6 Distinctive Etiquettes of the Seeker of Knowledge

Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: “Are those who know equal to those who know not?” It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allah’s Signs and Verses). Qur’an 39[Zumar]:9

One of my mentors — Prof. Abdulwahab Tijani once told me: “Abdulkabeer! Are you listening? Know that knowledge will not give you a part of itself, unless you dedicate the whole of yourself in it’s pursuit.” Knowledge seeking is a journey and only the true student of knowledge can acknowledge this. It’s a path from cradle to grave. The moment you stop learning, then you begin to diminish. By virtue of knowledge, Allah elevated mankind over all that exists. He taught Adam the names after his creation. And thus, made a proud proclamation to him before the angels. It’s this same knowledge that led to the relegation of Iblis. Iblis was asked by Allah to prostrate to Adam after displaying prowess in Knowledge. Iblis rejected because he felt he ‘knew’ how and when Adam was created. So contempt and pride made him an accursed until the last day. Hence, the student of knowledge should thread this noble path with caution. Here are some points worthy of note with regards knowledge. This is as mentioned by the great scholar Ibn-ul-Qayyim Al-Jawzee.

1. Excellence in Asking Questions: When it comes to knowledge seeking, asking question is a key fundamental. The manners in which questions should be asked is another ethics for the student of knowledge. How to ask the question, when to ask, what to ask and what not to ask. This was well exemplified in the famous hadith of Jibril. The way in which Jibril presented the questions from simple to complex. The succession in follow-up and his composure in seeking to understand before proceeding to the next. And this is one of the virtues of the companions of the prophet ﷺ — they ask questions. It was reported that most of the companions ask about glad tidings. However, Hudhaifa will ask about evil in order to abstain from it. In this, there are lessons to derive for the seeker of knowledge.
2. Excellence in Focus and Attention: Attentiveness in circle of learning cannot be over-emphasized. It begins with mind consciousness and glows with the art of listening. You must be aware you’re learning from someone. So you don’t indulge in things that distract or obstruct the learning process. Good students of knowledge are active listeners, they pay attention to every detail while learning. This was also illustrated in the hadith of Jibril. From his sitting position to his composure. His clean attires and the observation of the companions. You will find focus and zeal in their quest to learn.
3. Excellence in Understanding: Knowledge may not be beneficial if you can’t assimilate it. You need to understand the methodology of the scholars. Their ways of disseminating knowledge and manners of understanding. For instance, Ash-Shaykul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah was reported to have said: the one who memorized the Qur’an is expected to stay up for the night prayers. He’s expected to ponder over the meaning and weep out of the fear of Allah. Knowledge is not retained in order to give fatwah. It’s expected to improve your life. You practice what you know first before telling others. The true student of knowledge learns in order to please Allah. So learn, understand, benefit yourself and the people with it. This is simply the wisdom of knowledge.

4. Excellence in Memorization: Imagine the hafidh who memorized the Qur’an. Such a person has committed over 6000 verses to memory. Besides the merits that come with this feat, it will be difficult for such a person not to excel in any field of learning. It was reported that whenever students meet Imam Malik for hadith narration, he would ask them to go memorize Muwatta and return there after. This was the ways of the righteous predecessors. Many muslims today do not even know the chronological arrangement of the suwar in the Qur’an. However, they wouldn’t fail in naming the players of their favorite sport team from starting line-up to reserve.

5. Excellence in Implementation: Know oh student of knowledge! It is incumbent upon you to put into practice what you know. For Allah uses knowledge as a means of trial. And if He wills, He may hold you accountable for that which you know and fail to practice. This is actually one of the hardest part of it all. You have to strive to put into practice that which you have learnt. Only if the knowledge is not beneficial, then you don’t waste your time in acquiring it. The companions of the Prophet ﷺ will not return to him for a new revelation. Unless they have understood and implemented the previous one. This was one reason that kept them distinct from us. Of what benefit is knowledge if it doesn’t benefit the seeker?

6. Excellence in Fulfillment: At this stage, many will feel they have arrived. This is because you begin to reap the fruits of knowledge at this point. Do not be arrogant and boastful. Be humble and treat other knowledge seekers with kindness for they were once like you. You also need to bare in mind the limitation knowledge places on you. The trustee of knowledge shouldn’t be caught in acts that displease Allah. You need to be steadfast on this straight path. Do not mix up truth with falsehood. Dedicate time to benefit people with what you know. Knowledge isn’t as simple as we make it look these days. Beware of saying “I know”. Scholars of the deen would often respond with the term “I don’t know”. In the real sense, this is the point to realize the more you learn, the more you need to learn more. Knowledge is a process, it’s not a means. Receive glad things with the words of the prophet ﷺ thus:

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