In Islam, the pursuit of knowledge is one of the most honored and spiritually rewarding endeavors. It is through knowledge that we come to understand our purpose, recognize our Creator, and live our lives in accordance with divine guidance. The Qur’an and Sunnah consistently emphasize that learning is not merely an intellectual exercise but a sacred act of worship when done sincerely for the sake of Allah ﷻ.
The early Muslim scholars and generations of the righteous considered the path of knowledge to be a form of worship and striving (jihad), because it purifies the heart, shapes the soul, and equips a believer to worship Allah properly. It is no surprise, then, that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave immense glad tidings to those who take even a single step on the road to learning.
Hadith on Pursuit of knowledge
‟مَن سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَلْتَمِسُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا، سَهَّلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ طَرِيقًا إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ”
(Sahih Muslim 2699)
Transliteration: Man salaka ṭarīqan yaltamisu fīhi ʿilman, sahhala Allāhu lahu ṭarīqan ilā al-jannah.
Translation: “Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah ﷻ will make easy for him a path to Paradise.”
📘 Source: Sahih Muslim 2699 – Sunnah.com
Context of the Hadith
This hadith was narrated by Abu Hurayrah (RA) and recorded in Sahih Muslim, one of the two most authentic books of hadith. It is part of a longer narration that encourages Muslims to engage in religious knowledge and attend circles of remembrance.
“Whoever follows a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make a path to Paradise easy for him.”
(Sahih Muslim, 2699)
This ḥadīth, reported by Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه, is among the most celebrated statements of the Prophet ﷺ on the virtue of seeking knowledge. Below is a breakdown of the phrase with insights from classical scholars and practical lessons.
1. “Whoever follows a path…”
Meaning:
The phrase “follows a path” (سلك طريقًا) includes both literal and figurative journeys.
According to Imam al-Nawawī, this includes physical travel to seek knowledge, such as traveling to a scholar or attending a class. However, scholars like Ibn Rajab explain that it also covers non-physical efforts: studying at home, reading, reflecting, memorizing, or even seeking knowledge online or through books.
The effort and intention in seeking knowledge are what count. Whether the path is through walking, reading, or thinking, it is honored.
2. “…in search of knowledge…”
Meaning:
- The ḥadīth refers specifically to ʿilm nāfiʿ (beneficial knowledge)—that which brings a person closer to Allah ﷻ.
- This primarily refers to Islamic sciences, such as:
- Tafsīr (exegesis of the Qur’an)
- Ḥadīth
- Fiqh (jurisprudence)
- ʿAqīdah (creed)
- Arabic, as a tool to understand the Qur’an and Sunnah.
- Imam al-Nawawī mentions in his commentary on Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: “This includes both religious knowledge and any knowledge pursued for the sake of Allah’s pleasure, such as medicine or mathematics when intended for service to the Ummah.”
The intention behind knowledge defines its spiritual reward. Secular knowledge can also be rewarded if the goal is noble—like helping others or strengthening the Ummah.
3. “…Allah will make the path to Paradise easy for him.”
Meaning:
- This is a divine promise that Allah will facilitate a person’s journey to Jannah (Paradise).
- “Yassara” (make easy) implies:
- Ease in understanding and living Islam.
- Opportunities to act righteously based on that knowledge.
- Removal of barriers to guidance and piety.
- Divine reward for the act of seeking knowledge itself.
Ibn Rajab al-Ḥanbalī رحمه الله said: “The ease toward Paradise includes knowledge that helps one distinguish between truth and falsehood, inspires action, and nurtures sincerity.”
This facilitation may be in this world (guidance, good deeds, clarity) and in the Hereafter (actual entrance into Paradise).
Seeking knowledge is not just informational—it is transformational. It opens the door to understanding, action, and ultimately salvation.
Lessons and Applications:
- Start with intention: Sincere niyyah transforms even casual reading or listening into a sacred act.
- Don’t underestimate small efforts: Even watching a beneficial lecture or reading a short article can be part of “sulūk ṭarīq.”
