Hadiths on Seeking Knowledge ('Ilm) in Islam
What did the Prophet ๏ทบ say about seeking knowledge? Authentic hadiths on the obligation and immense rewards of learning in Islam.
The Status of Knowledge in Islam
The first word revealed to the Prophet ๏ทบ was "Read!" (Quran 96:1). Islam elevated knowledge from the very beginning.
1. Seeking Knowledge Is Obligatory
"Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." โ Ibn Majah (Sahih)
2. The Path to Paradise
"Whoever takes a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise." โ Sahih Muslim
3. The Best of You
"The best of you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it." โ Sahih Al-Bukhari
4. The Scholar Over the Worshipper
"The superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like the moon over all heavenly bodies." โ Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi (Sahih)
5. Knowledge Will Be Taken Away
"Allah does not take away knowledge by removing it from the hearts of people, but by taking away the scholars." โ Sahih Al-Bukhari
Conclusion
Seeking knowledge, teaching it, and acting on it are among the most virtuous acts a Muslim can perform.