The Importance Of Seeking Knowledge...

Joe Bradford

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Learning is not easy. Many of the Salaf would say “Knowledge cannot be attained through physical comfort.” But learning starts with a question, and any who has questions must understand that hardship will follow but ultimately will find ease and comfort.

Musa endured hardship and fatigue in order to meet Khidr, peace be upon him, and to learn from him. The catalyst for this journey was a question. The Children of Israel asked Musa who was most knowledgeable, triggering his departure to seek out al-Khidr. A question then played a prominent role in the next chapter: Musa asked Khidr to allow him to follow and learn from him.

Imam Al-Qurtubi explained the benefits and advantages in asking questions, deriving them from Moses' journey with Khidr, he mentions that it teaches a valuable lesson: “the scholar's quest to expand his knowledge and meet virtuous individuals, even if they are far away. This was the practice of the pious predecessors. Through such journeys, they gained abundant fortune, achieved success, made progress in various fields of knowledge, and earned commendations, rewards, and virtues.”

Al-Zajjaj emphasized the importance of Moses' actions, “...as a prophet, in seeking knowledge and traveling for that purpose. It signifies that no one should ever cease their pursuit of knowledge, even if they believe they have attained its pinnacle.”

Al-Imām al-Shāfi'i said:

اصْبِرْ عَلَى مُرِّ الْجَفَا مِنْ مُعَلِّمٍ

فَإِنَّ رُسُوبَ الْعِلْمِ فِي نَفَرَاتِهِ

وَمَنْ لَمْ يَذُقْ مُرَّ التَّعَلُّمِ سَاعَةً

تَجَرَّعَ ذُلَّ الْجَهْلِ طُولَ حَيَاتِهِ

وَمَنْ فَاتَهُ التَّعْلِيمُ وَقْتَ شَبَابِهِ

فَكَبِّرْ عَلَيْهِ أَرْبَعًا لِوَفَاتِهِ

وَذَاتُ الْفَتَى وَاللهِ بِالْعِلْمِ وَالتُّقَى

إِذَا لَمْ يَكُونَا لَا اعْتِبَارَ لِذَاتِهِ

Endure the sharp sting from a mentor sage,

For within his reproof, wisdom is the age.

Who has not sipped from learning's bitter cup,

Feeds on ignorance's disgrace, his life's ill makeup.

If in his youth, knowledge eludes his grasp,

Mourn his loss with four takbīrāt in clasp.

By God, a man's value rests in wisdom and grace,

Absent these virtues, his worth finds no trace.

Comment by Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص on June 15, 2023 at 12:20am: Kofi Bilal Mahmud Eid AlFitr 1443 A.H.

http://oppressedpeoplesonlineword.ning.com/profiles/blogs/6273430:B...

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