- Prioritize religious knowledge, but also align your worldly learning with serving a higher purpose.
- Encourage others—children, family, and friends—to become seekers of knowledge.
- Regularly reflect: Am I learning something that brings me closer to Allah and helps me live more righteously?
The Virtue and Reward of Seeking Knowledge in Islam
1. Knowledge as a Path to Jannah (Paradise)
As already mentioned:
“Whoever follows a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make the path to Paradise easy for him.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 2699)
This is not just a metaphorical promise. The scholars explain that knowledge leads to guidance, and guidance leads to righteous action, and righteous action leads to Jannah.
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله writes in Miftāḥ Dār al-Saʿādah: “There is no path to Allah more noble or more secure than knowledge.”
2. The Angels Honor the Student of Knowledge
“The angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge, being pleased with what he does.”
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd, 3641; authenticated by al-Albānī)
Reflection:
- This signifies honor and protection. Just as angels lower their wings in submission before divine command, they honor the seeker due to his sacred mission.
- It shows that the seeker is under divine care, even if they are not yet a scholar.
3. The Scholars Are the Heirs of the Prophets
“The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. The Prophets did not leave behind dinars or dirhams, but rather they left behind knowledge. So whoever takes it has taken a great share.”
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd, 3641)
In Islam, prophethood ends, but knowledge continues as its legacy. Imam al-Shāfiʿī رحمه الله said: “Seeking knowledge is better than supererogatory acts of worship.”
4. Seeking Knowledge is a Lifelong Obligation
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”
(Sunan Ibn Mājah, 224; considered ḥasan by al-Albānī)
The term “knowledge” here is interpreted by the scholars (like Al-Suyūṭī and Ibn ʿAbd al-Barr) to mean: Every Muslim must know what is required in their situation: prayer, purity, trade ethics, etc. Beyond that, some must specialize, which becomes fard kifāyah (communal obligation).
5. One’s Rank is Elevated by Knowledge
“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees.”
(Surah al-Mujādilah, 58:11)
The Qur’an itself connects faith and knowledge as twin sources of elevation. Scholars like Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī noted that this verse proves knowledge gives one status in both worlds.
6. Knowledge is Better Than Wealth
Ibn Masʿūd رضي الله عنه said:
“Knowledge is better than wealth: knowledge protects you, but you protect wealth. Knowledge increases with sharing; wealth decreases when shared.”
(Ibn ʿAbd al-Barr, Jāmiʿ Bayān al-ʿIlm, 1/91)
Wealth is perishable and worldly. Knowledge guides the soul, supports others, and its reward continues even after death.
7. The Dead Receive the Reward of Knowledge
Teaching others, writing, mentoring, or even helping someone understand Islam continues to benefit long after your passing.
8. Seeking Knowledge as a Form of Jihād
Imam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله writes:
“The ink of the scholars is more sacred than the blood of the martyrs,”
– a famous statement attributed to early scholars such as al-Ḥasan al-Baṣrī (though not a ḥadīth).
This emphasizes that intellectual defense of Islam and moral guidance is critical to preserving the Ummah.
Practical Lessons for the Seeker:
- Set a sincere intention — Seek knowledge to draw closer to Allah, not for fame or argument.
- Begin with the essentials — Learn what is obligatory upon you: purification, prayer, halal/haram.
- Be consistent — A little daily study with reflection is better than sporadic bursts.
- Choose righteous teachers — Follow those rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, connected to traditional scholarship.
- Teach what you learn — Even if you only know one verse, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Convey from me even if it is only one verse.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 3461)
Supporting Qur’anic Concepts
Surah al-Mujādilah (58:11):
﴾يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ﴿
(Surah al-Mujādilah, 58:11)
“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.”
🔗 Quran.com/58/11
This verse confirms that knowledge elevates one’s status in this life and the Hereafter.
Hadith On Seeking Knowledge as a Form of Jihad
The Prophet ﷺ said:
‟مَن خَرَجَ في طَلَبِ العِلْمِ، فَهُوَ في سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ حتَّى يَرجِعَ”
“Whoever sets out in search of knowledge is in the path of Allah until he returns.”
