Question

What is the authenticity of this narration?

“Seek [knowledge] and teach it to people, for I will certainly illuminate the grave of the teacher and the seeker so that they do not feel desolate.”

Answer

This Historical narration is recorded in Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam Ahmad and Jami’u Bayanil ‘Ilmi Wa Fadlihi. Ka’b Al Ahbar relates that Allah revealed to Nabi Musa (‘alayhis salam):

“Seek [knowledge] and teach it to people, for I will certainly illuminate the grave of the teacher and the seeker so that they do not feel desolate.”

(Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam Ahmad, Hadith: 353, Jami’u Bayanil ‘Ilmi Wa Fadlihi, Hadith: 324)

The chain is weak. However, the narration is suitable to quote for the purpose of encouragement to seek knowledge, as is the case with narrations of this nature.

(Refer: Lisanul Mizan, vol. 9, pg. 1115-116, number: 8960)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar