To learn about Islam and its teachings and code of conduct and to
undertake the tasks of studying and then teaching it are all noble
pursuits that bring a person closer to God. This is only so when
coupled with sincerity and the clear aim of following the guidance
provided by the Prophet. The Qur’an urges people to learn and it
praises the people who attain a good standard of scholarship.
Indeed the first word of divine revelations to Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him) was ‘Read’. God also promises to grant a higher
grade in the life to come to scholars as He says: ‘God will elevate
by many degrees those of you who believe and those who have been
given knowledge’ (58: 11). Indeed knowledge is the only thing that
God has instructed the Prophet to ask for more of as He says: ‘Be
not in haste with the Qur’an before it has been revealed to you in
full but always say: My Lord increase my knowledge’ (20: 114). The
Prophet also urged Muslims to seek knowledge and to gain a better
understanding of their faith. He says: ‘When God wants a person to
have more of goodness He enables him to have a better understanding
of the faith.’ He has ordered his followers to convey to others
what they learn from him: ‘Deliver to others what I tell you even
if it be one verse.’ There are many other statements in the Qur’an
and the Sunnah in the same vein.
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