If anyone pursues a path in search of knowledge, Allah will thereby make easy for him a path to paradise; and he who is made slow by his actions will not be speeded by his genealogy.
Hadith Commentary: The Excellence of Seeking Knowledge
This noble hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud (3643) in the Book of Knowledge (Kitab Al-Ilm) contains profound wisdom regarding the virtue of seeking Islamic knowledge and its connection to divine assistance and spiritual merit.
The Path to Paradise
"If anyone pursues a path in search of knowledge, Allah will thereby make easy for him a path to paradise" - This portion establishes a direct causal relationship between the effort expended in seeking beneficial knowledge and divine facilitation toward salvation. The "path" refers not only to physical travel to scholars and learning circles but also to the spiritual journey of purification and understanding.
Scholars explain that Allah's facilitation manifests in multiple ways: easing the difficulties in acquiring knowledge, illuminating the heart with understanding, providing opportunities to act upon what one learns, and ultimately guiding the seeker through the trials of this world toward the eternal gardens.
Actions Over Lineage
"He who is made slow by his actions will not be speeded by his genealogy" - This profound statement dismantles any reliance on tribal pride or noble ancestry. In the Divine Court, what matters are one's deeds and spiritual state, not one's family background or social status.
The classical commentators emphasize that if a person's actions are deficient and slow his progress toward Allah, no amount of prestigious lineage can compensate or accelerate his spiritual journey. This establishes the fundamental Islamic principle of individual responsibility and merit based on piety and righteous deeds.
Practical Implications
This hadith encourages Muslims to actively seek knowledge through proper channels - attending classes, studying with qualified teachers, and consistently applying what they learn.
It also serves as a reminder that in matters of religion, everyone stands equal before Allah, distinguished only by their taqwa (God-consciousness) and the quality of their deeds. Neither wealth, nor tribe, nor family name can substitute for sincere worship and righteous conduct.