AskImamDarul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah (AskImam)

I want to know the authentication of the the hadith as said by people " in order to gain ilm go to China also"

Fatwa 2235English
Hadith

Question

People in pakistan and india proove from this hadith(if it is so )that we are should travel the world in order to gain the wordly ilm. please make it clear wether it is a saying or a hadith. Jazak Allah

Answer

The Hadith, 'Seek knowledge even though it be in China.' narrated by Bayhaqi is classified as Hasan lighayrihi by some Muhadditheen, ibn Abdul Barr and a few others. (Ahsanul Fataawah vol.1 pg.433; HM Saeed)

Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) explains, 'True Ilm (knowledge) is only 3. a) The clear verses (of the Qur'aan), 2) The Sunnah (Ahaadith), 3) The obligation (of Deen). All (other knowledge) besides these are but an extra.' (Hayaatus Sahaaba vol.3 pg.252; Maktabatul Ilm). Ibn Umar (Radhiallaahu Anhu), the eminent companion of Rasul (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) says. It (Ilm) is the book of Allah and Sunnah of His Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). Whosoever includes anything to this, of his own I know not, whether this will be recorded among his good or bad deeds.' (Ibid with reference to Ibn Abdul Barr)

In view of the above Ahaadith and many more similar, the Ulama have stated: Ilm is only that which is attained from the Ambiyaa (Prophets) by way of learning and teaching Ilm-e-Shari'ah. (Allaamah Badruddin Aini; Ahsanul Fataawa vol.1 pg.462 vol.1 pg.462; HM Saeed).

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.

Answered by
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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