What should one do whose resolve has weakened in seeking knowledge and calling to it, after becoming certain that the religion is preserved and that people are excused for their ignorance?

The pursuit of knowledge should be continuous, for it is one of the greatest acts of devotion, and by it, religion and Sacred Law are preserved. Allah elevates the ranks of scholars through it. Its virtue is sufficiently demonstrated by Allah Almighty's saying: (Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees) [Quran 58:11]; and His saying: (Allah bears witness that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge – [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice) [Quran 3:18]; and His saying: (Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?") [Quran 39:9].

Seeking knowledge is among the best deeds for one whose intention is sound. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, clarified the danger of knowledge departing with the departure of scholars, saying: "Indeed, Allah does not seize knowledge by snatching it away from the people, but rather He seizes knowledge by seizing the scholars, until when He leaves no scholar, people take ignorant individuals as their leaders. They are asked questions and give verdicts without knowledge, so they go astray and lead others astray."

Ignorance is not excused in all circumstances. Whoever undertakes an action without knowing Allah's ruling concerning it is sinful and must ask and learn. The whispers of Satan that discourage seeking knowledge must be overcome by seeking Allah's help.