Knowledge for the sake of Allah!

Allah swt says in the Quran(58:11)

"Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe and those who have been granted knowledge"

At another place(35:28)

"It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah"

Knowledge here means understanding of Quran and Hadith, religious injunctions, knowledge of lawful and unlawful because only this knowledge is beneficial to humans.

The Glorious Quran has already shown Allah’s Help for those whi attain knowledge. Prophet(pbuh) said "When Allah wishes good for someone, He grants him understanding of the Deen(knowledge)" [Muslim]

We can also pursue worldly knowledge but knowledge that is pursued for the sake of Allah swt, Allah swt rewards the person in this world and for that person, Allah swt has prepared delights in the hereafter as well.

Prophet(pbuh) said "Allahs swt makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge." [Muslim]

At another place he(pbuh) said " The world with all that it contains is accursed except for the remembrance of Allah that which pleases Allah; and the religious scholars and the seekers of knowledge" [At-trimdhi]

Nor only the seeking of knowledge has been given  importance but great merits have also been attached for spreading and teaching it to others.

Prophet(pbuh) said "By Allah if a single person is guided by Allah through you, it will be better for you than a whole lot of red camels"[Muslim]

Red camels used to be very precious in those times in Arabia and their reference has been used to show the value of guidance. We must however keep in mind that to guide others, we must ourselves have adequate knowledge.

Prophet(pbuh) at another place " Allah, His angels, Dwellers of Paradise and earth, even the ant in its hole and the fish (in water) supplicate in favor of those who teach knowledge" [At-Trimdhi]

SubhanAllah, what good tidings for those who spread knowledge,  However , there are curtains for those who behold knowledge or not pursue it for the sake of Allah swt.

Prophet(pbuh) said "He who is asked about knowledge (of religion) and he conceals it, will be bridled with a bridle of fire on the Day of Resurrection" [Abu dawud]

At another place he (pbuh) said " He who does not acquires knowledge with the sole Intention of seeking Allah’s Pleasure but for worldly gain, will not smell the fragrance of Jannah on the Day of Resurrection."

Therefore knowledge should only be acquired for the purpose of Pleasing Allah swt as it’s not worth it if pursed for the sake of wordly gains. Plus realizing the importance of seeking and spreading knowledge from Quran and Hadith, we all must strive to attain knowledge to the best of our capacity.

By Jahanzaib Jamshed!