Hazrat Ibn Masud (R.A.A.) reported that the Messenger of Allah said: Acquire knowledge and teach it to the people. Learn the compulsory doctrines and teach them to the people; learn the Quran and teach it to the people. (Dari Qutni, Darimi)
The first step of Iman
We know that knowledge is the first step of Iman. It is obvious that without pure and genuine knowledge of Islam a man cannot be a real and perfect Muslim. A man becomes Muslim through knowledge not through birth. Moreover, if a person does not know the fundamental and necessary teachings of the Prophet (pubh) how he has faith in him, and how can act according to what he taught? In addition, if he does not have faith in him knowingly and cautiously how will he be a true Muslim? Allah declared in the Holy Quran: Read in the name of your Lord who has created. (Al-Alaq: 01) Our Prophet (pubh) has said: The seeking of knowledge is must for every Muslim man and woman.
The importance of knowledge
Islam is the name of knowledge and practical application of that knowledge in our everyday life. A Muslim cannot become a true Muslim if he does not know compulsory doctrines of religion and about his Creator and the teachings of Allah and His Prophet. Thus it is clear that a person will not be able to follow his religion correctly if he does not understand and possess knowledge about it.
The largest encyclopedia of information
The glorious Quran is a complete encyclopedia of knowledge and we are told to follow its teachings in our live and act upon them. There is no doubt that al Quran is the largest encyclopedia of information. We must study it to know the information with the purpose of acting in every accordance with its teachings and mould our live accordingly. We must receive guidance only from the Quran as explained and acted upon by the Prophet (pubh).
Md. Moshiur Rahman