our time in useless activities. We do not learn the necessary rulings which are mandatory for us to learn, let alone acquiring Islamic knowledge and then imparting it to others.

What are the branches of Fard (compulsory) knowledge?

It is stated in a blessed Hadees:

طَلَبُ الۡعِلۡمِ فَرِيۡضَةٌ عَلٰي كُلِّ مُسۡلِمٍ

Translation: Seeking knowledge is an obligation (Fard) upon every Muslim (male and female).

(Sunan Ibn Majah, vol. 1, pp. 146, Hadees 224)

Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـه has stated: Regarding this Hadees, whatever A’la Hadrat رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه said I will try to state its summary in simple words: First and foremost obligatory (Fard) act is to acquire the knowledge of the basic faiths which makes a person a Sunni having correct beliefs. Denying such beliefs, makes a person an unbeliever or one who has gone astray. Thereafter, he should learn the rulings of Salah (i.e. its Faraaid, pre-conditions and requirements, and the acts that invalidate it) so that he could offer Salah correctly.

Furthermore, when the sacred month of Ramadan arrives, it is obligatory (for Muslims) to know the basic rulings on Fasting. Likewise, whoever is obligated (under Islamic law) to pay Zakah, is required to learn the rulings on Zakah as well. When Hajj becomes obligatory for someone, he has to learn the rulings on Hajj; for someone who wants to get married, they must learn the necessary rulings on marriage (Nikah). For a trader it is obligatory to learn the rulings on sale and purchase. For a farmer it is obligatory to learn the rulings on cultivation. For an employee and employer it is essential to learn the rulings on employment.

It is obligatory (Fard-e-‘Ayn) for every sane and adult, male and female Muslim to learn the religious rulings which are related to his/her present