FatwaFederal TerritoriesQuran & Hadith
IRSYAD AL-HADITH SIRI KE 568: IKUTILAH RESMI PADI DALAM MENUNTUT ILMU
What is the meaning of the hadith warning against seeking religious knowledge to rival scholars, argue with the ignorant, or draw people's attention?
Short answer
The hadith refers to a person who seeks religious knowledge not for the sake of Allah, but to debate scholars and the uneducated and to show off.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Federal Territories Mufti Office
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Irsyad al-Hadith
- Topic
- Quran & Hadith
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
The hadith refers to a person who seeks religious knowledge not for the sake of Allah, but to debate scholars and the uneducated and to show off. Its chain is weak and it is classed as gharib, but its meaning is sound because other narrations support it, such as that of Ibn Umar in Sunan Ibn Majah. Students of religious knowledge should intend it for Allah, avoid seeking attention and stay humble, like the rice stalk that bows as it fills.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Sebagai orang Islam, setiap perbuatan yang dilakukan mestilah didasari dengan niat yang baik dan betul.
Read the full fatwa on the Federal Territories website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Federal Territories Mufti Office. “IRSYAD AL-HADITH SIRI KE 568: IKUTILAH RESMI PADI DALAM MENUNTUT ILMU”, 20 February 2025. https://muftiwp.gov.my/ms/artikel/irsyad-al-hadith/6134-irsyad-al-hadith-siri-ke-568-ikutilah-resmi-padi-dalam-menuntut-ilmu. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/hadith-seeking-knowledge-to-rival-scholars-meaning/