Sheikh Saadi’s Instruction on Acquiring Knowledge

Sheikh Abdur-Rahman ibn Nasr as-Saadi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“O unwilling to receive knowledge!

What will be your justification with Allah while you are enjoying the benefits of worldly life while being healthy?

What keeps you from demanding knowledge while you are well endowed with sustenance from your Lord?

Do you agree to live like pets?!

Do you really prefer error to truth, while your hearts are full of indifference and confusion?!

Will you follow the path of ignorance, the path that is unclear and unstable, and leave the path of truth, which is virtuous and clear?!

Will you be pleased if you are asked: “Who is your Lord? What religion do you follow? Who is your prophet?” and you will not be able to give a proper answer?!

Or when you are asked about how you pray and worship, you will not be able to give the right answer.

Or if you are asked how and what you sell and buy, how you build relationships, and you do not distinguish between what is permitted and what is forbidden?!

I swear by the Almighty! Only one who has become like an animal can be satisfied with such a state of affairs.

Become, may Allah have mercy on you, those who demand knowledge. If this is not within your power, then attend the lessons, listening to what is said there, and gaining benefit.

Ask those who have knowledge in search of the right path and insight. If you do not do this and completely turn your back on knowledge, you will perish, and you will become one of those who have suffered loss.

Don’t you know that consecration of oneself to (sharia) knowledge is one of the most honorable and best worship and approach to Allah?

Do you not know that the demand for knowledge is also the cause of the pleasure of the Lord of earth and heaven?! The lesson you attended is more useful than this world and everything that is in it. Nothing is incommensurable and unequal to the benefit you have gained from these lessons.

Fear Allah, O servants of Allah! Keep yourself busy with what you were created for – the worship and knowledge of Allah. Ask your Lord to help you with His mercy, assistance and protection.

﴿قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي

“Say: “Are those who know and those who do not know equal?” (Holy Quran, 39:9).

Source: Al-fawakih ash-shahiya fi al-khutab al-minbariya (number 66).