By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya 

9. Religious knowledge is the most important knowledge to be learned

Islâm as a complete religion, does not limit the acquisition of knowledge into the field of religion. It also encourages us to seek other knowledge, which are beneficial to us. However, it stresses that knowledge of the Qur’ân and authentic Ahâdîth and prescriptions rightly deduced from the two constitute the essential knowledge:

‘Abdullâh ibn ‘Amr t reported that Allâh’s  Messenger r said,  “Knowledge consists of three things: the decisive verses (Qur’ân), authentic Ahâdîth and prescriptions rightly deduced from the two. What is beside them is superfluous.”  (Ibn Mâjah, 1/54)

‘Abdullâh  ibn Amir ibn Al-As t narrated that the Prophet r said,  “Knowledge has three categories; anything else is extra; a precise verse, or an established Sunnah (practice), or a firm obligatory duty.”    (Abu Daud, 2879)

Moreover, it is for our benefit that we learn Islâm as it is the knowledge that leads us to Truth against ignorance.  It teaches us to learn wisdom:

“Say: ‘Come, I will rehearse what Allâh has (really) prohibited you from:  join not anything with Him; be good to your parents; kill not your children on a plea of want, We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not nigh to indecent deeds, whether open or secret; take not life, which Allâh has made sacred, except by way of justice and law.  Thus does He command you, that you may learn wisdom.’”  (6:151)

“A.L.R.[6] These are the Verses of the Perspicuous Book. We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’ân in order that you may learn wisdom.”  (12:1-2)

“Do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts (and minds) may thus learn wisdom and their ears may thus learn to hear?  Truly it is not the eyes that are blind, but the hearts which are in their breasts.”   (22:46)

Furthermore the Qur’ân guides us to learn by admonition (40:58) and to learn to hear (22:46).  It teaches us to learn self-restraint (2:183 and 187), humility (6: 42 and 7:94) and other virtuous conduct. All these show how knowledge of Islâm develops our personality as a learner in order to attain success.  Indeed, Islâmic knowledge is the most important knowledge that we must acquire.  We ought to spend time, money, efforts, emotions and sacrifices learning authentic knowledge of Islâm in order to attain success.  It is only when we learn Islâm according to the Qur’ân and the authentic Sunnah that we can practice the best way of life (i.e., Islam) that Allah I has given to those whom He guides to the Right Path.  

[Home] [Oneness of Allah] [Islam] [Muhammad][Qur'an & Sunnah] [Knowledge]
[Da'wah][Ideal Muslims][Public Speaking] [Links][WISDOM]
The Divine Message for All Mankind
[Islamic CDs for Sale] [Download E-Books]