Key Takeaways
- The Quran says Allah will raise "those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees" (Quran 58:11).
- A hadith in Sahih Muslim (2699) says that whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for them a path to Paradise.
- The Quran teaches a short dua for it: "My Lord, increase me in knowledge" (Quran 20:114).
- Knowledge here includes both religious learning and beneficial learning that helps you live well, but this article focuses on the religious side.
- Seeking knowledge is a habit built in small steps, and children learn it best when they see adults doing it.
The Quran and an authentic hadith both speak highly of seeking knowledge. Allah raises those who have knowledge by degrees (Quran 58:11), and whoever follows a path to seek it will have a path to Paradise made easy (Sahih Muslim 2699).
What the Quran Says
"Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees" (Quran 58:11, Sahih International). The Quran also records the dua "My Lord, increase me in knowledge" (Quran 20:114, Sahih International), which we cover in our collection of duas from the Quran.
The Hadith in Sahih Muslim
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise" (Sahih Muslim 2699). This is an authentic hadith and one of the most quoted on this topic.
What Counts as Seeking Knowledge
A path can be a formal course, a weekly class, a regular reading, or a private lesson. It does not need to be dramatic. Learning to read the Quran, understanding prayer, and studying the basics of belief are all steps on the path. If you want a starting point, see our guide on how to study Islam online.
Why It Matters for Families
- It gives a habit to copy. Children follow what they see, so a parent who studies sets an example.
- It builds confidence. Understanding what you do in worship makes it more meaningful.
- It is open to everyone. The hadith is about any person on the path, not only scholars.
Building the Habit
Start small. Choose a fixed time, such as ten minutes after Maghrib, and stick to it. Use the dua from Quran 20:114 before you begin. If you would like guidance, our Islamic Studies course is a good place to start, and a free trial lesson is an easy first step.