Manners in Seeking Knowledge

    The Blessed Prophet said, "To seek knowledge is the duty of every Muslim man and Muslim woman."  (Ibn Majah)  Therefore the pursuit of learning and knowledge is a religious duty upon us.  

    The Blessed Prophet described our quest in these words, "When a person undertakes a journey for the sake of knowledge, he is on the road to Paradise and the angels spread their wings over him and seek his forgiveness.  Everything in the heavens and the earth, even the fish in the water, pray for him."  (Ahmad)

    Are there manners or modes of etiquette in seeking knowledge?  Yes there are.  According to Islamic teachings, knowledge is a great responsibility and its attainment brings responsibilities.  The main requirements for learning are:

bulletThe student must have a desire for knowledge.  The Prophet said, "A lover of knowledge is not content with the level of achievement he has attained."  (Baihaqi, Darimi)
bulletThe student must be prepared to teach others.  The Prophet said, "Impart knowledge to others.  Be kind, make them take interest, don't tire them.  If you get angry then keep silent."  (Mishkat)
bulletThe student must have respect for his or her teachers.  The Qur'an commands believers to say, "Have patience with us" rather than bumping and jostling for attention by saying, "Look at us!"  (Also see 2:104)
bulletThe student must respect the teachers knowledge.  Whenever the Blessed Prophet would ask his companions a question to gauge their response, they would reply, "Allah and His Messenger know best."  Then the Blessed Prophet would tell them the answer to the question he posed.
bulletThe Student must be respectful about how he or she asks questions.  There must be no shouting, vanity or arrogance.  Allah mentioned in the Qur'an that some from the Bani Isra'il even sneered and twisted their tongues when they talked to the Blessed Prophet.  
bulletA student can never conceal what they learn.  Allah is very harsh with the Bani Isra'il in the Qur'an for hiding knowledge.  In addition, the Blessed Prophet said, "Never try to conceal knowledge from others, because concealment of knowledge is a much greater crime than stealing money."  (Ahmad)
bulletThe student has a responsibility to choose their teachers wisely.  The Blessed Prophet said, "Don't go after every scholar.  Instead, seek out the one who imparts in you a confidence instead of doubt, who preaches abstinence instead of love of the world, who teaches you humility and servitude instead of pride, who advocates love instead of hate and who teaches you sincerity instead of hypocrisy."  (Mishkat)
bulletThe Student must ask questions and inquire about those things he or she may not fully understand.  A good student is not measured by his or her total silence.  The Blessed Prophet said, "Knowledge is a treasure whose keys are inquiry and the asking of questions.  So you must ask questions for improving your knowledge, by this, four kinds of people will have the reward of Allah:  1) The questioner.  2) The answerer.  3) The listener.  4)  And the one who loves those kinds of people."  (Mishkat)