that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Whoever learns knowledge for other than (the sake of) Allah, or intends by it other than Allah, then let him take his seat in the Fire."
Hadith Text & Reference
"Whoever learns knowledge for other than (the sake of) Allah, or intends by it other than Allah, then let him take his seat in the Fire."
Book: Chapters on Knowledge | Author: Jami' at-Tirmidhi | Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2655
Meaning & Context
This profound hadith addresses the fundamental importance of sincerity (ikhlas) in seeking Islamic knowledge. The Prophet (ﷺ) warns against acquiring religious knowledge for worldly motives such as fame, status, argumentation, or showing superiority over others.
The phrase "take his seat in the Fire" employs powerful imagery to emphasize the grave consequence of learning sacred knowledge with impure intentions, indicating a permanent abode in Hellfire for such individuals.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that knowledge here refers specifically to Islamic sciences - Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, and related disciplines. The warning applies to those who learn to argue with scholars, boast over the ignorant, or attract worldly positions and wealth.
Imam al-Ghazali states: "Knowledge is a means to drawing closer to Allah. When it becomes a means to worldly gains, it becomes a cause of distance from Allah." Scholars differentiate between learning for Allah's pleasure and accidentally acquiring worldly benefits while maintaining primary sincerity.
The repetition of "other than Allah" emphasizes that any deviation from pure divine intention corrupts the entire endeavor. True knowledge must lead to humility, piety, and increased worship - not arrogance or worldly competition.
Practical Implications
Students of knowledge must constantly purify their intentions, seeking only Allah's pleasure. They should learn to act upon knowledge, teach others sincerely, and remove ignorance from themselves and the community.
Scholars advise regular self-assessment: "Why am I learning this? Would I still study if no one praised me? If I gained no worldly benefit?" This hadith serves as a perpetual reminder that the acceptance of deeds depends entirely on the purity of intention behind them.