Start Seeking Knowledge!

Question 1

When will you finally start seeking knowledge?

Answer 1

• You were created to have knowledge of Allah (Jalla Jalaluhu) and to worship Him alone.
• The people of knowledge have been raised in rank above others.
• The scholar is superior to the mere worshipper, like the moon over the stars,
• Allah raises the people of the Qur’an and lowers those who forsake it.
• Knowledge without action is blameworthy and leads to destruction.

Question 2

Continued…

Answer 2

• The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was commanded to ask for an increase in only knowledge.
• Knowledge must be sought through teachers, no just books or devices.
• Learning knowledge gradually is necessary, just like a baby begins with milk, not solid food.
• Whatever part of the religion you know, you MUST convey it.
• Calling to good brings you the reward of those who act upon it.

Question 3

Continued…

Answer 3

• Every Muslim must learn ‘Ilm al-Hal; knowledge that is obligatory upon them immediately.
• The great scholars of Islam maximized their time for knowledge and memorization.
• A day without learning the Qur’an or studying the religion is a wasted day.
• True knowledge is what is memorized and kept in the chest, not just in books.
• Beneficial knowledge produces forbearance and patience with people.

Question 4

Lesson 1, Hilyatu Talib al-‘Ilm.

Answer 4

• Adorn yourself w/ good manners,
• Adab doesn’t just only apply to humans,
• that there is an adab with Allah as well,
• It is to be taught (i.e. adab) even before Tawhid,
• that this has to be studied and taught,
• the jahil is better than the talib al-‘ilm with no adab,
• so know & learn adab!

Question 5

Lesson 2, Hilyatu Talib al-‘Ilm.

Answer 5

• Seek knowledge only for the Sake of Allah!!! (There are hadith which mention the punishment of those who do otherwise!!!)
• Glue yourself to the earth! Never be proud!
• Differentiating from Ahl al-bid’ah with labels isn’t an innovation,
• Allah did not order the Prophet to ask for an increase in anything except knowledge,
• At-tawafus; to compete in doing good deeds,
• 2 conditions for an act of ‘ibadah to be accepted; 1. sincerity (to Allah alone), 2. conformity (to the Sunnah).

Question 6

Lesson 3, Hilyatu Talib al-‘Ilm.

Answer 6

• A Talib al-‘Ilm should dignify himself w/ honorable manners,
• like cheerful face, smiling, giving salam, etc etc…
• certain hobbies are permitted to bring the hearts together (ta’lif ul-qulub)
• don’t be shy in study circles! you’re not giving fatawa, rather you are learning. So do not be afraid to ask questions and revise!
• Don’t joke around a lot.
• Refrain from what doesn’t benefit you in the afterlife.
• Da’wah is tawqifiyyah (Divinely restrcited), Not only do you have to call what the Prophet called to, but you have to call to it the way taht the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) called to it.

Question 7

Lesson 4, Hilyatu Talib al-‘Ilm.

Answer 7

• Think about what you are going to say before you say it.
• The masajid aren’t for conversing, they are for ‘ibadah and dhikr.
• Be gentle in your speech.
• Be forthright upon the Haqq!
• Adorn yourself with simple, moderate clothing.
• Stay away from gatherings of vain speech.
• Avoid the behavior of the marketplaces (shouting, loud voices, etc etc…)

Question 8

Lesson 5, Hilyatu Talib al-‘Ilm.

Answer 8

• the importance of at-tadarruj (general progression in seeking knowledge),
• that books are to be studied under teachers,
• that there are benefits to this,
• that ‘ilm is of 2 types; usul (foundations) and furu’ (specifics),
• also ‘ilm is of 2 types; fard u-‘ayn (individual obligation) and fard u-kifayah (communal obligation),
• that ‘ilm is to be learned under scholars, and it is to be progressed from small to advanced,
• and the slowest stage in seeking knowledge is the beginning.

Question 9

Lesson 6-7, Hilyatu Talib al-‘Ilm.