Education is incredibly important in Islam. The first words revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was “read” – a critical component in attaining knowledge.
Consider the blessings that comes with learning how to read the Qur’an, memorising it and teaching it to others. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that: The best of you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it
Seeking knowledge and placing importance on learning placed Muslims at the forefront of discovery and intellect above all others in the world. This knowledge then spurred on the age of the renaissance. The West and the modern world today stand on the shoulders of our predecessors from Algorithms and Algebra to Astrolabes and exploration.
In order to understand Islam, to find that connection with Allah, you must prioritise learning the Qur’an and the Hadith. Living in a non-Muslim society this can be tough sometimes, because that knowledge is not as readily available. It requires exerting effort to seek it out. It’s also much more difficult to practice that knowledge when surrounded by those who live such different lifestyles based on a vastly different set of morals, so it takes more striving and effort.
Studying Islam and all its teachings is a crucial practice for all Muslims in non-Muslim countries because without that knowledge we cannot live our lives in a way that is in line with what Allah created us for – His worship. Additionally we will not have the knowledge to teach our children, the future generations of muslims. We must also endeavour to achieve high levels of education in worldly subjects too so that our families, society and specifically the Muslim youth, are influenced by seeing muslims who are successful role models who manage to balance both their Deen with their the Dunya.
Another important aspect of learning is to reach a solid level of emotional intelligence. Muslims should cultivate a growth mindset, seeking to learn from their own experiences and the experiences of others. Learning is essential for personal and spiritual development. Without learning, one can neither study the islamic texts, nor be aware of the history of humanity. Therefore, learning is an essential component of Islam and it is vital for this learning process to continue throughout our lives. It does not stop when we finish college, it is the beginning of the journey.
Allah says:
"None will comprehend them except those who have knowledge." (Surah al-‘Ankaboot verse 43)
