Himself) is Witness that there is no Allah save Him. And the angels and the men of learning (too are witness). Maintaining His creation in justice, there is no Allah save Him the Almighty, the Wise. Holy Quran 3:18
Knowledge is mercy of God
فَوَجَدَا عَبْدًۭا مِّنْ عِبَادِنَآ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ رَحْمَةًۭ مِّنْ عِندِنَا وَعَلَّمْنَـٰهُ مِن لَّدُنَّا عِلْمًۭا ٦٥
Then they found one of Our servants whom We blessed with mercy from Us and whom We gave knowledge, a knowledge from Our own. Holy Quran 18:65
Knowledge is blessing God
And when they entered in the manner their father had enjoined, it did not profit them in the least against Allah: It was but a necessity of Jacob’s soul, which he discharged. For he was, by our instruction, full of knowledge: but most men know not. Holy Quran 12:68
قَالُوا۟ لَا تَوْجَلْ إِنَّا نُبَشِّرُكَ بِغُلَـٰمٍ عَلِيمٍۢ ٥٣
They said: “Fear not! We give thee glad tidings of a son endowed with wisdom.” Holy Quran 15:53
Travel to Gain Knowledge
أَفَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَتَكُونَ لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌۭ يَعْقِلُونَ بِهَآ أَوْ ءَاذَانٌۭ يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا ۖ فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَعْمَى ٱلْأَبْصَـٰرُ وَلَـٰكِن تَعْمَى ٱلْقُلُوبُ ٱلَّتِى فِى ٱلصُّدُورِ ٤٦
Do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts (and minds) may thus learn wisdom and their ears may thus learn to hear? Truly it is not their eyes that are blind, but their hearts which are in their breasts. Holy Quran 22:46
God alone is all-knowing
Ah! Ye are those who fell to disputing (Even) in matters of which ye had some knowledge! but why dispute ye in matters of which ye have no knowledge? It is Allah Who knows, and ye who know not! Holy Quran 3:66
(Be mindful of) the day when Allah will assemble the messengers and will say to them, “How were you responded to?” They will say, “We have no knowledge. Surely You alone have the full knowledge of all that is unseen.” Holy Quran 5:109
Knowledge of the Hour (Doomsday)
They ask you ˹O Prophet˺ regarding the Hour, “When will it be?” Say, “That knowledge is only with my Lord. He alone will reveal it when the time comes. It is too tremendous for the heavens and the earth and will only take you by surprise.” They ask you as if you had full knowledge of it. Say, “That knowledge is only with Allah, but most people do not know.” Holy Quran 7:187
Men ask thee of the Hour. Say: The knowledge of it is with Allah only. What can convey (the knowledge) unto thee? It may be that the Hour is nigh. Holy Quran 33:63
Unto Him is referred (all) knowledge of the Hour. And no fruits burst forth from their sheaths, and no female carrieth or bringeth forth but with His knowledge. And on the day when He calleth unto them: Where are now My partners? they will say: We confess unto Thee, not one of us is a witness (for them) Holy Quran 41:47
Knowledge of Spirit and Soul
And they ask you (O Prophet) concerning the Spirit); Say: “The Spirit is one of the things, the knowledge of which is only with my Lord. And of knowledge, you have been given only a little.” Holy Quran 17:85
A Learned fears none except God
وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَٱلدَّوَآبِّ وَٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ مُخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَٰنُهُۥ كَذَٰلِكَ ۗ إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْعُلَمَـٰٓؤُا۟ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ غَفُورٌ ٢٨
And of men and beasts and cattle, in like manner, divers hues? The erudite among His bondmen fear Allah alone. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Forgiving. Holy Quran
Importance of Reason and Intellect to comprehend Faith
Quran repeatedly highlights the importance of knowledge and reason to understand the glory of god and to get closer to him.
