The Quran highlights knowledge as a divine gift, starting with Adam’s teaching of names, marking it as essential for humanity. Seeking knowledge is a duty for Muslims, emphasized in both the Quran and Hadith as foundational for faith and success in this world and the hereafter.
Seeking knowledge is so important in the Quran, We are The Nation of Iqraa!
Iqraa (إقرأ) Is the command from the verb “Read” and it is the very first word revealed to Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) at the beginning of the Quran.
﴿ اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ ﴾
(Recite in the name of your Lord who created)
If you think about it, by just being a Muslim you are already obligated to seek knowledge, whether this knowledge is about the Quran or about literally everything else.
The Quran made it super clear that seeking knowledge is a must so you can have a solid faith in Allah.
Seeking knowledge is one of the main priorities for every Muslim. You can’t be a good Muslim if you are ignorant. You need to pursue knowledge every day of your life and in every aspect of life.
According to Islam, your seeking knowledge journey should not stop just by learning more and more knowledge, But also passing the knowledge that you are learning to someone else is very rewarding and shows what a good Muslim you are.
This article will discuss the importance of knowledge mentioned in the Quran and Hadith.
Table of Contents
Seeking Knowlege is An Islamic innate
As Islam is an innate religion, it always motivates us to enrich our entity with that beneficial, and valuable, and to make good use of our ‘mind’, that special gift over the other creatures.
As Muslims, we are commanded by our Lord to learn life lessons, to discover the universe’s secrets, and to keep attentive to reason. Qur’an is already full of ayahs telling us thought-stirring stories about those ancient peoples who were doomed because of their ignorance, refusal of reason, and denial of the truth.
How do we seek knowledge according to the Quran?
The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge from the very creation of humanity, as Allah taught Adam the names of all things, highlighting knowledge as a core human trait.
Seeking Knowledge in the Quran is seen as foundational, with the first word revealed to the Prophet Muhammad being “Recite,” underscoring the duty of every Muslim to pursue learning. Prophets, like Ibrahim and Musa, exemplified how knowledge strengthens faith, and numerous Quranic verses and hadiths stress its essential role in a believer’s life and afterlife.
Seek knowledge After birth:
One of the most important teachings in Islam is the encouragement to seek knowledge. Allah created us ignorant with no knowledge about anything. But only with his grace, we were granted the tools that will help us to learn and seek more knowledge, If you’re reading this, it means that you are really blessed with these tools.
According to the Quran, these tools are, The senses! Particularly, Sight, hearing, and heart.
﴿ وَاللَّهُ أَخْرَجَكُمْ مِنْ بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ شَيْئًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ السَّمْعَ وَالْأَبْصَارَ وَالْأَفْئِدَةَ ۙ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ ﴾
( And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He made for you hearing and vision and intellect that perhaps you would be grateful. )
Sight: So you can see and appreciate Allah’s creation of the whole universe.
Hearing: So you can comprehend the amazing work and different voices and sounds around you.
Heart: Or in another explanatory “ The Intellect ” So you can get all of your senses together to appreciate and feel everything around you.
If one is blessed to have at least one of these tools, One will be ready to start reflecting ( Tadabour – تدبر ) To appreciate Allah’s creation and to be grateful for everything Allah brought to our life.
Seeking knowledge is a sacred journey to get closer to Allah, Riwaq Al Quran Islamic Studies course covers various deep topics in the Quran and Sunnah to make sure to graduate a knowledgeable Muslim. Don’t miss out on their other courses in all the different Islamic teachings.
The Quran Says Allah Cares about Seeking Knowledge even Since Adam’s Creation:
Since the beginning of the creation of mankind, Adam, peace be upon him, Allah purposefully distinguished Adam and his offspring- all the humans- by knowledge- referred as ‘the names’- that is for a divine, wise reason:
وَعَلَّمَ آدَمَ الأَسْمَاء كُلَّهَا ثُمَّ عَرَضَهُمْ عَلَى الْمَلاَئِكَةِ فَقَالَ أَنبِئُونِي بِأَسْمَاء هَؤُلاء إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ قَالُواْ سُبْحَانَكَ لاَ عِلْمَ لَنَا إِلاَّ مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَلِيمُ الْحَكِيمُ قَالَ يَا آدَمُ أَنبِئْهُم بِأَسْمَآئِهِمْ فَلَمَّا أَنبَأَهُمْ بِأَسْمَآئِهِمْ قَالَ أَلَمْ أَقُل لَّكُمْ إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ غَيْبَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَأَعْلَمُ مَا [سورة البقرة:31-33]تُبْدُونَ وَمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْتُمُونَ .
