Striving to acquire Islamic knowledge is such a good deed which aids a person in traversing the stages of success. It becomes a means of success in both worlds. It is knowledge which allows a person to recognise lawful and unlawful. Seeking obligatory knowledge is essential. It leads to earning the pleasure of Allah Almighty and allows a person to recognise the commandments of Allah Almighty. Knowledge is the inheritance of the noble prophets, and it is due to knowledge that humans were given superiority over the rest of creation. Knowledge is a light that does away with ignorance. Knowledge is a means of recognising the rights of people and putting an end to quarrels.

Knowledge causes a person to fear Allah Almighty. It is a sign of the path of the people of Paradise. It brings about peace during times of fear, and it is a companion in travel and solitude. It is a guide in times of poverty and prosperity, a weapon before the enemy, and something perceived as honourable by friends. It is through knowledge that Allah Almighty grants nations a status and makes them leaders in matters of goodness. As opposed to ignorance, it is life for the hearts, and in opposition to darkness, it is light for the eyes. Through knowledge, a person attains the ranks of the saints. Knowledge is such a light that even if an unintelligent person tries to gain it, he finds success.

Effort led to success

Imam Abū Ḥanīfah رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه once said to his student, Imām Abū Yūsuf     رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه, “You were unintelligent, but your striving and steadfastness have caused you to excel, so you must avoid laziness, as laziness is a major calamity and misfortune.”^[1]

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                                     صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد