ENCOURAGEMENT
towards Seeking KNOWLEDGE AND Acting UPON IT
By Sh Muhammad Al-‘Uthaymeen
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Praise
be to Allaah, Who has created the heavens and the earth and
the types of darkness and light. Praise be to Allaah, Who
preferred knowledge to ignorance. He, the Exalted and Almighty,
said what means: “Is one who worships devoutly during the
hours 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 (line one who does not)? Say: "Are
those equal, those who know and those who do not know?” It
is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition.”
(Az-Zumar: 9).
I
testify that there is no god but Allaah, with Whom there are
no partners, Who is Well-Aware of what sustains the viability
of knowledge and the validity of religion. I testify that
Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, who said: “When Allaah
desires good for someone, He gives him understanding of religion.”
(Bukhaari & Muslim) May Allaah bless him, his family,
his Companions, and those who will follow their example until
the Day of Judgment!
O
people! Fear Allaah! Learn the wisdom and rulings of His Laws,
through seeking useful knowledge. Knowledge is enlightenment
and guidance, while ignorance is darkness and misguidance.
Learn
the revelation sent down to your Messenger sallallaahu 'alaihi
wasallam, since scholars are the heirs of prophets, peace
be upon them. Prophets left no heritage in the form of Dinars
or Dirhams, but they left behind knowledge as a legacy. Whoever
seeks it, will get an abundant share of their legacy. Seek
knowledge, since it leads to a supreme status in the worldly
life and in the Hereafter. It accrues a continuous reward
until the Day of Judgment. Allah says which means: “… Allah
will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who
have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted
with what you do.” (Al-Mujaadalah: 11).
The
Prophet sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam said: “When a servant
(of Allaah) dies, his (good) deeds will cease, except for
three (kinds of deeds): A charity with continuous effect,
a kind of knowledge from which people draw benefit, and a
good son who prays to Allaah for him.” (Bukhaari & Muslim)
Look
at the heritage of the religious scholars that still exists
today. Their endeavors are praised, their methodology is adopted,
and their memory is highly esteemed. If their mention is made
in a company, the audience of that group of people or gathering
always asks Allaah to shower His Mercy on them. Whenever people
talk about righteous deeds or esteemed manners, these scholars
are mentioned as a good example to be followed.
O
people! Acquire knowledge and apply it, since acquiring knowledge
is a kind of Jihaad in the cause of Allaah and acting according
to it is a cause of guidance and insight granted by Allaah.
Allaah says which means: “Is he who was dead and We gave him
life whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who is in the
darkness from which he can never come out? Thus, it is made
fair seeming to the disbelievers that which they used to do.”
(Al-An'aam: 122)
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