Question:

Everyone knows that Islamic knowledge is inextricably tied to action. What is the Islamic legal ruling regarding a person who refrains from seeking knowledge under the pretext that they are falling short in acting upon it? Is such a person justified, or are they obligated to continue learning even if their situation is as described, in the hope that their knowledge will nurture and grow their deeds?

Answer:

Abandoning the pursuit of knowledge out of fear of falling short in implementation is a deception from Satan to mislead the children of Adam. What is required of a Muslim is to seek beneficial knowledge and perform righteous deeds. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”

He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said: “Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.”

Discouragement from seeking knowledge using this false pretext has only ever been known through the misguided Sufis. Therefore, it is obligatory not to pay any attention to this discouragement, and instead to actively dedicate oneself to seeking beneficial knowledge.