Ilm/Knowledge

Main Topic

The necessity and virtues of acquiring authentic Islamic knowledge ('Ilm) over purely worldly knowledge.

Key Lessons

• Islamic knowledge is essential for a Muslim to differentiate between right and wrong, permissible (halal) and impermissible (haram), and essential and non-essential matters.
• Secular knowledge (such as medicine, engineering, or law) only serves worldly sustenance and utility, which ends with illness, retirement, or death; whereas 'Ilm-e-Deen guides a person in both this life and the Hereafter.
• The primary sources of Islamic knowledge are the Holy Quran and the Sunnah (including the sayings, actions, and tacit approvals of Rasulullah ﷺ).
• One must exercise great care regarding the sources and teachers from whom Islamic knowledge is acquired to protect one's Aqeedah.

Quranic/Hadith References

• The concept and scope of Sunnah: Statements, deeds, and tacit approvals (Taqreer) of Nabi ﷺ.
• Dua for beneficial knowledge: "Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman nafi'a" (O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge).
• Dua seeking protection from useless knowledge: "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'ilmin la yanfa'" (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit).

Practical Advice

• Make time to attend regular classes and discourses hosted by upright and authentic Ulama-e-Haq.
• Seek guidance from reliable scholars regarding which books and literature to read to avoid corrupting one's faith.
• Enroll in short courses or adult learning sessions to learn Tajweed, basic Fiqh, Tafseer, and Islamic business ethics.
• Constantly supplicate to Allah Ta'ala for beneficial knowledge and protection from harmful knowledge.