i.e ‘The seeking of knowledge is Fard upon every Muslim male (and female).’^[1] I will briefly try to explain what the Imam of Ahl Al-Sunnah, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه has mentioned in the commentary of this Hadith:

“The first and foremost Fard is to acquire knowledge of fundamental beliefs, by means of which one becomes a Sunni with correct beliefs. Rejecting or opposing these fundamental beliefs leads to a person becoming a disbeliever, or misguided. After this, he should learn the rulings of Salah, i.e. its Faraaid, its conditions, and the things that invalidate it, so that he can offer it in a proper manner. When the month of Ramadan arrives, he should learn the rulings relating to fasting. If he becomes the owner of Nisaab-e-Naami (if he becomes the owner of enough wealth upon which Zakat becomes Fard, or if he falls under the ruling of being eligible for giving it), he should then learn the rulings of Zakat. If he becomes capable of performing Hajj, he should learn the rulings of Hajj. If he wishes to perform Nikah, he should learn its necessary rulings. If he is a trader, he should learn the rulings of buying and selling. If he is a farmer, then he must learn the rulings of farming, and the employer and employee should learn the rulings of employment.

And so on and so forth, it is a personal obligation (Fard ‘Ayn) upon every sane and mature Muslim man and woman to learn rulings in accordance to their current circumstances. Likewise, it is Fard for every person to learn the rulings of Halal and Haram too. Also, it is from among the important obligations of a Muslim to learn issues pertaining to the heart. These are obligations of the heart (internal obligations); for example, humility, sincerity, trust in Allah, and the ways to attain these qualities. They must also learn about internal sins, such as pride, ostentation, envy, etc., and the ways of treating them.”^[2]

Dear Islamic brothers! Thus, we come to know from these Shar’i rulings that seeking knowledge is not only the responsibility of a few individuals. It is Fard upon every Muslim to seek knowledge in accordance with their current situation, but unfortunately, the Muslims of today have become so caught up in chasing the needs, comforts and luxuries of this life that they have no time