Knowledge and Learning - 'Ilm
The Islamic emphasis on seeking knowledge as a religious obligation for every Muslim.
'Ilm (العلم) or knowledge holds a supreme position in Islam. The first word revealed in the Quran was 'Iqra' (Read). The Prophet (PBUH) said seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim. The Quran asks: 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Islamic civilization flourished through its emphasis on education, producing advances in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. Knowledge in Islam includes both religious and worldly sciences—all knowledge that benefits humanity. The pursuit of knowledge continues from cradle to grave.
Read! In the name of your Lord who created—created mankind from a clinging clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous.
Al-Ghazali wrote that knowledge is the root of all blessings in both worlds—whoever is given knowledge has been given immense good.
Quran