And We have certainly left of it a sign as clear evidence for a people who use reason. Holy Quran 29:35
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and earth are signs for a people who use reason. Holy Quran 2:164
And He has subjected for you the night and day and the sun and moon, and the stars are subjected by His command. Indeed in that are signs for people who reason. Holy Quran 16:12
وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًۭا لِّتَسْكُنُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةًۭ وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ ٢١
And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought. Holy Quran 30:21
And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors: verily in that are Signs for those who know. Holy Quran 30:22
And among His Signs, He shows you the lightning, by way both of fear and of hope, and He sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to the earth after it is dead: verily in that are Signs for those who are wise. Holy Quran 30:24
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the day and night there are signs for people of reason. Holy Quran 3:190
Above every knowledgeable there is someone even more knowledgeable
فَبَدَأَ بِأَوْعِيَتِهِمْ قَبْلَ وِعَآءِ أَخِيهِ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَخْرَجَهَا مِن وِعَآءِ أَخِيهِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ كِدْنَا لِيُوسُفَ ۖ مَا كَانَ لِيَأْخُذَ أَخَاهُ فِى دِينِ ٱلْمَلِكِ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ۚ نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَـٰتٍۢ مَّن نَّشَآءُ ۗ وَفَوْقَ كُلِّ ذِى عِلْمٍ عَلِيمٌۭ ٧٦ (Fabadaa bi-awAAiyatihim qabla wiAAa-e-akheehi thumma istakhrajaha min wiAAa-i akheehi kathalikakidna liyoosufa ma kana liya/khuthaakhahu fee deeni almaliki illa an yashaa Allahu, Nar’fa3u darajātim-man-nashā, wa fauqa kulli dhī 3ilmin-3alīm) al-Yusuf 12:76; Mafhūm: So he began [the search] with their bags before the bag of his brother; then he extracted it from the bag of his brother. Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not have taken his brother within the religion [i.e., law] of the king except that Allāh willed. We raise in degrees whom We will, but over every possessor of knowledge is one [more] knowing al-Yusuf 12:76
قُلِ ٱللَّهُمَّ مَـٰلِكَ ٱلْمُلْكِ تُؤْتِى ٱلْمُلْكَ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتَنزِعُ ٱلْمُلْكَ مِمَّن تَشَآءُ وَتُعِزُّ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشَآءُ ۖ بِيَدِكَ ٱلْخَيْرُ ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌۭ ٢٦ (Quli allahumma malika almulkitu/tee almulka man tashao watanziAAu al-mulka mimman tashao, Watu 3izzu man-tashā watu dhillu man-tasha, biyadika al-khairu innaka 3ala kulli shai-in-qadīr) al-Imran 3:26; Mafhūm: Say, “O Allāh, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand1 is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent. 3:26
Hadith on Importance Knowledge
A Scholar better than a Worshipper
Narrated Abu Umamah Al-Bahili: “Two men were mentioned before the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). One of them a worshiper, and the other a scholar. So the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The superiority of the scholar over the worshiper is like my superiority over the least of you.’ Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Indeed Allah, His Angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and the earths – even the ant in his hole, even the fish – say Salat upon the one who teaches the people to do good. Jami`at-Tirmidhi 2685
Abu Umama al-Bahili said that: Two men, one learned and the other devout, were mentioned to God’s messenger, who then said, “The superiority of the learned man over the devout man is like mine over the most contemptible among you,” adding, “God, His angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, even the ant in its hole and even the fish invoke blessings on him who teaches men what is good.” Tirmidhi transmitted it. Darimi transmitted it from Makhul in mursal form, but did not mention the two men. He said, “The superiority of the learned man over the devout man is like mine over the most contemptible among you.” Then he recited this verse, “Only those of His servants who are learned fear God,” (35:28) then went on with the tradition to the end. Mishkat al-Masabih 213, 214
Learned ones are the heirs of Prophets
Kathir b. Qais told how, when he was sitting with Abu Darda’ in the mosque of Damascus, a man came to him and said, “Abu Darda’, I have come to you from the town of the Messenger for a tradition I have heard that you relate from God’s messenger. I have come for no other purpose.” He replied that he had heard God’s messenger say, “ If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge God will cause him to travel on one of the roads of paradise, the angels will lower their wings from good pleasure with one who seeks knowledge, and the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth and the fish in the depth of the water will ask forgiveness for him. The superiority of the learned man over the devout man is like that of the moon on the night when it is full over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the prophets who leave neither dinar nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who accepts it accepts an abundant portion.” Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and Darimi transmitted it, Tirmidhi calling Him Qais b. Kathir. Mishkat al-Masabih 212
Scholars will be intercessors on Day of Judgement
It was narrated from ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“Three will intercede on the Day of Resurrection: The Prophets, then the scholars, then the martyrs.” Sunan Ibn Majah 4313 (Maudu)
Scholars are Saviours of Earth
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The world, with all that it contains, is accursed except for the remembrance of Allah that which pleases Allah; and the religious scholars and seekers of knowledge.” Riyad as-Salihin 1384
When Prophet prayed to make Ibn Abbas a Scholar
Narrated Ibn Abbas: Once the Prophet (ﷺ) entered a lavatory and I placed water for his ablution. He asked, “Who placed it?” He was informed accordingly and so he said, “O Allah! Make him (Ibn Abbas) a learned scholar in religion (Islam).