[And He taught Adam the names – all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, “Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful. They said, “Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise. He said, “O Adam, inform them of their names.” And when he had informed them of their names, He said, “Did I not tell you that I know the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed.] [Al-Baqarah: 31: 33].
So, knowledge is like one of the main human-ingredients.
The Prophets in the Quran Used to Seek Knowledge:
Even before Prophet Muhammed, you can see that clearly in the lives of the Prophets, themselves, peace be upon them all; there are whole stories told in Qur’an about how seeking knowledge mainly participates in the believer’s unwavering faith, like the story of Ibrahim, and how the learning-journey may seem really tough and confusing, like the story of Musa.
The Orger To Seek Knowledge is the First Order Revealed in the Quran:
Seeking knowledge is foundational of being a Muslim. Actually, the first word descended on the Prophet Muhammed, of the Holy Qur’an is [Recite] “اقرأ”: so, seeking knowledge is actually a divine, clear command from Allah, The Creator to His servants. Also, it was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim…´”
There are plenty of Quranic ayahs and prophetic hadiths that reveal the essential significance of knowledge to the Muslim, as it is linked directly to its blessed benefits in his life, and hereafter.
Benefits Of Seeking Knowledge In Islam According To Hadith
Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) encouraged seeking knowledge and highlighted that scholars in Islam get the highest status among all people and eventually the reward for seeking knowledge is Al Jannah!
“قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ مَنْ سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَلْتَمِسُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا سَهَّلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ طَرِيقًا إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ ”
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said: “Whoever takes a path upon which to obtain knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for him.”
Seeking knowledge in Islam can be one of the most sacred things to do in order to get closer in your relationship with Allah. It can be one of the only three things that can bring you continuous good deeds after death.
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ - رضى الله عنه - أَنَّ رَسُولَ اَللَّهِ - صلى الله عليه وسلم -قَالَ : { إِذَا مَاتَ اَلْإِنْسَانُ اِنْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلَّا مِنْ ثَلَاثٍ : صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ ، أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ، أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالَحٍ يَدْعُو لَهُ } رَوَاهُ مُسْلِم ٌ
Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: “When a son of Adam (i.e. any human being) dies his deeds are discontinued, with three exceptions: Sadaqah, whose benefit is continuous; or knowledge from which benefit continues to be reaped, or a righteous child who supplicates for him.” [Reported by Muslim].
Anyone who is seeking knowledge during his life Will be rewarded for it for eternity! Isn’t that an amazing way to think about continuing to seek more knowledge?
Benefits of seeking knowledge In Islam According to The Quran
The value of knowledge is immense, and a learned person or a seeker of knowledge holds a higher status with Allah than someone who is ignorant. This is why the pursuit of knowledge, especially Islamic knowledge, is of great importance.
﴿أَمَّنْ هُوَ قَانِتٌ آنَاءَ اللَّيْلِ سَاجِدًا وَقَائِمًا يَحْذَرُ الْآخِرَةَ وَيَرْجُو رَحْمَةَ رَبِّهِ ۗ قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ۗ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ﴾
( Is one who worships devoutly during the hour of the night prostrating himself or standing (in adoration), who takes heed of the Hereafter, and who places his hope in the Mercy of his Lord – (like one who does not)? Say: “Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endowed with understanding that receive admonition.)
1- Allah will raise the status of those who seek knowledge.
﴿يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ﴾
“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”
Those who are seeking knowledge about Islam or about anything else that can be helpful for their Islamic community, Their effort is acknowledged by Allah and Allah will raise their status above all other people.
2- Being Consciousness of Allah
The more you gain knowledge the more humble you will be. And most important is that you will fear Allah in the most respectful demure way. People of knowledge in Islam are the people who appreciate Allah’s creation mostly and obey Allah due to their strong faith.
