The Book of Knowledge

Riyad as-Salihin · Chapter 241

Virtues of Knowledge which is Learnt and Taught for the sake of Allah

باب فضل العلم تعلما وتعليما لله

This chapter opens the Book of Knowledge and sets out why sacred knowledge ('ilm of the Deen) holds such a high station. The thread running through it is that knowledge is not collected to be hoarded but to be lived and passed on. Notice how often learning and teaching are mentioned together, and how the reward keeps multiplying: the one who guides another shares in their reward, the one who leaves beneficial knowledge keeps earning after death.

Watch for two warnings folded in among the praise. Knowledge sought for show or worldly gain, or hidden when people need it, turns into a burden rather than a light. The chapter holds up the scholar as an heir of the Prophets, while making clear that the inheritance is only real when it is honest, sincere, and shared.

Hadith 1376

Mu'awiyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن معاوية رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏ "‏من يرد الله به خيرًا يفقه في الدين‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏

The Messenger of Allah said, "When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him the understanding of Deen." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

A sign that Allah wants good for a person is that He grants them real understanding of the religion. Seeking to understand your faith is itself a gift to be grateful for.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1376 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 1

Hadith 1377

Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏ "‏لا حسد إلا في اثنتين‏:‏ رجل آتاه الله مالا فسلطه على هلكته في الحق، ورجل آتاه الله الحكمة فهو يقضي بها ويعلمها‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Envy is permitted only in two cases: A man whom Allah gives wealth, and he disposes of it rightfully, and a man to whom Allah gives knowledge which he applies and teaches it." [Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

There are two kinds of blessing worth wishing you had: wealth spent in the right way, and knowledge that a person lives by and passes on to others. The point is to value what is used for good.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1377 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 2

Hadith 1378

Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي موسى رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏ "‏مثل ما بعثني الله به من الهدى والعلم كمثل غيث أصاب أرضًا، فكانت منها طائفة طيبة قبلت الماء فأنبتت الكلأ، والعشب الكثير وكان منها أجادب أمسكت الماء، فنفع الله بها الناس، فشربوا منها وسقوا وزرعوا، وأصاب طائفة منها أخرى إنما هي قيعان لا تمسك ماء ولا تنبت كلأ فذلك مثل من فقه في دين الله ونفعه ما بعثني الله به وعلم، ومثل من لم يرفع بذلك رأسًا ولم يقبل هدى الله الذي أرسلت به‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me are like abundant rain which fell on a land. A fertile part of it absorbed the water and brought forth profuse herbage and pasture; and solid ground patches which retained the water by which Allah has benefited people, who drank from it, irrigated their crops and sowed their seeds; and another sandy plane which could neither retain the water nor produce herbage. Such is the similitude of the person who becomes well-versed in the religion of Allah and receives benefit from the Message entrusted to me by Allah, so he himself has learned and taught it to others; such is also the similitude of the person who has stubbornly and ignorantly rejected Allah's Guidance with which I have been sent." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In plain words

The Prophet compares his guidance to rain falling on different ground. Some people absorb it and flourish, some hold it so others can benefit, and some let it pass through and gain nothing. It encourages us to be the soil that learns and shares.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1378 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 3

Hadith 1379

Sahl bin Sa'd (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن سهل بن سعد رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال لعلي رضي الله عنه ‏:‏ ‏ "‏فوالله لأن يهدي الله بك رجلا واحدا خير من حمر النعم‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said to 'Ali (May Allah be pleased with him), "By Allah, if a single person is guided by Allah through you, it will be better for you than a whole lot of red camels." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

Being the means by which even one person finds guidance is described as better than the most prized worldly wealth. Helping someone toward faith is worth more than any treasure.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1379 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 4

Hadith 1380

'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

وعن عبد الله بن عمرو بن العاص رضي الله عنهما أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏بلغوا عني ولو آية وحدثوا عن بني إسرائيل ولا حرج، ومن كذب علي متعمدًا فليتبوأ مقعده من النار‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه البخاري‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Convey from me even an Ayah of the Qur'an; relate traditions from Banu Israel, and there is no restriction on that; but he who deliberately forges a lie against me let him have his abode in the Hell." [Al- Bukhari].

