What is the ruling on prioritizing seeking knowledge over any other endeavor?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Seeking sacred knowledge is divided into two categories: The first is an individual obligation (fardh 'ayn), which is what a Muslim needs concerning the fundamentals of faith, acts of worship, and financial transactions. This must be prioritized above all else. The second is a communal obligation (fardh kifayah), which is anything beyond that. The ruling on prioritizing it over other matters varies according to time, place, and individual.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/42561
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 42561
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy