What Kind of Knowledge Does the Quran Want Us to Seek?
The Quran asks us to pursue knowledge that is beneficial for us and for others, that leads us to the recognition and worship of Allah, and that helps us to guard ourselves from evil and ignorance. Some of the types of knowledge that the Quran encourages us to seek are:
- Knowledge of Allah’s existence, attributes, and oneness (tawheed). This is the most fundamental and essential knowledge that every Muslim should have. It is based on both textual revelation (ayat al-quraniyah) and intellectual revelation (ayat al-kawniyah). The Quran says: There is no god but He: That is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise [Quran, 3:18] 2.
- Knowledge of Allah’s signs in the creation (ayat al-kawniyah). This is the knowledge that we acquire through observing, analyzing, and studying the natural phenomena and the laws that govern them. It is a way of appreciating Allah’s power, wisdom, and mercy. The Quran says: And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge [Quran, 30:22].
- Knowledge of Allah’s guidance and legislation (shariah). This is the knowledge that we obtain from the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which teach us how to worship Allah, how to behave morally, and how to deal with various issues in life. It is a way of obeying Allah’s commands, following His messenger, and seeking His pleasure. The Quran says: And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed [Quran, 5:48].
- Knowledge of ourselves and our purpose in life. This is the knowledge that helps us to understand our origin, our nature, our potential, our responsibilities, and our destiny. It is a way of knowing our role in this world and our relationship with Allah. The Quran says: And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me [Quran, 51:56] .
These are some examples of the kind of knowledge that the Quran asks us to pursue. There are many other types of beneficial knowledge that we can learn from various sources, as long as they do not contradict or undermine the above-mentioned types of knowledge. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim” [Part of a sahih hadith reported by Ibn Majah and others] . He also said: “You must seek knowledge from birth till death” [Part of a sahih hadith reported by Al-Bayhaqi] . Therefore, we should always strive to learn more about Allah, His creation, His guidance, and ourselves. May Allah grant us beneficial knowledge and make us among those who act upon it. Ameen.