Al-Imam Muslim says: Towards the end of his life, Abdullah bin ‘Umar (the son of ‘Umar bin al-Khattab) was told by two people that a new Islamic sect had emerged from Iraq. They were
called Al-Qadariah and they denied al-qadar (fate). Thus Abdullah bin ‘Umar narrated this hadith
which mentions qadar as one of the pillars of Iman to refute the misconception of this sect.
Lessons
This hadith teaches the adab (ethics) of seeking knowledge:
We should be clean and wear clean clothes. We should sit properly and closer to the speaker.
Asking questions for better understanding. Seek knowledge from the right source/authority.
The method of seeking knowledge is through asking questions:
The type of questions we ask should be meaningful – questions that will lead to valuable
knowledge and good action. Asking good questions will result in better learning as well as teaching. Those who are
present when the questions are asked will also learn from the answers – thus, the
questioner is teaching the others.
When Ibn Abbas, one of the greatest Scholars among the Sahabahs, was asked how he
obtained all his knowledge, he replied: “with an inquisitive tongue (i.e. he always asked
questions) and a contemplating heart”.
In many hadiths the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, himself will start by asking
questions before he imparts with knowledge. Asking questions will prepare the
mind/heart so that it will be ready for the answers/knowledge – ready to absorb and
learn. In this hadith he calls Jibril “the questioner” which implies full appreciation and
encouragement of asking questions specially the ones that will lead to gaining more
knowledge. In the Quran itself there are more than 1,200 questions – to serve different purposes – to
provoke the mind of the reader and force it to indulge in thinking about what he/she reads.
Hope these evidences are enough to satisfy you. If you think they are not still enough, follow me keenly and get before you other equally thirst quenching evidences about the subject. In fact you can even educate others about it better than I’m doing. Be concerned about what concerns you yet seek knowledge, for ignorance is a prison wherein the inmates are those who are reluctant when it comes to seeking knowledge. When you learn, you lead others aright and save them from captivity. But you don’t just learn anything, you seek beneficial knowledge and wisdom from the right sources with the proper ethics. Look for the write up on ethics of seeking knowledge. And as usual, when you sleep over the bed of heedlessness in your youth, then be sure to tread on the path of regret during old age.
There is the saying that goes ” If you think education is expensive, try ignorance” Ignorance is a disease whose cure is seeking knowledge with the correct ethics.
When you learn, you lead aright and your followers would trust in you and respect you for your knowledge. So do not settle for ignorance.
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