In plain words

Pass on what you learn, even a single verse, and share authentic narrations. But never invent words and attribute them to the Prophet, a warning against lying in his name.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1380 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 5

Hadith 1381

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏ومن سلك طريقًا يلتمس فيه علما سهل الله له به طريقًا إلى الجنة‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge." [Muslim].

In plain words

Setting out to gain religious knowledge is a step Allah rewards by making the road to Paradise easier. Learning your faith is part of the journey home.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1381 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 6

Hadith 1382

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعنه أيضًا رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏"‏من دعا إلى هدى كان له من الأجر مثل أجور من تبعه لا ينقص ذلك من أجورهم شيئًا ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who calls others to follow the Right Guidance will have a reward equal to the reward of those who follow him, without their reward being diminished in any respect on that account." [Muslim].

In plain words

Whoever guides others to right action earns a reward like theirs, and the followers lose nothing of their own. Inviting people to good multiplies your reward through them.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1382 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 7

Hadith 1383

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏ "‏إذا مات ابن آدم انقطع عمله إلا من ثلاث‏:‏ صدقة جارية ،أو علم ينتفع به، أو ولد صالح يدعو له‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased)." [Muslim].

In plain words

After death a person's record usually closes, but three things keep earning for them: ongoing charity, knowledge people still benefit from, and a righteous child who prays for them. It encourages leaving lasting good behind.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1383 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 8

Hadith 1384

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعنه قال‏:‏ سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول‏:‏ ‏"‏الدنيا ملعونة ملعون ما فيها إلا ذكر الله تعالى، وما والاه، وعالمًا أو متعلمًا‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه الترمذي وقال‏:‏ حديث حسن‏.‏ ‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏ (2)

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The world, with all that it contains, is accursed except for the remembrance of Allah that which pleases Allah; and the religious scholars and seekers of knowledge." [At- Tirmidhi].

In plain words

This world and its contents pass and hold little lasting worth, except remembrance of Allah and what pleases Him, and those who teach and seek sacred knowledge. It reorients us toward what endures.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1384 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 9

Hadith 1385

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أنس رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏ "‏من خرج في طلب العلم، فهو في سبيل الله حتى يرجع‏" ‏ رواه الترمذي وقال‏:‏ حديث حسن‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who goes forth in search of knowledge is considered as struggling in the Cause of Allah until he returns." [At- Tirmidhi].

In plain words

One who travels to seek knowledge is counted as striving in Allah's cause until they come back. The effort of learning is honored like devotion.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1385 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 10

Hadith 1386

Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي سعيد الخدري رضي الله عنه عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏لن يشبع مؤمن من خير حتى يكون منتهاه الجنة‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه الترمذي وقال حديث حسن‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "A believer never satisfies doing good until he reaches Jannah." [At- Tirmidhi].

In plain words

A true believer keeps hungering to do good and is never quite satisfied until they reach Paradise. Goodness becomes a lifelong appetite, not a box to tick.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1386 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 11

Hadith 1387

Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي أمامة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏"‏فضل العالم على العابد كفضلي على أدناكم‏"‏ ثم قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏"‏إن الله وملائكته وأهل السماوات والأرض حتى النملة في جحرها وحتى الحوت ليصلون على معلمي الناس الخير‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه الترمذي وقال‏:‏ حديث حسن‏.‏ ‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The superiority of the learned over the devout worshipper is like my superiority over the most inferior amongst you (in good deeds)." He went on to say, "Allah, His angels, the dwellers of the heaven and the earth, and even the ant in its hole and the fish (in water) supplicate in favour of those who teach people knowledge." [At-Tirmidhi].

