What is the definition of knowledge praiseworthy in Islamic law? Do the hadiths and verses concerning the merit of seeking knowledge include worldly sciences? What are the statements of the Four Imams and Maliki scholars regarding this? How do we respond to those who interpret the evidence as favoring worldly knowledge? And how do we respond to the claim that Sheikhs Ibn Baz and Al-Uthaymeen are Hanbali in madhhab, especially given the mixing and forbidden acts present in institutions of worldly education?

Learning worldly sciences is required and may be a fard kifayah (communal obligation) if the welfare of Muslims depends on it. It becomes an act of worship if the learner purifies their intention and aims to benefit Muslims through it. Ibn Baz emphasized that beneficial sciences, such as mineral extraction and agriculture, can be a fard kifayah, and the ruler must assist in them. They become acts of worship depending on the servant's intention.

As for the knowledge praised by the Sharia, it is the sacred knowledge derived from the Quran and Sunnah. It is concerning this knowledge that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whomever Allah wills good for, He grants him understanding in religion." This is the inheritance of the Prophets and is divided into fard ayn (individual obligation), such as monotheism and obligatory acts of worship, and fard kifayah. Applying the texts that extol the virtue of seeking knowledge to worldly sciences is an error.

Scholars from various schools of thought have unanimously agreed that the obligatory knowledge is the sacred knowledge, such as knowing the Creator, the prophethood of the Messengers, and how to perform prayers. This is the knowledge that instills the fear of Allah. Al-Munawi stated that "seeking knowledge is an obligation" refers to what is indispensable, like knowing the Creator. Al-Ayni said that scholars are those who truly fear Allah. Ibn Battal stated that the virtue of understanding religion lies in its leading to the fear of Allah and obedience to Him.

As for the two Shaykhs, Ibn Baz and Ibn Uthaymeen, they followed the Hanbali school of thought, but they were not bigoted towards it. They diverged from the madhhab whenever evidence appeared to them to contradict it. They played a significant role in spreading the Sunnah and teaching sacred knowledge based on evidence.