📘 Sunan al-Tirmidhi (2649) – Hasan
🔗 Sunnah.com/tirmidhi:2649
This means seeking beneficial knowledge is a spiritual jihad, a struggle that earns immense reward.
Why is the Path to Paradise Made Easy for the Seeker of Knowledge?
1. They learn what pleases Allah ﷻ and avoid what displeases Him.
One of the most profound objectives of seeking knowledge in Islam is to recognize what pleases the Creator and steer clear of what incurs His displeasure. This type of knowledge is known as ʿilm an-nāfiʿ—beneficial knowledge. It includes understanding what is ḥalāl (permissible) and ḥarām (forbidden), what actions earn reward and which bring punishment, and how to live according to divine guidance rather than personal desire or societal trends.
By gaining this knowledge, a Muslim aligns their actions with the commands of Allah ﷻ and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, thereby living a life that is pleasing to Allah. This is the essence of taqwā (God-consciousness).
2. They help others by teaching and spreading the truth.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“بَلِّغُوا عَنِّي وَلَوْ آيَةً”
“Convey from me, even if it is one verse.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, 3461
Knowledge is a trust (amānah) that carries with it the responsibility to share and teach. A sincere student of knowledge becomes a means of guidance for others. Teaching what is right, clarifying what is misunderstood, and defending the truth are all noble deeds that reflect the prophetic mission.
Helping others through knowledge—whether it is Qur’anic guidance, academic expertise, or moral insight—is one of the most rewarded forms of charity (ṣadaqah jāriyah), whose benefits continue even after death.
3. They purify their own hearts, actions, and beliefs.
Knowledge, when paired with sincerity, acts as a mirror to the soul. It allows a person to reflect inwardly, identify personal faults, and seek spiritual growth. True knowledge teaches the difference between pride and humility, sincerity and showing off, truth and falsehood.
Allah ﷻ says:
﴿إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْعُلَمَٰٓءُ﴾
“Only those fear Allah, from among His servants, who have knowledge.”
— Surah Fāṭir (35:28)
Quran.com/35/28
This verse highlights that knowledge isn’t just informational—it’s transformational. It leads to khushūʿ (awe) of Allah, encouraging inner purification and turning the heart toward submission.
4. They apply knowledge, which leads to righteous actions.
Knowledge without application is like a tree that bears no fruit. Islam repeatedly emphasizes that ʿilm (knowledge) must be accompanied by ʿamal (action). The Prophet ﷺ would often seek refuge from knowledge that does not benefit:
“اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ…”
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit…”
— Sahih Muslim, 2722
Sunnah.com/muslim:2722
When a person applies what they learn, their deeds become a testimony of sincerity. Practicing what one knows is also a safeguard from hypocrisy, and a step closer to the pleasure and reward of Allah ﷻ.
5. They develop humility and sincerity, both essential for salvation.
Knowledge in Islam is not a path to arrogance, but one to humility. The more a believer learns about Allah’s greatness, the more they realize their own dependence and smallness before Him. True knowledge makes one gentle, patient, and sincere, seeking reward only from Allah and never from worldly recognition.
As Imam ash-Shāfiʿī (رحمه الله) said:
“Knowledge is not what is memorized, but what benefits.”
Sincerity (ikhlāṣ) in seeking and applying knowledge is essential. Without it, even the most eloquent scholar may fall short in the eyes of Allah. But with humility and sincerity, even a simple act of learning can become a source of barakah (blessing) and salvation in the Hereafter.
A Sacred Journey
The hadith is not simply about study—it’s about a life dedicated to growth, sincerity, and truth.
Whether you are memorizing Qur’an, learning Arabic, studying Islamic law, or even understanding the meanings of Allah’s names—know that your path is sacred, and every sincere step is rewarded.
May Allah ﷻ make us among those who walk the path of knowledge with sincerity, and grant us Paradise through our striving. Āmīn.