What is meant by the Hadith: "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim"—does it refer to the knowledge that leads one to become a scholar, or knowledge of the obligatory acts and Sunnahs for proper worship?
Scholars have differed regarding the meaning of "knowledge" whose acquisition is obligatory as mentioned in the noble . The soundest opinion is that the knowledge obligatory for every Muslim to learn is the knowledge of individual obligations (fard al-ayn). This includes knowing Allah Almighty generally, knowing the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and the obligation to follow him, and that his abrogates all others. It also includes learning the rulings of ablution (wudu), ritual bath (), and prayer (salat). As for communal obligations (fard al-kifaya) and worldly sciences such as trade, medicine, and engineering, it is not obligatory for every Muslim to learn them. Rather, it suffices for some to learn them, or to learn specific rulings for those who specialize in them, such as the rulings of sale for those involved in trade.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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