Faithful told to follow Ibn Masood on how to seek knowledge

Friday’s sermon discusses the quest of knowledge, the thirst for education and the significance of learning in Islam.

With the new academic year starting this week, pupils are encouraged to seek knowledge and advance their educational accomplishments.

Prophet Mohammed said that knowledge was so crucial to human beings that he likened it to the significance of water to life. He said: “The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the Earth.”

The sermon narrates the story of a companion of Prophet Mohammed, Abdullah Ibn Masood, who had knowledge of sciences, interpretation of Quran and the theory of Islamic law. He was also the first one to recite the Quran publicly in Makkah after the Prophet.

Seeing Ibn Masood’s interest in increasing his knowledge, Prophet Mohammed allowed him to accompany him on many occasions.

Ibn Masood, said: “By Allah, there is no surah in the Book of Allah about which I do not know where and in what context it was revealed.

“If I were to know that someone had a better understanding than me and I could reach him on the back of a camel, I would definitely go to him.”

To Ibn Masood, applying the knowledge that he gained was crucial.

Appreciating his knowledge, the Prophet urged people to learn the holy Quran from Ibn Masood, as he said, “Whoever would like to recite the Quran as fresh as when it was revealed, let him recite it like Ibn Umm Abd (Ibn Masood).”

The sermon also advises teachers when it describes how Ibn Masood was lenient with his students and set an example for educators.

He won the hearts of people through his knowledge, manners and kindness.

In the Quran, Allah has praised people of knowledge and promised them of great rewards.

The Almighty says, “Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (Al-Mujadila: 11).

The responsibility to seek knowledge, according to the sermon, lies with students, parents, teachers, educators and school operators.