What Are The Benefits Of Seeking Knowledge In Islam?

Islam is a religion based on knowledge. For Muslims, seeking knowledge is a virtue and a religious duty. In Islam, human beings are encouraged to seek knowledge in every possible way. It is not only beneficial for individuals but the whole world as well. 

You can use knowledge in many useful ways. Islamic teachings revolve around making the world a better place through knowledge. By gaining knowledge, one cannot only become enlightened but also tries to enlighten others as well. 

So, to begin with, one should know the importance of knowledge in Islam in light of the Qur’an. The importance of seeking knowledge in Islam is clear in the first revelation of Allah Almighty on the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Allah says: 

“Read, ˹O Prophet,˺ in the Name of your Lord Who created—”

(96:1)

Muhammad (ﷺ) could not read or write at first, but after the first revelation, the Prophet (ﷺ) preached to humanity to choose Islam based on logic and reasoning. So, a great motivation comes from Quranic ayahs that have consistently advised humans to seek knowledge. 

Another verse from Holy Qur’an says: 

“He ˹also˺ subjected for you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth—all by His grace. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect.”

(45:13)

The teachings in Qur’an reflect upon signs to understand the knowledge of different fields. One of the great benefits of seeking knowledge is understanding why Islam is the right religion to follow. 

The above brief introduction to the importance of knowledge in Islam leads us to the benefits of seeking knowledge. 

1. Humility

The act of seeking knowledge makes you humble. An Islamic finder like you must know Islam teaches the benefits of seeking knowledge to help us attain humility.

Someone who tries to get knowledge never shows off his/her intelligence. Instead, they try to convey their knowledge humbly. 

On the other hand, those who seek knowledge with the intention of evil are not considered good, according to Islam. So, seeking knowledge must aim for humility in everyday life. 

2. Path to Paradise

Seeking knowledge in Islam is rewarded, but one must never do it with the intention of rewards only. All Muslims are advised to seek knowledge through proper means.

In the eyes of Islam, one does not have to be a scholar to be blessed with paradise. Allah Almighty rewards those who put effort into seeking knowledge. 

The teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) say: 

The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks knowledge, the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth and the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man.

(Sunan Abi Dawud 3641)

3. Acknowledgement from Allah Almighty

Allah loves those who seek knowledge. The bearers of knowledge are acknowledged by Allah Almighty. Besides being blessed with paradise, Allah Almighty raises the ranks of those who seek knowledge in every possible way. 

In Qur’an, Allah Almighty says: 

“….Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.”

(Qur’an; 58:11)

4. Gift from Allah Almighty

Although every individual must devote their life to knowledge, one should never forget that knowledge is a blessing from Allah. 

Allah Almighty has blessed mankind countlessly. Knowledge is one of such blessings that Allah has given to mankind so that we can do better. 

Any knowledge that one must attain should always bring good to the world. Allah Almighty does not like the misuse of knowledge. 

5. Door to Other Virtues

One who seeks knowledge is blessed with other virtues in life. For example, fear of Allah out in true awe is one of such virtues. The act of seeking knowledge enables one to understand the true sense of life. This leads to better decision-making and trust in Allah. 

Besides, a knowledgeable person is always humble about the virtues he/she receives. So, in the wake of scholarly power, one must not forget to be grateful for additional virtues from Allah. 

Allah Almighty says in Qur’an: 

“……Of all of Allah’s servants, only the knowledgeable of His might are truly in awe of Him. Allah is indeed Almighty, All-Forgiving.”

(Qur’an; 35:28)

6. A Way to Know Allah

Every Muslim should know Allah before he devotes his life to worship. Knowledge gives you the pathway towards Allah. In Islam, blind belief is not supported. Islamic teachings are based on logic and reasoning and tell all Muslims to seek knowledge to understand Islam. 

To know Allah and His doings, one must always be knowledgeable. With blind faith, one cannot prosper religiously. 

7. Fulfilling Religious Duty

Did you know that seeking knowledge is a religious duty in Islam? Yes. In Islam, seeking knowledge is compulsory for both men and women. 

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) always preached to Muslims to seek knowledge. 

“The search for knowledge is an obligation laid on every Muslim…”

(Mishkat al-Masabih 218)

In Islam, life is a learning journey and every Muslim needs to be knowledgeable. Muslims are obliged to learn knowledge of Islam as well as other fields of science. 

8. For One’s Betterment

Besides the religious benefits of knowledge, one must learn to improve his/her condition. Knowledge enables us to understand our world and act on what is best for us. Lack of knowledge is commonly associated with poor living conditions. So, Islam preaches us to seek knowledge that helps us improve ourselves.

Such helpful knowledge can include seeking opportunities for financial as well as non-financial benefits in life. Other fields of knowledge, such as physics, math, biology, and other sciences, are encouraged in Islam. 

Another factor of knowledge for betterment includes the common good. Islam is based upon good deeds, and one must use their knowledge to help others. As society is growing rapidly, knowledge is becoming more important for societies. Islamic teachings regarding knowledge particularly include social betterment. 

So those who are knowledgeable must help humankind to learn and seek knowledge. This way, a Muslim can make the best use of his/her knowledge. 

In Conclusion

Not everybody indeed has the same ability to learn. In the current world, the lack of learning opportunities is also a big problem. What matters is one’s effort to follow the teachings of Islam regarding knowledge and its use. Seeking knowledge is not only about rewards from Allah but also about a better life. 

Islam does not limit Muslims to religious knowledge. Instead, all humankind is advised to explore the world through signs. To better use of your knowledge, one should always get knowledge from the right sources. Also, using your knowledge for good is a religious virtue.