Pass on Information even if it’s one one Verse
Abdallah b. ‘Amr reported God’s messenger as saying, “Pass on information from me, even if it is only a verse of the Qur’an; and relate traditions from the Bani Isra’il, for there is no restriction; but let him who deliberately lies against me come to his abode in hell.” Bukhari transmitted it. Mishkat al-Masabih 198
Best in Pre-Islam best in Islam if…
Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “Men are of different origins just as gold and silver are; the best among them in the pre-Islamic period are the best among them in Islam when they are versed in the religion.” Muslim transmitted it. Mishkat al-Masabih 201
Knowledgeable can be envied for Knowledge
Ibn Mas’ud reported God’s messenger as saying, “Two people only may be envied: A man to whom God has given property, empowering him to dispose of it on what is right; and a man to whom God has given wisdom who acts according to it and teaches it.” (Bukhari and Muslim). Mishkat al-Masabih 202
Knowledge benefits even after death
Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “When a man dies no further reward is recorded for his actions, with three exceptions: sadaqa (charitable deeds) which continues to be supplied, or knowledge from which benefit continues to be reaped, or the prayers of a good son for his dead father.” Muslim transmitted it. Mishkat al-Masabih 203
Knowledge leads to Paradise
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Allah makes the way to Paradise easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge.” Riyad as-Salihin 1381
He also reported God’s messenger as saying, “ If anyone removes one of the anxieties of this world from a believer, God will remove one of the anxieties of the day of resurrection from him; if one smooths the way for one who is destitute, God will smooth the way for him in this world and the next; and if anyone conceals the faults of a Muslim, God will conceal his faults, in this world and the next. God helps a man as long as he helps his brother. If anyone pursues a path in search of knowledge, God will thereby make easy for him a path to paradise. No company will gather in a mosque to recite God’s Book and study it together without calmness descending on them, mercy covering them, the angels surrounding them, and God mentioning them among those who are with Him. But he who is made slow by his actions will not be speeded by his genealogy.” Muslim transmitted it. Mishkat al-Masabih 204
Knowledge gained to Show-Off
He also reported God’s messenger as saying, “The first person to be judged on the day of resurrection will be a man who died as a martyr. He will be brought forward, and after God has reminded him of the favour He showed him and the man acknowledges it, He will ask, ‘What did you do to show gratitude for it?’ The man will reply, ‘I fought for Thy cause till I was martyred.’ God will say, ‘You lie. You fought that people might call you courageous, and they have done so.’ Command will then be issued about him, and he will be dragged on his face and thrown into hell. Next a man who has acquired and taught knowledge and read the Qur’an will be brought forward, and after God has reminded him of the favour He showed him and the man acknowledges it, He will ask, ‘What did you do to show gratitude for it?’ The man will reply, ‘I acquired and taught knowledge and read the Qur’an for Thy sake.’ God will say, ‘You lie. You acquired knowledge that people might call you learned, and you read the Qur’an that they might call you a reader, and they have done so.’ Command will then be issued about him, and he will be dragged on his face and thrown into hell. Next a man whom God has made affluent and whom He has given all kinds of property will be brought forward, and after God has reminded him of the favour He showed him and the man acknowledges it, He will ask, ‘What did you do to show gratitude for it?’ The man will reply, ‘I have not neglected to give liberally for Thy sake to all the causes approved by Thee for this purpose.’ God will say, ‘You lie. You did it that people might call you generous, and they have done so.’ Command will then be issued about him, and he will be dragged on his face and thrown into hell.” Muslim transmitted it. Mishkat al-Masabih 205
In addition, few scholars quote some Daif hadith too on this matter, saying even though there is some weakness in the isnaads of these hadiths, they support one another. For instance al-Albaani (may Allah have mercy on him) classed them as saheeh, when he said concerning the hadith of Jaabir.
