In a similar manner, there are many hadith of the final Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم which mention the virtues of knowledge, and the excellence of the scholars. Let us listen to 5 sayings of the final Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم in this regard:

1.   Sayyiduna Mu’aaz bin Jabal رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ narrates that the final Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said: “Gain knowledge, for gaining it is to gain fear of Allah Almighty, seeking it is worship, teaching it is Tasbeeh, discussing it is Jihad, teaching knowledge to someone who has no knowledge is Sadaqa, and transmitting it to those who are worthy of it is to gain closeness to Allah Almighty. It relieves sadness in loneliness, it is a companion in solitude, a guide in joy and grief, adornment amongst friends, a means of familiarity amongst strangers, and a minaret to the path of Jannah.

Through this (knowledge), Allah grants nations greatness, and makes them such guides and leaders in acts of goodness that they are then followed by others. Guidance is sought from them in every matter of goodness. Their footsteps are followed, their deeds and actions are followed, their opinion is taken as the final decision, angels desire to be their friends and touch them with their wings; every dry and wet thing, even the fish in the ocean, insects, predators on land, animals, the skies and the stars desire for them to be forgiven.

This is because knowledge is the life of blind hearts, the light of dark eyes, and the strength of weak bodies. By means of it, a person attains the rank of the righteous and reaches a high status. Contemplating knowledge is equal to fasting, and teaching it is equal to standing at night. It is only through knowledge that one can worship Allah Almighty and obey Him.

Only through this can one attain understanding of Tawheed, chastity and piety. Through this, ties of kinship are maintained. Knowledge is an Imam, and action is its follower. Knowledge is placed into the hearts of the fortunate, and the wretched are deprived of it.”^[1]

2.   “Whosoever travels upon a path in search of knowledge, Allah makes the path to Jannah easy for him.”^[2]