﴿وَمِنَ النَّاسِ وَالدَّوَابِّ وَالْأَنْعَامِ مُخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَانُهُ كَذَٰلِكَ ۗ إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ غَفُورٌ﴾
[ فاطر: 28]
And among people and moving creatures and grazing livestock are various colors similarly. Only those who fear Allah, from among His servants, who have knowledge. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Forgiving.
3- Discovering the hidden secrets of the universe.
Along with the Islamic knowledge, Allah created us on the earth to discover the earth’s secrets and to lead and manage all other creatures like animals, birds, and Inanimate objects as well as other humans.
﴿وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ إِنِّى جَاعِلٌۭ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةًۭ ۖ قَالُوٓا۟ أَتَجْعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا وَيَسْفِكُ ٱلدِّمَآءَ وَنَحْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَ ۖ قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أَعْلَمُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ.﴾
[ البقرة : 30 ]
“Remember˺ when your Lord said to the angels, “I am going to place a successive ˹human˺ authority on earth.” They asked ˹Allah˺, “Will You place in it someone who will spread corruption there and shed blood while we glorify Your praises and proclaim Your holiness?” Allah responded, “I know what you do not know.”
Any action that can make life easier for any creature is an action that you can get close to Allah with.
Whatever you can do to serve your life or the life of others is not apart from worshiping god. But it is a solid part of your faith
Allah and prophet Muhammed encouraged Muslims to discover more about the hidden secrets of the universe and to do anything to serve their life as long as it is Halal.
قَالَ رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم “ أَنْتُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِأَمْرِ دُنْيَاكُمْ ”
Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: You have better knowledge (of a technical skill) in the affairs of the world
4- The pursuit of knowledge is a characteristic of the prophets.
Being a curious thinker is a praiseworthy trait in Islam. You will never going to be able to establish a strong faith until you are able to think deeply about everything around you. And that is actually the characteristic trait of Nabi Ibrahim ( Peace be upon him )
﴿وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمُ رَبِّ أَرِنِى كَيْفَ تُحْىِ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ ۖ قَالَ أَوَلَمْ تُؤْمِن ۖ قَالَ بَلَىٰ وَلَـٰكِن لِّيَطْمَئِنَّ قَلْبِى ۖ قَالَ فَخُذْ أَرْبَعَةًۭ مِّنَ ٱلطَّيْرِ فَصُرْهُنَّ إِلَيْكَ ثُمَّ ٱجْعَلْ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ جَبَلٍۢ مِّنْهُنَّ جُزْءًۭا ثُمَّ ٱدْعُهُنَّ يَأْتِينَكَ سَعْيًۭا ۚ وَٱعْلَمْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌۭ﴾
[ البقرة : 30 ]
“And ˹remember˺ when Abraham said, “My Lord! Show me how you give life to the dead.” Allah responded, “Do you not believe?” Abraham replied, “Yes I do, but just so my heart can be reassured.” Allah said, “Then bring four birds, train them to come to you, ˹then cut them into pieces,˺ and scatter them on different hilltops. Then call them back, they will fly to you in haste. And ˹so you will˺ know that Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.”
Prophet Ibrahim ( Peace be upon him ) was a young man when he became Nabi. His biography is one of the best stories in the Quran, It highlights how the strong knowledge can lead to the strongest faith.
Being young is the time that you are at your most curious state, We are all able to remember when we were young and all we do is just meditate and just thinking about the smallest details.
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Read more about: Benefits of Seeking Knowledge as in the Quran
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Conclusion:
In Islam, seeking knowledge is a fundamental duty, highlighted by the Quran’s first revealed word, “Iqraa” (Read). Muslims are encouraged to use their senses—sight, hearing, and intellect—to gain knowledge, which strengthens their faith and relationship with Allah. Passing on knowledge is highly rewarded, and those who seek knowledge are promised rewards in this life and the Hereafter, including closeness to Allah and entry into Paradise.
The Quran and Hadith emphasize the value of knowledge, raising the status of those who pursue it. Knowledge helps Muslims understand Allah’s creation, fostering humility and consciousness of Him. It also remains a continuous source of good deeds after death, benefiting others. The pursuit of knowledge, both religious and worldly, is seen as a praiseworthy trait, exemplified by the prophets.
