In a world increasingly influenced by social media, the allure of luxury lifestyles can easily distract students of knowledge (Tullab al-‘Ilm) from their path. The extravagant lives portrayed by certain personalities often lead to feelings of inadequacy or discouragement, tempting some students to forgo their studies in pursuit of worldly wealth. Yet, the pursuit of knowledge holds a unique and incomparable value in Islam, as reflected in the wise counsel provided by ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه to Kumail ibn Ziyad An-Nakha’ee.
In this article, we explore the timeless comparison between knowledge and wealth, based on this profound advice from ‘Ali رضي الله عنه. It serves as a reminder of the true purpose of Tullab al-Ilm and the immense benefits of seeking knowledge for the sake of Allah.
Knowledge elevates a person and brings them closer to Allah. While wealth is temporary and often leads to worldly distractions, knowledge is enduring, a source of continuous benefit, and a means to strengthen one’s faith.
2. Knowledge Protects You, But Wealth Needs Protection
“العلمُ يَحرسُك وأنت تَحرُسُ المالَ” “Knowledge protects you, whereas you must protect wealth.”
Knowledge serves as a safeguard for the believer, offering guidance in times of difficulty and clarity in times of doubt. On the other hand, wealth requires vigilance and protection; it is subject to theft, loss, or depletion, often causing anxiety for its owner.
3. Knowledge Increases with Sharing, While Wealth Decreases with Spending
“والعِلمُ يزكو على الإنفاقِ والمالُ تَنقُصُه النفقةُ” “Knowledge grows when it is shared, while wealth diminishes when spent.”
The beauty of knowledge is that it expands through teaching and sharing. When Tullab al-Ilm share their knowledge, they enrich others and multiply their own understanding. In contrast, wealth diminishes each time it is spent, making it a finite resource.
4. The Lasting Benefit of Knowledge Versus the Temporary Nature of Wealth
“ومَنفعَةُ المالِ تزولُ بزوالِه” “The benefits of wealth disappear when it is gone.”
Knowledge has a lasting impact, benefiting both the individual and society, even beyond a scholar’s life. Wealth, however, is temporary; its benefit fades once it is spent or lost, leaving no enduring legacy.
5. Loving a Scholar Brings One Closer to Allah
“محبةُ العالمِ دينٌ يُدانُ بها” “Loving a scholar is an act of worship by which a person draws closer to Allah.”
Unlike the admiration people may feel for the wealthy, the love and respect shown toward scholars bring one nearer to Allah. Scholars inspire others to seek righteousness, whereas wealth may lead people toward materialism and vanity.
6. Knowledge Leads to Obedience and a Good Reputation
“العلم يُكسِبُ العالمَ الطاعةَ لربِّه في حياتِه، وجميلَ الأُحدوثةِ بعدَ وفاتِه” “Knowledge leads a scholar to be obedient to his Lord during his lifetime and lands him a good reputation after his death.”
Knowledge encourages one to obey Allah and to lead a life of righteousness. A scholar’s legacy continues long after they pass, while the fame associated with wealth fades quickly.
7. Knowledge as a Judge, Wealth as the Judged
“العلمُ حاكمٌ والمالُ محكومٌ عليه” “Knowledge is a judge, while wealth is judged upon.”
Knowledge guides people toward truth and justice, serving as a reference for wisdom. Wealth, however, is often the subject of scrutiny, and people are judged by how they earn and use it.
8. Scholars Live On, While the Wealthy Are Forgotten
“ماتَ خزَّانُ الأموالِ وهم أحياءٌ، والعلماءُ باقون ما بَقِيَ الدَّهرُ” “The people of wealth die even while they are alive, but scholars live on for as long as time exists.”
The impact of a scholar transcends generations. Their teachings continue to inspire and guide, while the wealthy are remembered only briefly. Scholars may leave this world, but their knowledge remains alive in the hearts and minds of those they taught.
References and Scholarly Commentary
This advice from ‘Ali رضي الله عنه is found in various classical sources:
Al-Hilyah by Abu Nu’aym (1/80)
Al-Fiqh wal-Mutafaqqih by Al-Baghdadi (1/182)
Tadhhib al-Kamal by Al-Mizzi (24/220)
Some scholars view the narration as weak, but Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr emphasized its wide acceptance:
“It is a well-known hadith (Athar) among scholars, and its widespread recognition among them renders the chain of transmission unnecessary.” (Jami’ Bayan al-‘Ilm wa Fadlihi 2/112)
This Athar was explained by renowned scholars, such as:
Shaykhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah in Jawab al-I’tiradhat al-Misriyyah ‘ala al-Fatwa al-Hamawiyyah
Ibn al-Qayyim in Miftah Dar as-Sa’adah (1/403)
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali in Kashf al-Kurba fi Wasf Hal Ahl al-Ghurba
Conclusion: Renewed Commitment to Seeking Knowledge
For Tullab al-Ilm, the path of knowledge is not without challenges, especially when tempted by the wealth and luxury flaunted in modern media. Yet, as ‘Ali رضي الله عنه reminds us, the true worth of knowledge lies in its lasting benefits, divine connection, and potential to uplift the soul. In contrast, wealth remains confined to this world, with benefits that are transient.
Let us stay firm on the noble journey of seeking knowledge, following the path of our pious predecessors, and remember that the rewards of knowledge far exceed the fleeting allure of material wealth.
