Quranic Guidance

“Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge – [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
— Surah Aal ‘Imraan (3:18)

“So know [O Muhammad] that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women. And Allah knows of your movement and your resting place.”
— Surah Muhammad (47:19)

“And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”
— Surah Taha (20:114)

Hadith on the Value of Knowledge and Service

“The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it to others.”
— Narrated by ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him), recorded in Al-Bukhari

“Whoever relieves a believer of a suffering of the sufferings of the worldly life, Allah will relieve him of a suffering from the sufferings of the Day of Resurrection.
Whoever alleviates the hardship of someone in distress, Allah will alleviate his hardship in the worldly life and the Hereafter.
Whoever conceals (the faults) of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in the worldly life and in the Hereafter.
Allah helps a servant so long as the servant is helping his brother.
And whoever treads a path in search for knowledge, Allah will make that path lead him easily to Paradise.”
— Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), recorded in Muslim

“The one for whom Allah intends good, He gives him understanding of the religion.
And I am only the distributor, while Allah is the Bestower.
There shall remain a group of my Ummah victorious over those who contradict them until the command of Allah Almighty comes while they are victorious.”
— Narrated by Mu‘awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him), recorded in Al-Bukhari and Muslim

Reflection

These verses and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasise the pivotal role of knowledge, particularly knowledge of the Quran and the religion, in leading a righteous and purposeful life. They highlight the divine rewards for seeking knowledge, teaching it, relieving others, and supporting fellow believers.