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The Importance of learning the Deen

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“If Allah wants to favor someone, He grants him comprehension (understanding) of this religion.”
[Sahih Bukhari vol.1 # 71, Tirmidhi and Musnad Ahmad]

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The example of guidance and knowledge with which, Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil, absorbed rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. (And) another portion of it was hard and held the rainwater and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the land for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren which, could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits). The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah’s religion and gets benefit (from the knowledge), which Allah has revealed through me (the Prophet) and learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah’s guidance revealed through me (He is like that barren land.)” [Sahih Al-Bukhari v.1 no.79. Narrated by Abu Musa]

“It is only those who have knowledge amongst His slaves that fear Allah.” [Soorah Al-Fatir (35): 28]

“Seek knowledge, because seeking it for the sake of Allah is a worship. And knowing it makes you more God-fearing; and searching for it is jihad, teaching it to those who do not know is charity, reviewing and learning it more is like tasbeeh. Through knowledge Allah will be known and worshipped. With the knowledge Allah will elevate people and make them leaders and imams, who will in turn guide other people.”[Fatawa Ibn Taymiyya vol.10, p.39]

“Whoever treads on a path in search of Islamic knowledge, Allah will ease the way to Paradise for him. The angels will lower their wings, pleased with this seeker of knowledge, and everyone in the heavens and on earth will ask forgiveness for the knowledgeable person, even the fish in the deepest of waters will ask for his forgiveness” [Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi # 2835-sahih hadith]

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“He whom death overtakes while he is engaged in acquiring knowledge with a view to reviving Islam with the help of it, there will be one degree between him and the Prophets in Paradise .” [Al-Tirmidhi Hadith no. 249. Narrated by Al-Hasan al-Basri]

It is also authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “If Allah wills to do good to a person, He makes them comprehend Din ‘religion’.” (Agreed upon by Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

This important Hadith shows us the excellence of comprehending Din.

Comprehending religion includes understanding the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and Islam. Islam covers the basics of Shari`ah, Allah’s Ordainment’s, His Prohibitions, a servant’s duty towards Allah and other servants and Allah’s fear, glorification, and watchfulness. In fact, the first step towards attaining knowledge is fearing Allah (Exalted be He), honoring His Sanctities, and watching Him in all deeds.

Whoever does not fear or be aware of Allah (Exalted be He) in their deeds, all their knowledge will be worthless. However, true beneficial knowledge and understanding of Din that leads to happiness is that which instills Allah’s Awe in a Muslim’s heart, directs them to honor Allah’s Sanctities, pushes them to obey Allah’s Orders and abstain from His Prohibitions, and urges them to call to Allah (Exalted be He) and to clarify Shari`ah to people. So, anyone who is granted comprehension in religion in this way, Allah (Exalted be He) has indeed wanted to do them good.

On the other hand, anyone deprived of these blessings will be among the ignorant, misguided and negligent who renounce attaining the knowledge that Allah (Exalted be He) has made obligatory. They will be among those whom Allah (Exalted be He) has not wanted to do good to them. Further, Allah (Exalted be He) talks about Kafirs (disbelievers) who turn away from the purpose of their creation, to teach us that it is our duty, as Muslims, to haste to comprehend religion and ask about any unclear matter.

Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

“But those who disbelieve turn away from that whereof they are warned.” [Surah Al-Ahqaf, 46: 3]

Allah (Glorified be He) also says:

“And who does more wrong than he who is reminded of the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord, but turns away from them, forgetting what (deeds) his hands have sent forth.”  [Surah Al-Kahf, 18: 57]

Consequently, it is the duty of a Muslim to seek for attaining knowledge in religion, to attend to, reflect on, and benefit from the Qur’an and pay great attention to, study, apply, and memorize the Sunnah as much as possible. When a person neglects these two basics, it is an indication that Allah (Exalted be He) did not will good for him. They are doomed since their heart is corrupt and deviating from the path to guidance. We ask Allah to protect and keep us away from whatever displeases Him!

Dear Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to learn our religion and know its rulings and to attend to, meditate, reflect on, recite, and apply the Qur’an. In addition, we should give great care to, memorize, apply and study the Sunnah along with asking about ambiguous matters. Muslims should ask those who have more knowledge to find out the correct answer.

Allah (Glorified be He) says: “So ask the people of the Scripture, if you do not know.” [Surah Al-Nahl, 16: 43]

Moreover, a Muslim can attend knowledge lessons and benefit from them and study with other knowledgeable Muslims to benefit from them and add to himself. In this way, a Muslim can attain comprehension of religion and avoid the characteristics of the negligent and heedless.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If Allah wills to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the Din.” [1]

[1] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on knowledge, no. 71; Muslim, Sahih, Book on rulership, no. 1037; Ibn Majah, Sunan, Introduction, no. 221; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 4, p. 93; Malik, Al-Muwatta*, Book on miscellaneous matters, no. 1667; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Introduction, no. 226.’

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