Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri Speaks on the Excellence and Significance of Knowledge

Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri spoke on the subject of excellence and importance of knowledge at the College of Shariah & Islamic Sciences and Minhaj College for Women

During his address on “How to Attain Beneficial Knowledge?” and “Five Causes of Deprivation from Knowledge,” Shaykh-ul-Islam emphasized that the Holy Quran differentiates between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. He stated that only those with intellect and awareness can truly benefit from knowledge. If one has awakened consciousness, knowledge becomes beneficial; otherwise, it remains mere information. The blessings of knowledge are only attained through its proper application.

Shaykh-ul-Islam further stated that only those who remain constantly engaged with knowledge and its environment can truly benefit from it. Citing Imam Ibn Abdul Barr’s book “Jami’ Bayan al-Ilm wa Fadlih,” he narrated a Hadith:

"On the Day of Judgment, Allah will exempt scholars from accountability. He will separate them from the rest and command: 'Enter Paradise without reckoning based on the knowledge of religion you upheld.' Then Allah will say, 'I did not place the light of knowledge and wisdom in your hearts to punish you; rather, I intended goodness for you.'"

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, in his book “Miftah Dar al-Sa’adah,” narrated an incident from the pious predecessors:

"On the Day of Judgment, people will be called for accountability. Among them will be a person whose sins outweigh his good deeds, making him fear that he will enter Hell. Suddenly, something like a cloud will be placed on the scale of his good deeds, making it heavier. He will be asked, 'Do you know what this is?' He will reply, 'No.' It will be said, 'This is the knowledge you taught others, and they acted upon it.'"

Speaking on the excellence of learning and teaching, Shaykh-ul-Islam emphasized that if someone considers themselves a teacher, their role as an educator becomes meaningless. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) remained a learner throughout his life as divine revelation continued for 23 years. He further added that a teacher is only effective if they remain a lifelong learner. Humility is key—the more a person humbles themselves, the higher they rise, and the more they impart knowledge, the more Allah blesses them.

Throwing light on six conditions for becoming a good learner, Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri outlined six essential conditions:

1. Asking questions properly.
2. Listening attentively.
3. Understanding deeply.
4. Memorizing knowledge.
5. Teaching what has been learned.
6. Acting upon the acquired knowledge.

He quoted Hadith on acting upon knowledge wherein the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"Whoever continues to act upon knowledge, Allah will open doors of knowledge for them that they had never even studied."

Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri also highlighted six factors that prevent a person from benefiting from knowledge:

1. Stopping the habit of asking questions.
2. Not listening attentively.
3. Failing to comprehend knowledge.
4. Not memorizing what has been learned.
5. Not sharing knowledge with others.
6. Failing to act upon knowledge.

He advised students to cherish every moment of their academic journey and develop a deep love for knowledge.

The session was attended by Professor Muhammad Nawaz Zafar Chishti, Mufti Abdul Qayyum Khan Hazarvi, Principal College of Shariah & Islamic Sciences Professor Dr. Mumtaz-ul-Hasan Barvi, Director Minhaj Colleges Wing Commander (R) Muhammad Ghafar, Dr. Muhammad Akram Rana, Dr. Shabbir Ahmad Jami, Director Farid-e-Millat Research Institute Dr. Muhammad Farooq Rana, Professor Dr. Shafqat Ali Baghdadi, Principal Minhaj College for Women Aftab Ahmad Khan, Professor Dr. Faizullah Baghdadi, Dr. Syed Iftikhar Ahmad, Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Azami, Muhammad Muhibullah Azhar, Dr. Ali Akbar Qadri, Dr. Murad Ali Danish, Ghulam Murtaza Alvi, Sabir Hussain Naqshbandi, Dr. Muhammad Azhar Abbasi, Dr. Khalil Ahmad, Hafiz Muhammad Asif Al-Azhari, Muhammad Kashif Bhatti, Dr. Muhammad Afzal Qadri, Dr. Zaheer Ahmad Siddiqi, along with numerous teachers, students, and faculty members.