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that: The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever seeks knowledge in order to argue with the foolish, or to show off before the scholars, or to attract people’s attention, will be in Hell.” Sunan Ibn Majah 224 Grade: Da’if (Darussalam)
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Whoever seeks knowledge in order to argue with the foolish, or to show off before the scholars, or to attract people’s attention, Allah will admit him to Hell.'” Sunan Ibn Majah 260 Grade: Da’if (Darussalam)
It was narrated from Jabir bin ‘Abdullah that: The Prophet said: “Do not seek knowledge in order to show off in front of the scholars, or to argue with the foolish, and do not choose the best seat in a gathering, due to it (i.e. the knowledge which you have learned) for whoever does that, the Fire (awaits him).” Sunan Ibn Majah 254 Grade: Da’if (Darussalam)
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that: The Prophet said: “Whoever seeks knowledge for a reason other than the sake of Allah, or intends it for a purpose other than for the sake of Allah, let him take his place in hell.” Sunan Ibn Majah 258 Grade: Da’if (Darussalam)
God bestows knowledge on those who…
Mu’awiyah reported: The Messenger of Allah said, “When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him the understanding of Deen.” Riyad as-Salihin 1376
Similitude of those who Learns and Teach
Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me are like abundant rain which fell on a land. A fertile part of it absorbed the water and brought forth profuse herbage and pasture; and solid ground patches which retained the water by which Allah has benefited people, who drank from it, irrigated their crops and sowed their seeds; and another sandy plane which could neither retain the water nor produce herbage. Such is the similitude of the person who becomes well-versed in the religion of Allah and receives benefit from the Message entrusted to me by Allah, so he himself has learned and taught it to others; such is also the similitude of the person who has stubbornly and ignorantly rejected Allah’s Guidance with which I have been sent.” Riyad as-Salihin 1378
Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “He who goes forth in search of knowledge is considered as struggling in the Cause of Allah until he returns.” Riyad as-Salihin 1385
A single learned person is better than hoardes of Ignorant
Sahl bin Sa’d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said to ‘Ali (May Allah be pleased with him), “By Allah, if a single person is guided by Allah through you, it will be better for you than a whole lot of red camels.” Riyad as-Salihin 1379
Teaching others leads to double Reward
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “He who calls others to follow the Right Guidance will have a reward equal to the reward of those who follow him, without their reward being diminished in any respect on that account.” Riyad as-Salihin 1382
Importance of asking Questions
These days some parents as well as religious institutions discourage children from asking questions on religious as well as worldly matters. People are rather taught to sit quietly and listen only.
However, this attitude goes against Islamic teachings. Of course a person cannot be expected to know everything so if one does not know, then one should plainly admit rather than discouraging the questioner.
Further, asking too many unnecessary questions only to irritate a person is also bad and disliked because Islam stresses on good intention and moderation in different aspect of life.
“So ask those who possess knowledge if you do not know” Quran 16:43
Ameer al Momineen Hazrat Ali AS who is honored as Bab-ul-Ilm or the door to knowledge and wisdom reportedly stated that “Sawal ka gala dabaoge, to naslein jahil paida hongi, bachha sau martaba bhi puchhe to sau martaba batao, jitna wo puchhega utna jaheen ho jayega” which means if you discourage your children from asking questions, you will end up having ignorant fools as your descendants. Even if the child asks about a thing hundred times, answer it hundred times. The more questions he asks, the more wiser he will become.
“Asking a good question is half of knowledge.” (Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat, vol. 5, p. 108, Hadith 6744). Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat is one of the famous Hadith books written by great Hadith Narrator Imam Al-Tabarani (874–971 CE, 260–360 AH)
According to Muhammad Javed Attari Madani “asking good questions has been described as the key to gaining knowledge. So, the one who reasonably uses this key, the lock of knowledge will be opened for him; he will enter the door of knowledge and bask in its virtues. The one who asks more questions is more successful in gaining knowledge”.
