Holy Prophet on knowledge & education
One of the distinctive features of Islam is its emphasis on knowledge. The Holy Qur’an and the Islamic Tradition (Sunnah) invite Muslims to seek and acquire knowledge and wisdom and to hold men of knowledge in high esteem. The first few verses of Holy Qur’an that were revealed to our Holy Prophet Mohammed (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa’Sallam) mention the importance of
reading, pen, and teaching for human beings.
“Read in the name of your Lord who created”
“Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood”
“Read, and your Lord is the most Generous”
“Who taught by the pen”
“Taught man that which he knew not.”
(Holy Qur’an 96:1-5)
Hence, it is a beautiful prayer for every Muslim to ask always:
“O my Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” (Quran 20:114)
The only limit set to the acquisition of knowledge in Islam is that Muslims should seek useful knowledge. Our great Prophet (S.A.W.W) is reported as having said: “My Lord, save me from the useless knowledge.”
Useless here means that is not helpful towards anything or is simply wasted. Example of useless knowledge: Abul Hikam (Father of Wisdom) was the title of Amr Ibn Hesam, one of the bitterest enemies of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.W) nicknamed him Abu Jahl (Father of Ignorance) because of his rigid attitude towards understanding the teachings, meaning of life and Islam. From the above example we can see, how much our Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) disliked ignorant and at the same time we can learn from the following example, how much our Holy Prophet (pbuh) liked to learn. The believers assembled here to learn. When the Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W) was present they heard his words of wisdom, his elucidation on the verses of the Holy Qur’an and benefited from his counsel. And when he was not present, other faithful companions taught what they had heard from the Prophet of Almighty God. Once our Holy Prophet (S.A.W) entered the Mosque before the prayer time. He found two groups in the Mosque. One group was busy with its own act of worship; some were reading the Holy Qur’an while the others were supplicating. The other group was in a corner busy learning. They learnt how to read and write and discussed the teachings of Islam and their application to their daily lives. Looking at both, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said: “They are both engaged in useful pursuits. I shall join the group assembled to learn.” So he (S.A.W) sat with the group of students. Also the prisoners used to achieve freedom in those times by teaching 10 Muslim children to Read & Write. But one should also be aware of the point that nation of Noah/Nuh (alaihi as-salām – عليه السلام) also went astray with their knowledge. Knowledge without religious guidance is recipe for disaster. Without proper “Navigation system”, it is not possible to reach desired destination.
