Question

Is it true that seeking knowledge is better than worship?

 

Answer

Yes.

This is supported by many proofs, among them are the following:

1. Sayyiduna Hudhayfah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Excess knowledge is more virtuous than excess worship (‘ibadah)”

(Al-Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 396 and Musnad Bazzar, Hadith: 2969)

‘Allamah Mundhiri and ‘Allamah Dimyati (rahimahumallah) have declared the chain as sound (hasan)

(Targhib, vol. 1, pg. 93 and Al-Matjarur Rabih, Hadith: 2)

2. Sayyiduna Abu Dharr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“O Abu Dharr! For you to set out and acquire/learn one verse of the Quran is better than offering one hundred rak’ats of (nafl) salah, and for you to acquire one chapter of knowledge is better than offering a thousand rak’ats.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 219)

‘Allamah Mundhiri and ‘Allamah Dimyati (rahimahumallah) have graded this chain as sound (hasan)

(Targhib, vol. 1, pg. 98, and Al-Matjarur Rabih, Hadith: 24)

3. Hafiz Ibn Rajab Hambali (rahimahullah) writes:

“The four imams (of Fiqh) have stated that seeking knowledge is more virtuous than voluntary (nafl) salah.”

(Lataiful Ma’arif, pg. 130; see Ma’alim Irshadiyyah of Shaykh ‘Awwamah, pg. 36)

Note: The above refers to the virtue of knowledge over the voluntary (nafl) salats. It should therefore not be misused to justify lagging in obligatory salah…

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar