Knowledge holds a great place and importance In Islam, as it Is the foundation upon which Islamic society is built and upheld. Given this importance and these benefits, Allah has commanded the pursuit of knowledge. The first Quranic verse revealed by Jibreel (Gabriel) was: **”اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ”** (1) — “Read in the name of your Lord who created.” Allah also says: **”قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ”** (2) — “Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’”
The noble Prophetic hadith also elevates the status and importance of knowledge. The Prophet ﷺ said, **“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim, male and female.”** He also said, **“Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave,”** and, **“Seek knowledge even if it Is in China,”** emphasizing the distance and hardship that may be endured in seeking knowledge. Additionally, after the Battle of Badr, the Prophet ﷺ ordered that each prisoner from Quraysh teach ten Muslims how to read and write in exchange for their freedom.
The Quranic verses and Prophetic hadith indicate that the pursuit of knowledge is a duty upon every individual in the Islamic community, male or female. Islamic knowledge, both its essence and its law, Is the foundation of Islam, with the Quran as the primary source. The Quran Is divine knowledge encompassing the entire universe. Therefore, every Muslim must seek knowledge and understanding to grasp the teachings of the Quran, which is the constitution and primary guide of Islam. Knowledge is divided into two types:
**External Knowledge:** This includes all religious sciences that can be studied in books, as well as material sciences such as medicine, mathematics, natural sciences, sociology, psychology, and space sciences.
**Knowledge of the Tariqa:** This is knowledge that cannot be gained or studied in books but rather through companionship with knowledgeable shaykhs and following their guidance.
As the Kasnazani tariqa Is an extension of the message of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and a revival of the Islamic spirit, it instructs Its followers to attend gatherings of knowledge and encourages striving for knowledge and understanding, aiming to comprehend the principles of Islam and absorb the teachings of the tariqa.
Allah addresses the human mind in the Quran, drawing attention to intricate cosmic secrets that a Muslim cannot fully comprehend without the weapon of knowledge. Allah praises certain people, saying: **”وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَذَا بَاطِلًا”** (3) — “And they reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], ‘Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly.’”
Allah criticizes others, saying: **”إِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا كَالْأَنْعَامِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ سَبِيلًا”** (4) — “They are like cattle; rather, they are even more astray.”
If a Muslim observes the solar system with Its planets, orbits, and rotation within an intricate system without flaw, delay, or advance, they realize this Is the work of a powerful, wise Creator who embedded His wisdom in His creations and provided signs of His existence and greatness. This coordination is not mere coincidence or the work of a blind nature, as claimed by some naturalists and materialists: **”سَنُرِيهِمْ آيَاتِنَا فِي الْآفَاقِ وَفِي أَنفُسِهِمْ”** (5) — “We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves.”
This reality can only be grasped by those with knowledge, insight, and experience. Allah’s knowledge has existed since eternity, and He reveals it through those He chooses. The discoveries made by scientists are merely things that have alwayss been within Allah’s knowledge. Scholars are merely means for assembling — not creating — and revealing these discoveries to people when Allah wills, for the benefit of humanity. Knowledge is the believer’s weapon, created by Allah from nothing for His servants, who are invited to pursue it.
Likewise, the people of the tariqa have emphasized the necessity of knowledge from the outset. Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Kilani (may Allah sanctify his soul) said, **“Seek knowledge, for there is goodness In it. Learn and practice so that you may benefit from It. Knowledge is like a sword, and action is like the hand. A sword without a hand does not cut, and a hand without a sword does not cut.”** (6)
References:
1 – Al-‘Alaq: 1.
2 – Az-Zumar: 9.
3 – Al-Imran: 191.
4 – Al-Furqan: 44.
5 – Fussilat: 53.
6 – *Jala’ al-Khatir min Kalam al-Shaykh Abdul Qadir*, by Shaykh Muhammad al-Kasnazan.
**Source:** Shaykh Muhammad al-Kasnazan, *Al-Tariqah al-‘Aliyyah al-Qadiriyyah al-Kasnazaniyyah*, p. 115.
