The Importance of Knowledge in Islam

    Islam encourages learning.  Allah stated in the Holy Qur'an, "Are those who know and those who don't know equal?  Not equal are they."  Allah's last Prophet to the world, Muhammad, may he be blessed, declared, "Seeking knowledge is a duty on every Muslim male and Muslim female."  He also said, "Seek knowledge even if you have to go to China."

    Perhaps the most comprehensive reason for the pursuit of seeking knowledge comes from this saying of the Blessed Prophet: 

     "Gain knowledge.  It allows its possessor to distinguish between right and wrong; it lights the way to Paradise; it is our friend in the wilderness, our society in solitude, our compassion when friendless; it guides us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is an ornament among friends and a shield against enemies."

    He also said, "A scholar is the heir of the Prophets.  The heritage of the Prophets is not money, but knowledge of which a scholar is the heir.  So whoever acquires knowledge gains true Eman (faith)."  (Ahmad) 

   Therefore, to be educated as much as possible is a required duty on every Muslim throughout their lives.