Does sponsoring a student of Islamic knowledge and providing for him and his family, for his complete dedication to seeking knowledge, grant the sponsor a reward similar to that of the student of knowledge for his seeking and acting upon that knowledge?

Supporting and sponsoring a student of knowledge is among the most important things upon which one should spend. Whoever sponsors a student of knowledge will receive a reward similar to theirs, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The one who points to good is like the one who does it," and "Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward like the rewards of those who follow him," and "Whoever gives food for a fasting person to break his fast will have a reward like his." Just as whoever equips a warrior for battle has himself participated in battle. Thus, whoever helps a person in an act of obedience to Allah will receive a reward similar to theirs. The Muslim community is obliged to care for students of knowledge because they fulfill an important communal obligation (fard kifa'i), and their sponsorship is incumbent upon Muslims. Some scholars have issued a fatwa that students of knowledge are entitled to an annual financial allowance from Muslims, and among the expenditures of the public treasury (Bayt al-Mal) is the sustenance of scholars and full-time students of knowledge.