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should unite the bond of kinship (i.e. keep good relation with his kith and kin); and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should talk what is good or keep quiet.” Sahih al-Bukhari 6138
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever performs ablution and performs ablution well, then comes to Friday (prayer) and sits near (the Imam), and keeps quiet and listens, he will be forgiven for what was between that and the previous Friday (of sins), and three days more. And whoever touches the pebbles then he has engaged in Laghw (idle talk or behaviour).” Sunan an-Nasa’i 5035
Narrated Anas: Once the people started asking Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) questions, and they asked so many questions that he became angry and ascended the pulpit and said, “I will answer whatever questions you may ask me today.” I looked right and left and saw everyone covering his face with his garment and weeping. Behold ! There was a man who, on quarreling with the people, used to be called as a son of a person other than his father. He said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! Who is my father?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Your father is Hudhaifa.” And then Umar got up and said, “We accept Allah as our Lord, and Islam as (our) religion, and Muhammad as (our) Apostle; and we seek refuge with Allah from the afflictions.” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, ” I have never seen a day like today in its good and its evil for Paradise and the Hell Fire were displayed in front of me, till I saw them just beyond this wall.” Qatada, when relating this Hadith, used to mention the following Verse:- ‘O you who believe! Ask not questions about things which, if made plain to you, may cause you trouble. (5.101) Sahih al-Bukhari 6362
Status of Intelligence amongst Muslims
Umm ad-Darda’ said she heard Abud Darda’ say he heard Abul Qasim (i.e the Prophet) say that God who is blessed and exalted said, “I am sending after your time, Jesus, a people who will praise God when what they like happens to them, and seek their reward from God and show endurance when what they dislike afflicts them, though they do not possess forbearance and intelligence.” He asked, “My Lord, how can this be when they do not possess forbearance or intelligence?” God replied, “I shall give them some of my forbearance and my knowledge.” Baihaqi transmitted the two traditions in Shu’ab al-lman. Mishkat al-Masabih 1761
Muslim habit of Praising God: They keep saying Subhanallah, Mashallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Abkar, Jazakallah, Barakallah Feek, etc during their conversations.
Muslim habit of Forbearance: Saying Inna Allah ma Sabireen (God is with the Patient), Inna lillahi wa ina ilahyi raj’oon (to God is our final return)
Consequence of Concealing Knowledge
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “He who is asked about knowledge (of religion) and conceals it, will be bridled with a bridle of fire on the Day of Resurrection.” Riyad as-Salihin 1390
Shamefulness and Modesty
Abu Mas’ud ‘Uqba reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Part of what people have learned from the words of prophethood is the statement: ‘If you do not feel ashamed, do whatever you like.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 597
Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Faith consists of sixty (or seventy) branches. The best of them is ‘There is no god but Allah.’ The lowest of them is to remove harmful things from the road. Modesty is also a branch of faith.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 598
Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Whenever there is modesty in a thing, it adorns it. Whenever there is outrage in a thing, it debases it.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 601
Salim reported from his father that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, passed by a man who berating his brother about his modesty. He told him, “Let him be. Modesty is part of faith.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 602
Importance of Truthfulness
‘Abdullah reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “You must be truthful. Truthfulness leads to dutifulness and dutifulness leads to the Garden. A man continues to tell the truth until he is written as a siddiq with Allah. Beware of lying. Lying leads to deviance and deviance leads to the Fire. A man continues to lie until he is written as a liar with Allah.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 386
‘Abdullah said, “Lying is not correct, neither in seriousness nor in jest. None of you should promise his child something and then not give it to him.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 387
Learning, Reading & Teaching Quran & Hadith: Eligibility
Many Indian Muslims prohibit or discourage common Muslims from reading, reciting, teaching or explaining the verses of Quran in groups saying only the expert scholar who has expertise in some 15 uloom is eligible to do that. As far as the Hadith that say those who try to read Quran by seeing it and falters therein will get double reward than the one who reads after memorising it, they argue it applies to individual recitation not group recitation. If you ask them who said this and what’s their reason or proof from Quran and Sunnah, they generally say they just heard from so and so and that so and so heard from so and so.
Don’t they know that heresy evidence is neither admissible in law nor in religion especially in Islam where we have such strict chain of narration system with regard to Hadith to ensure their authenticity. There are many other issues and problem with this claim including-
- Islam came to commoners not experts and elites. Putting rigorous conditions for common people in learning and teaching Islam goes against the very ethos of Islam and clear verses of Quran. If you do so then also introspect about your own revered figures, rulers and scholars who were all ignorant according to many other great scholars including many from the Ahlul Bait or the people of the household. One must also remember that God always chose shepherds from villages as his prophets and not the so called learned philosophers from cities. So be careful in putting blind faith in anyone in matters of religion unless they bring solid proof.
