Is "Seek knowledge even if it is in China" or "Seek knowledge even if it is from China" a noble Hadith?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The "Seek knowledge even if it is in China, for seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim. Indeed, the angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge, pleased with what he seeks" is weak. It was narrated by Ibn Adi and Al-Bayhaqi from the Hadith of Anas. Al-Bayhaqi said: Its text is well-known, but its chains of narration are weak. Ibn Hibban said: It is baseless and has no origin. Ibn al-Jawzi ruled it as fabricated, while Al-Mizzi contested this, saying: It has multiple chains of narration, which combined might elevate it to the level of (good).
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 49500
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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