Islam has given great importance to the process of seeking knowledge. The first verse to be revealed upon Prophet Mohammad (SAW) was “IQRA” which means to read. In Surah Al Alaq Allah says, “Read in the name of your Lord who created. He Created man from a clot. Read and your Lord is the most Honourable. Who taught by the pen. Taught man what he knew not.” (Quran 96; 1-5)
Similarly in one Hadees, Hazrat Mohammad (SAW) said “Seeking Knowledge is religious obligation on every Muslim” by Authority of Ahmad. It is pertinent to mention here seeking knowledge or getting educated is not obligated for only males but Islam makes it obligatory to get educated for both the genders.
Whoever seeks knowledge and helps other people to learn will get unaccountable reward from Allah .In Surah Al-Mujaadila Allah says “Allah will exalt those who believe among you and those who have been granted knowledge to high ranks” (Ayaat No 11).
Teaching others is one of the good deeds that will get one good rewards even after death. Whoever leaves behind beneficial knowledge will get rewards as long as people are getting benefits from his knowledge. In Bukhari Prophet Mohammad said “When a man dies all his deeds come to an end except three; on-going charity, a righteous son who prays for him and beneficial knowledge”.
Muslim countries were once the centres of education and knowledge, when the rest of the world was facing dark ages: Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo and Grenada or “Garnaata” were the centres of learning in the whole world. There were many Muslim scientists who had great achievements in the different branches of Science. For Example Ibn Sina (Avi Cenna) was a great physician and philosopher. Some of his remarkable works include The Book of Healing, The Canon of Medicine, was used as a standard text in many Medical universities in Europe. Ibn Rushd was a towering figure, best known for his commentaries on Aristotle’s philosophy.
Al-Khwarizmi (algorithmic) is a Muslim mathematician and astronomer. He wrote mathematical books that collected and arranged mathematical discoveries.
But it is disheartening to mention while Islam commands its followers to seek knowledge, in many Muslim countries the percentage of illiteracy is 20% to 30% (Internet). Muslim countries are spending very meager amount on scientific research and education. The current scenario across the world demands that we should get back to our roots as soon as possible ,we must attach ourselves to the hub of knowledge that is Al-Quran and Al-Hadees, in addition to this we must develop a scientific and philosophical temper among us, which will Insha-Allah restore us our lost pristine and glory.
May Allah help us all.
- The writer (B Tech Civil), hails from Aripanthan Beerwah.
