What should I do, as I have become despondent after reading the Hadith about the superiority of the scholar over the worshiper, when I used to think I was close to God through my worship? Does my worship amount to nothing compared to the scholar? What do you advise me to do? If knowledge is indeed necessary, how can I become a scholar to be closer to God? Is the one who spends and gives charity better than the scholar? Should I fast like David, so that I become better than the scholar?

The superiority of the scholar over the worshiper is established, based on the Prophet's (PBUH) saying: "The superiority of the scholar over the worshiper is like my superiority over the lowest among you." This refers to the scholar whose knowledge benefits people. The scholar is likened to the moon, whose light extends to others, while the worshiper is likened to the stars, because their light does not extend to others. It is not correct to say that the worshiper's acts of obedience are worth nothing compared to the scholar; rather, the worshiper is upon goodness. It is recommended to increase in acts of obedience and to acquire knowledge. The fast of Dawud is the best of fasts, but there is no evidence that its observer is superior to the scholar. Opinions differ regarding the preference between the one who gives charity and the scholar. The acceptance of acts of obedience is an unseen matter that cannot be known.