Islamic Online University
Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies
STUDENT NAME: N’MAH SILLAH
STUDENT ID: ST10077451
COURSE NAME/CODE: Da’wa and Du’at 101 (DHD 101)
TOPIC: Discuss the importance of seeking knowledge in Islam specifically focusing on its relation to Da’wa
ATTEMPT COUNT: 1
All Praise Is Due To Allah, Peace Be Upon His Final Messenger, His Household, Companions, And All Those Who Follow His Foot Print Until The Last Day. “And let there arise out of you A band of people Inviting to all that is good, Enjoining what is right (ma’roof),And forbidding what is wrong (munkar);They are the ones To attain felicity.” (Surah Al- Imran: verse104)
Islam as a complete code of life has not left any stone unturned, and the issue of seeking knowledge was no exception, as it is very key in Islam, this is crystal clear in the first verses that were revealed to the prophet Muhammad {pbuh). Allah (swt) says “Recite in the Name of your Lord who created” “created man from a clinging substance” “Recite and your Lord is the Most Generous. “Who taught by the pen” “Taught man that which he know not” (surah Iqraa verses 1-5). The above verses have shown the distinctive features of Islam on its emphasis on the issue of knowledge. This can also be seen in many narrations of the prophet (pbuh) inviting Muslims to seek knowledge and understanding of the deen and to hold men of understanding (scholars) in high esteem. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 74).
Knowledge is the root of Islamic da’wah. The theory of knowledge is the central core of any world view.
Moreover, just as in any field of study before one becomes qualified one have to go through different stages to enable you to do well in the field. Imam ibn Abdul Barr (rahimahullah) said, “Seeking knowledge is in consecutive levels and ranks, it does not befit that they should be bypassed. Whoever bypasses them at once, and then he has bypassed the path of the salaf. Whoever bypasses them intentionally will go astray and whoever bypasses them with sincere effort will fall into error.”
Some importance point base on research, which should be taken into consideration when seeking knowledge in relation to da’wah; are:
Intention: In the seerah of the prophet (pbuh) we learnt that, before revelation his sincere intention for the truth, that will not only benefit him but humanity as a whole. It is narrated on the authority of Amirul Mu’minin, Abu Hafs ‘Umar bin alKhattab, (RA), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, say: “Actions are (judged) by motives (niyyah), so each man will have what he intended…” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim) due to his sincerity, and unrelenting love and devotion to Allah. He finally succeeded in his Call. In this regard as Muslims we should have correct intentions in all our affairs, and acquiring knowledge can be extremely beneficial if done with correct intention.
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Priority: our primary focus should be knowledge of the Quran. This should be the first stage in seeking knowledge; even if we are unable to read it in Arabic, we should try and read the translation at least. The Qur’an is the most blessed book to read; only through it we will know Allah, and the purpose of our existence on earth. Most important of all is the reflection upon the guidance of Allah it contains. As its aim is not only to educate, but also to remind. Abdullah is reported to have said: Keep refreshing your knowledge of the sacred books (or always renew your knowledge of these sacred books) and sometimes he would mention the Qur’an for it is more apt to escape from men’s minds than animals which are hobbled, and the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: None of you should say: I forgot such and such a verse, but he has been made to forget. (Sahih Muslim Book 04, Hadith Number 1725). Indeed the Qur’anic concept of knowledge is originally to sharped humanity and guides them to the straight path, and then the Sunnah and any other beneficial knowledge can be acquired.
Beneficial knowledge: knowledge in general can either be beneficial or non-beneficial, we must be aware of knowledge that does not benefit, as: Narrated By Abu Hurairah (RA): The Prophet (pbuh) said: If anyone acquires knowledge of things by which Allah’s good pleasure is sought, but acquires it only to get some worldly advantage, he will not experience the arf, i.e. the odour, of Paradise.(Sunan Abu Dawood, Book 019, Hadith Number 3652).From among the salaf, Malik ibn Dinar (rahimahullah) said, “Whoever does not find delight in the speech of Allah and instead finds it in the speech of people, then surely his knowledge has taken a plunge, his heart has become blind and his life has become wasted.”
Implementation (practicing what we have learnt): with regards to implementation of our knowledge in our daily lives, this can sometimes be very challenging to many of us, only those with sincere heart who fear Allah that will find this easy. Allah says “Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (To practise it) yourself, And yet ye study the scripture? Will ye not understand? “(Surah Al Baqarah verse 44). The afore mention verse serves as an admonition for us.
Teaching others: knowledge sharing has a huge impact on the individual and the community as a whole., the prophet (pbuh) have praise those who learn Islam and share it to others in many of his sayings, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Allah, His angels and all those in Heavens and on Earth, even ants in their hills and fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct others in beneficial knowledge.” – (Tirmidhi, Hadith 422).In another narration The Prophet also said: “Acquire knowledge and impart it to the people.” – (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith 107). Furthermore the prophet (pbuh) had warned us to be aware of the danger of concealing knowledge from others as, reported by Abu Hurairah (RA): that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Whoever is asked about some knowledge that he knows, then he conceals it, he will be bridled with bridle of fire.”(Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith Number 2649)
In conclusion Allah reminds us in the Qur’an “And who is better in speech than he who calls (men) to Allah (swt) and works righteousness, And says; I am ofthosewho bow in Islam”? (Surah Fussilat: verse33) commenting on this verse:
That he calls all to the truth of Allah ,showing that his thoughts are not centred on himself
Every deed of his is righteous,showing that there is no divergence between his preaching and his conduct
He completely associates himself with the will of Allah, showing that he is the full embodiment of Islam.
Referees:
THE HOLY QUR’AN English translation of the meanings and commentary by the late ustadh ABDULLAH YUSUF ALI
http://www.ilmfruits.com/category/islam/dawah/http://ahadith.co.uk/downloads/Commentary_of_Forty_Hadiths_of_An-Nawawi.pdfSUBHANAKA ALLAHUMA WABIHAMDIKA. ASH-HADU AN LAILAHA ILA ANTA. ASTAKH FIRUKA WANATUBU ILAIKA.
