Who should read the book?

• Those who feel they are not progressing much on their journey of seeking Islamic knowledge

• People who want to study Islam more seriously

• Anyone in need of a practical guide to seeking Islamic knowledge

What is the book about?

Tadhim al-Ilm is a guide to correctly acquire Islamic knowledge regardless of where you are on the journey. It explores principles relating to personal qualities essential for seeking knowledge, prioritisation and methodology for learning, strategies for effective learning and etiquette and conduct in seeking knowledge. The author حفظه الله explains how the principles and practices outlined can elevate a student's success.

Favourite quote from the book

Brief summary

Tadhim al-Ilm offers practical tips to approach Islamic knowledge correctly. Shaykh Salih ibn Abdillah ibn Hamad al-’Usaymi حفظه الله presents 20 key principles for students to adhere to in order to succeed in acquiring Islamic knowledge.

Summary of key ideas

Personal Qualities Essential for Seeking Knowledge

Islamic knowledge is sacred and must be treated with the utmost reverence. Success in seeking it begins with equipping yourself with essential qualities.

Purify your heart. The vessel for knowledge is the heart so you must regularly purify it from sins, false notions, and impurities to truly understand and retain what you learn.

Set a sincere intention. Your aim for seeking knowledge must be to remove ignorance and to preserve and implement knowledge for the benefit of yourself and others. When your intentions misalign, correct them immediately, as sincerity strengthens your ability to attain knowledge.

Stay focused on your goal of attaining Islamic knowledge by relying on Allah, believing in yourself, and nurturing a passion for learning.

Cultivate a love of knowledge. You will find joy in this journey by giving your best effort, staying true to your pursuit of knowledge, and maintaining correct and sincere intentions.

Practice patience, both in acquiring knowledge and in sharing it with others.

With these qualities, you can remain steadfast in this path and succeed in your pursuit of knowledge.

The principles covered in this section are:

• Purifying the vessel of knowledge

• Purity of intention in seeking knowledge

• Focusing all of your attention on seeking knowledge

• Having a passion for knowledge and it being uppermost in your heart

• Patience in knowledge — both in attaining it and passing it on

Prioritisation and Methodology for Seeking Knowledge

Focus on the Qur’an and Sunnah as they are the source of all beneficial knowledge. You can study other topics only to enhance your understanding of these primary sources.

Gain a broad perspective by first learning a little from the various Islamic sciences. Start with summarised texts and prioritise what is most important for fulfilling your duties as a Muslim.

Build a strong foundation by mastering one science at a time. Once you establish a strong base, you can choose a specialisation that aligns with your interests and strengths.

Memorise well-known texts that summarise key concepts, and study them under qualified, proficient teachers.

By following this approach, you will have a clear and effective path to acquiring knowledge.

The principles covered in this section are:

• Focusing your attention on the knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunnah

• Taking into account the different Islamic sciences when acquiring knowledge and giving precedence to them in order of importance

• Taking the proper path which will lead you to knowledge

Strategies for Effective Learning

There are a few practical tips and techniques to excel in seeking knowledge.

Begin your learning journey during youth or times of fewer commitments, as it allows for greater focus and quicker internalisation. When responsibilities increase, it is still entirely possible to achieve significant heights of knowledge with dedication and effort.

Commit to 3 key practices: memorising texts during private study, revising with fellow students in group study, and asking scholars questions for clarification and deeper understanding.

Make productive use of idle time by dedicating it to learning.

Choose virtuous companions who will support and motivate you in your pursuit of knowledge. Their influence can inspire you to work harder and remain steadfast in your journey.

Learn gradually by taking knowledge in stages. Rushing will harm more than it will benefit you.

By applying these strategies, you can excel in your quest for knowledge.

The principles covered in this section are:

• Taking the initiative to attain knowledge, and taking advantage of childhood and youth

• Making an effort in memorisation, revision, and asking questions

• Making good use of your time in seeking knowledge

• Choosing righteous companion for seeking knowledge

• Adhering to being unhurried in seeking knowledge and leaving off rushing

Etiquette and Conduct in Seeking Knowledge

Learn and follow Islamic ettiquettes of seeking knowledge with yourself, your teachers and your companions.

Avoid poor conduct in all aspects of life as knowledge does not stay with someone without manners.

Learn and follow proper classroom etiquettes when sitting in gatherings of knowledge.

Demonstrate respect for the scholar by honouring, revering and having admiration for them.

Approach a scholar with beneficial and thoughtful questions in a well-mannered way, with the intention of learning and gaining understanding only.

Seek fatwa from firmly grounded scholars regarding complex issues and adhere to the majority opinion or the safest opinion regardless of how you personally feel or think about it.

Safeguard the sacredness of Islamic knowledge by not learning from the people of innovation and rebuking any student who are argumentative or lack manners.

By adhering to these etiquettes, you demonstrate respect for the people of knowledge and the sacredness of the knowledge they share.

The principles covered in this section are:

• Adhering to the etiquette of seeking knowledge

• Guarding knowledge from the things that detract from it

• Honoring and respecting the people of knowledge

• Respecting the gatherings of knowledge and honoring those who have it

• Showing restraint when asking the scholars questions

• Refer the problematic aspects of knowledge to the people of knowledge

• Defending knowledge and preventing it from attack

About the author

Shaykh al-Muhaddith Dr. Saleh Ibn Abdullah Ibn Hamad al-Usaymi al-Utaybi حفظه الله (born 1391H in Saudi Arabia) is currently a prominent teacher at Masjid al-Nabawi who has also taught in Masjid al-Haram.