In plain words

The one who has knowledge stands far above the one who only worships, the way the Prophet stands above the least among us. And all creation, even the ant and the fish, prays for those who teach people good.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1387 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 12

Hadith 1388

Abud-Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي الدرداء رضي الله عنه قال سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول‏:‏ ‏ "‏من سلك طريقًا يبتغي فيه علمًا سهل الله له طريقًا إلى الجنة، وإن الملائكة لتضع أجنحتها لطالب العلم رضا بما صنع، وإن العالم ليستغفر له من في السماوات والأرض حتى الحيتان في الماء، وفضل العالم على العابد كفضل القمر على سائر الكواكب، وإن العلماء ورثة الأنبياء وإن الأنبياء لم يورثوا دينارًا ولا درهما وإنما ورثوا العلم‏.‏ فمن أخذه أخذ بحظ وافر‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود والترمذي‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who follows a path in quest of knowledge, Allah will make the path of Jannah easy to him. The angels lower their wings over the seeker of knowledge, being pleased with what he does. The inhabitants of the heavens and the earth and even the fish in the depth of the oceans seek forgiveness for him. The superiority of the learned man over the devout worshipper is like that of the full moon to the rest of the stars (i.e., in brightness). The learned are the heirs of the Prophets who bequeath neither dinar nor dirham but only that of knowledge; and he who acquires it, has in fact acquired an abundant portion." [Abu Dawud and At- Tirmidhi].

In plain words

Walking the path of knowledge eases the path to Paradise; angels and even creatures in the sea favor the seeker. The learned are likened to a full moon among stars, and they inherit from the Prophets not money but knowledge, a rich inheritance.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1388 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 13

Hadith 1389

Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول‏:‏ ‏ "‏نضر الله امرءًا سمع منا شيئًا فبلغه كما سمعه فرب مبلغ أوعي من سامع‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه الترمذي وقال‏:‏ حديث حسن صحيح‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "May Allah freshen the affairs of a person who hears something from us and communicates it to others exactly as he has heard it (i.e., both the meaning and the words), for it may be that the recipient of knowledge understands it better than the one who has heard it." [At-Tirmidhi].

In plain words

He prays for the one who hears something from him and passes it on faithfully, word for word, because a later listener may grasp it even better. It values careful, accurate transmission.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1389 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 14

Hadith 1390

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏ "‏من سئل عن علم فكتمه ألجم يوم القيامة بلجام من نار‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود والترمذي، وقال‏:‏ حديث حسن‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who is asked about knowledge (of religion) and conceals it, will be bridled with a bridle of fire on the Day of Resurrection." [Abu Dawud and At- Tirmidhi].

In plain words

Someone who has religious knowledge and hides it when asked is warned of a severe consequence. The lesson is to share beneficial knowledge rather than withhold it.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1390 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 15

Hadith 1391

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏ "‏من تعلم علمًا مما يبتغى به وجه الله عز وجل لا يتعلمه إلا ليصيب به غرضًا من الدنيا لم يجد عرف الجنة يوم القيامة‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏يعني ريحها‏)‏‏)‏، ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود بإسناد صحيح‏.‏ ‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) said, "He who does not acquire knowledge with the sole intention of seeking the Pleasure of Allah but for worldly gain, will not smell the fragrance of Jannah on the Day of Resurrection." [Abu Dawud].

In plain words

Seeking sacred knowledge only for worldly gain rather than for Allah's sake is gravely warned against. Intention matters: learn the faith to please Allah, not to profit.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1391 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 16

Hadith 1392

'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

وعن عبد الله بن عمرو بن العاص رضي الله عنهما قال‏:‏ سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول‏:‏ ‏"‏إن الله لا يقبض العلم انتزاعًا ينتزعه من الناس ولكن يقبض العلم بقبض العلماء حتى إذا لم يبقِ عالمًا، اتخذ الناس رءوسًا جهالا، فسئلوا فأفتوا بغير علم، فضلوا وأضلوا‏:‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying: "Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people, but He takes it away by taking away (the lives of) the religious scholars till none of the scholars stays alive. Then the people will take ignorant ones as their leaders, who, when asked to deliver religious verdicts, will issue them without knowledge, the result being that they will go astray and will lead others astray." [Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

Knowledge is not erased all at once; it fades as knowledgeable people pass and no one replaces them. Then unqualified people are followed and give answers without knowledge, leading themselves and others astray. It urges us to value and preserve real learning.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1392 In-book reference : Book 12, Hadith 17