Why knowledge comes first
Why the Prophet ﷺ made seeking knowledge the first act of a Muslim.
About 25 minutes of listening
Book 1: The Book of Knowledge
Imam al-Ghazali · Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din
The first book of the Ihya examines the nature and purpose of knowledge, distinguishing beneficial from harmful knowledge, and establishing the foundations of Islamic learning and scholarship.
Open this book →
From The Book of Knowledge.
-
"And he صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "A chapter of knowledge which a man learns is better for him than the world and what is in it. He صلى الله عليه وسلم urged: "Seek knowledge." The Virtue of Teaching The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim. He also mentioned, "Knowledge is treasures, its keys are questions."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 1: The Book of Knowledge
-
"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The Book of Knowledge Containing Seven Chapters: Chapter One: On the Virtue of Knowledge, Teaching, and Learning Chapter Two: On the Obligation of Individual Duty and Collective Duty in Sciences, and the Definition of Jurisprudence and Theology in the Science of Religion, as well as the Distinction between the Knowledge of the Hereafter and the Knowledge of the World Chapter Three: On What the General Public Considers Religious Knowledge but Is Not, and Clarification of the Nature and Extent of Blameworthy Knowledge"
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 1: The Book of Knowledge · playable in the free preview
-
"When asked why, the man explained that he had a dream where a voice questioned his neglect of knowledge, saying, "May Allah neglect you. He responded that he memorized knowledge, but the voice replied, "Preserving knowledge is acting upon it. This led him to focus on action rather than just seeking more knowledge. Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, emphasized that true knowledge is not about the abundance of narration but about the fear of Allah."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 1: The Book of Knowledge