Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Islam places great value on knowledge and encourages people to seek learning. Indeed, the first command revealed in the Qur’an was “Read!” This divine command shows the central place of knowledge in Islam. Allah (swt) says, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only people of understanding take heed.”^[1] , drawing attention to the value and status of those who possess knowledge Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) also regarded seeking knowledge as an important duty for every Muslim. In a hadith, he said, “Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy for them a path to Paradise.”^[2] In doing so, he gave glad tidings that those who strive in the pursuit of knowledge will receive Allah’s mercy and assistance. This is because knowledge enables a person to know Allah (swt), understand the purpose of their creation and guide their life in the right direction.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The knowledge praised by Islam is not only information that remains in the mind. True knowledge is that which leads a person towards good character, righteous deeds and servitude to Allah. For this reason, knowledge and action are two fundamental values in our religion that complement one another. Knowledge teaches us what is right, while action enables us to put what we have learned into practice. In other words, knowledge is a light that lights up our path, while action is walking that path under the guidance of that light.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

In the Holy Qur’an, faith and righteous deeds are often mentioned together. This demonstrates how important it is for knowledge to be translated into action. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) would make dua saying, “O Allah! I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that is not humble, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a dua that is not answered.”^[3] In this way, he sought refuge in Allah from knowledge that brings no benefit. Mu‘adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him), one of the prominent Companions, warned those who do not act upon their knowledge, saying, “No matter how much knowledge you possess, Allah will not reward you for your knowledge until you act upon it.”^[4] The noble Companions also strived to put every verse they heard into practice in their lives and never neglected to live according to the knowledge they had gained.

 

Dear Jama’ah!

Today, access to knowledge is easier than ever before. However, what truly matters is the extent to which what we know is reflected in our lives. Just as it is important to know the virtues of prayer, it is equally important to perform it with humility and devotion. Just as we learn the importance of honesty, we must also be truthful in every situation. And just as we know the reward of helping others, we must extend a helping hand to those in need. Knowledge remains incomplete when it is not transformed into action, while action cannot be built upon a firm foundation unless it is supported by knowledge.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

As we continue to seek knowledge, let us also strive to put what we learn into practice in our lives. Let us adorn our knowledge with good character, our worship with sincerity and our actions with exemplary conduct.

May Allah (swt) make us among those who seek beneficial knowledge, act upon what they learn and serve as examples of goodness to those around them. Ameen!

[1] Surah Az-Zumar, 39:9

[2] Müslim, Zikir, 39

[3] Müslim, Zikir 73

[4] Dârimî, 1. c., No: 266

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