SEEKING KNOWLEDGE:  You are never too old to learn … change your mindset 

SEEKING KNOWLEDGE:  You are never too old to learn

… change your mindset

Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria

You are never too old to learn something new, just as you are never too young to teach something true. When it comes to learning, time is merely a spectator, not a participant. Knowledge blooms perennially, even in the autumn of life.

Learning is life’s perennial river, flowing beyond the boundaries of age.

Knowledge is a key to success. Seeking knowledge is better than any value in the world.

Knowledge is the base of our lives, and religious knowledge is pleasant, appropriate, and gives pleasure to us because we came to know about our Lord.

ISLAM AND SEEKING KNOWLEDGE

Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran:

“And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (Quran 20:114) It protects us from many difficulties. It has many benefits in this world and also in the hereafter.

Islam is a religion of knowledge. Knowledge is a highly valued and emphasized practice. It is considered a religious obligation for every Muslim, regardless of gender, age, or social status.

The pursuit of knowledge is seen as a means to get closer to God (Allah), improve oneself, and contribute positively to society.

Islam has made seeking knowledge necessary for all Muslims and has believed that not doing so is considered as a sin.

The very first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the command to “Read” (Iqra), emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge, according to Islamic Relief Worldwide.

The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) frequently encourage Muslims to seek knowledge and understand religious principles.

Knowledge is considered a gift from Allah and a means to understand His creation and purpose.

While encouraging the pursuit of knowledge, Islam also emphasizes the importance of humility and intellectual honesty.

Recognizing that Allah is the ultimate source of all knowledge is crucial.

Muslims are encouraged to be open-minded, seek knowledge from various sources, and avoid blind faith.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said about it in these words: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (At-Tirmidhi)

This obligation is not limited to certain sex or class but it is also important and obligatory for women as for men, young and old, rich and poor. Whoever seeks knowledge and help other people to learn will get astonishing rewards from Allah Almighty. Allah (SWT) will grant him/her high ranks in this world and the Hereafter.

Allah Almighty says in Noble Quran: “Allah raises of those who believe and those who have been given knowledge many levels.”(Quran 58:11).

Recognizing that Allah is the ultimate source of all knowledge is crucial.

Muslims are encouraged to be open-minded, seek knowledge from various sources, and avoid blind faith.

While encouraging the pursuit of knowledge, Islam also emphasizes the importance of humility and intellectual honesty.

Teaching others is one of the good deeds from which we will earn great rewards even after death. Whoever leaves behind beneficial knowledge will get rewards as long as people are still getting benefits from his knowledge.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “When a man dies all his deeds come to an end except for three: an ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who prays for him.” (Al-Bukhari).