[Holy Qur'an 2:255]

This is just one of many verses that describes knowledge and its quest in acquiring it. One cannot gain an iota of knowledge unless Allah wills. Therefore, the reading of books, listening to lectures and taking time out in the path of seeking knowledge are all accepted methods of beginning to acquire knowledge, yet the decision lies in the will of Allah.

To acquire this knowledge and get the acceptance of Allah it is vital to remember that Knowledge and the people of Knowledge hold a great value in Islam. One who respects this knowledge, its people and its sources, they will be the one that will gain this Knowledge, and the one who shows carelessness and disrespect towards this Knowledge will be deprived from its blessings and benefits. It is for this reason that I will be mentioning a few etiquettes regarding the acquiring of Knowledge through the means of books.

There will be points read from the book that I mentioned in my last post and some additional points that I have learnt during my Alim course. I pray to Allah that He makes this post beneficial for those who read. Aameen.

Etiquettes of acquiring Knowledge from a Book.

1. Be alert from who you acquire your Knowledge

The first and foremost advise I would give is to be alert and well informed regarding the author of the book. The Knowledge one recieves makes one's religion and it is for this reason that we are told to be alert from whom we gain our knowledge. This does not mean that we look at the name and see whether it has a Maulana or a long prefix before the name. There are many scholars who are so humble that will not write anything before their name but contain an ocean of knowledge.

2. Clarify your intentions

The rewards of our actions are based upon our intentions. Therefore, one must be clear to what his intentions are and why he is reading this book. It should not be fore the reason of acquiring knowledge so that he can argue and debate with people, nor so that he can gain rank in the eyes of the people. The true reason for acquiring Knowledge is that we can acquire the pleasure of Allah and through the knowledge we gain we can make a bond with our Lord.

3. Pray to Allah that He makes the book beneficial for you.

It is vital that one makes Du'aa (supplication) before one starts reading a book. 'Understanding' is a gift from Allah and it is this gift that we require when we begin to seek Knowledge. If we read a passage from the book and misunderstand its meaning it could become a cause of deviation for us as opposed to Knowledge that will guide us. Therefore supplication should be made to Allah that He opens your mind to understand what is trying to be said.

4. Before reading the veil over one's heart, mind and eyes should be removed.

The meaning of this Hadeeth is that one should start reading the book with an 'open' mind. He should not limit himself to what he has learnt nor should he make haste in rejecting what he reads. Instead he should read with a mind of acceptance whilst staying alert.

Further points to be continued...