Hadith about knowledge in Arabic with English translation

Seeking knowledge in Islam (طَلَبُ العِلْم) is a central act of worship that shapes a Muslim’s faith, character, and daily life. It is not just about learning facts—it is about gaining guidance that brings a person closer to Allah.

What “seeking knowledge” means

In Islam, seeking knowledge means learning what Allah has revealed and what His Messenger ﷺ taught, so that a person can:

Worship correctly

Live a righteous life

Benefit others

This includes both religious knowledge (Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh) and beneficial worldly knowledge (medicine, science, skills) as long as it is used for good.

Here are some authentic hadiths about knowledge (العِلْم) in Arabic with clear English translations:

1. Seeking Knowledge is Obligatory

Arabic:

> طَلَبُ العِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ

English:

> “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”

— Narrated by Ibn Majah.

2. The Superiority of Knowledge

Arabic:

> مَنْ سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَلْتَمِسُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا، سَهَّلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِهِ طَرِيقًا إِلَى الجَنَّةِ

English:

> “Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.”

— Reported by Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj.

3. Knowledge Leads to Goodness

Arabic:

> مَنْ يُرِدِ اللَّهُ بِهِ خَيْرًا يُفَقِّهْهُ فِي الدِّينِ

English:

> “When Allah intends good for someone, He grants him understanding of the religion.”

— Reported by Muhammad al-Bukhari and Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj.

4. Angels Lower Their Wings

Arabic:

> إِنَّ الْمَلَائِكَةَ لَتَضَعُ أَجْنِحَتَهَا لِطَالِبِ الْعِلْمِ رِضًا بِمَا يَصْنَعُ

English:

> “Indeed, the angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge, pleased with what he does.”

— Narrated by Abu Dawud and Al-Tirmidhi.

5. The Best Among You

Arabic:

> خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ القُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ

English:

> “The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”

— Reported by Muhammad al-Bukhari

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