- Risk of making or innovating their claims based on their own limited understanding. See below the Hadith on the dangerous consequence of innovation, extrapolation, in matters of religion and telling lies against prophet PBUH.
- Will lead to bad consequence in form of discouraging people from the habit of frank learning, reading, discussion and analysis of Quran and Sunnah in groups as well as individually.
- Non-Arabs cannot gain that level of authenticity or proficiency in Arabic as the one born in Arab family and society. So should all Arabs stop reading and reciting Quran.
- No one is perfect. Even the best of scholars unintentionally may make some mistake and so can a lay person. (See Hadith on right intention)
- Regarding the unintentional zabar, zer, pesh mistake, one should know Quran was revealed in multiple qirats, it was perhaps Hajjaz Bin Yusuf who added nuktas in Quran, see the differing opinion on Abdullah bin Masud RA on Quran collection, recitation, etc as well the guideline of Hazrat Umar RA on mercy and punishment and vice versa.
Given below are some Quran verses and Hadith on this issue.
O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful. Quran 49:6 (Also see the du’a in “And ˹remember˺ when the Man of the Whale stormed off ˹from his city˺ in a rage, thinking We would not restrain him. Then in the ˹veils of˺ darkness he cried out, “There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except You. Glory be to You! I have certainly done wrong. Quran 21:87 (So if some claims something in matters of religion, ask them their proof and evidence otherwise they should be afraid of dangerous consequences of innovating falsehood in religion, limiting the mercy of Allah and making lies against Prophet PBUH)
They said, ‘Why was this Quran not sent down to one of the great men of the two cities?’ Is it they who apportion the mercy of your Lord? It is We who distribute among them their livelihood in the life of this world, and raise some of them above others in rank, so that they may take one another into service; and the mercy of your Lord is better than [the wealth] which they amass. Holy Quran 43:31-32 (Disbelievers often questioned wisdom of God arguing why Quran was sent to an illiterate Prophet in the desert countryside and not sent to great people of great cities)
It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah said: “In his Khutbah the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to praise Allah as He deserves to be praised, then he would say: ‘Whomsoever Allah (SWT) guides, none can lead him astray, and whomsoever Allah sends astray, none can guide. The truest of word is the Book of Allah and best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The worst of things are those that are newly invented; every newly-invented thing is an innovation and every innovation is going astray, and every going astray is in the Fire.’ Then he said: ‘The Hour and I have been sent like these two.’ Whenever he mentioned the Hour, his cheeks would turn red, and he would raise his voice and become angry, as if he were warning of an approaching army and saying: ‘An army is coming to attack you in the morning, or in the evening!’ (Then he said): ‘Whoever leaves behind wealth, it is for his family, and whoever leaves behind a debt or dependents, then these are my responsibility, and I am the most entitled to take care of the believers.'” Sunan an-Nasa’i 1578, Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Abdallah b. ‘Amr reported God’s messenger as saying, “Pass on information from me, even if it is only a verse of the Qur’an; and relate traditions from the Bani Isra’il, for there is no restriction; but let him who deliberately lies against me come to his abode in hell.” Bukhari transmitted it. Mishkat al-Masabih 198; Grade: Sahih
Narrated ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab: I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) saying, “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for.” Sahih al-Bukhari 1
‘Aishah reported the Prophet (ﷺ) as saying: One who is skilled in the Qur’an is associated with the noble, upright recording angels, and he who falters when he recites the Qur’an and finds it difficult for him will have a double reward. Sunan Abi Dawud 1454, Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani) (So where does the Hadith restrict itself to individual or group recitation? So if one is restricting it to a particular situation when the Hadith itself is silent on this, will that not amount to innovation and an attempt to restrict or limit the blessings of God?)
We did not send ˹messengers˺ before you ˹O Prophet˺ except mere men inspired by Us. If you ˹polytheists˺ do not know ˹this already˺, then ask those who have knowledge. Quran 16:43
So if one analyses above verses and Hadith in totality, it becomes clear that good faith reading and recitation of Quran in private and in public, in group as well as individually is absolutely fine even if one falters or makes unintentionally mistakes therein provided he also makes sincere attempt to learn and further improve. God knows best.