Acquiring religious knowledge is a virtuous deed in Islam. Some scholars considered it better than جهاد في سبيل الله, because knowledge is the basis of everything in Islam. The مجاهد can't go for Jihad without knowledge, he can't pray, fast, etc without knowledge. We need knowledge for every detail in our lives.
Others said it is equal to Jihad, using the verse (9:122) as evidence:
HADITH: "من يرد الله به خيرًا يفقه في الدين"
Mu'awiyah reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him the understanding of Deen."
[Agreed upon]
Appreciate the blessing of being able to understand something in the religion. Allah chose you and taught you.
There is no difference between the Mujahid who fixes his bow and arrow for Jihad, and the student of knowledge who goes through books to seek knowledge.
If the person is strong in understanding and memorization it is better for him to seek knowledge, whereas if he isn't strong in understanding but strong physically it is better for him to go for Jihad. And if his physical and mental strength are equal, he should seek knowledge - Ibn Uthaymeen
Everyone benefits from knowledge. The person who seeks it will benefit from it in his life and after his death. He will benefit those who are near him and those who are far. He will benefit those who are not yet born; even people who come hundreds of years later. Many of the scholars have passed away but they left behind abundant knowledge which we are still studying.
HADITH: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); knowledge which is beneficial; or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (the deceased).” [Muslim]
Allah ordered the Prophet ﷺ in (20:114) to ask Allah to increase him in knowledge:
If the Prophets and Messengers need knowledge, then what about those who are of a lesser degree than them?
If Allah has granted a person knowledge, then Allah bestowed upon them a great favour, which is greater than any worldly matter.
Allah created the creation for the purpose of knowing and worshipping Him. These matters will lead the person to every good, and it will lead him to attain success in both the Dunya and Aakhirah. Knowing and worshipping Allah is also the means of attaining happiness in this world and the next. Neglecting knowing and worshipping Allah is the means to every evil and a miserable life in this world and the next. So if you missed out on these two matters you would have missed out on every good and attained every evil - السعدى
Being occupied with knowing Allah by His names and attributes is occupying yourself with what Allah created you for.
Whoever neglects knowing Allah had neglected what Allah created him for. If he is busy with other than Allah, then he is busy with something Allah didn't create him for.
It is very ugly for a slave, whom Allah is bestowing favors upon, to turn away from seeking knowledge about Allah. Learning about Allah is not a waste of time, rather it is something very noble with Him.
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