Seeking Knowledge is Better than Jihad

Surely, the angels lower their wings for the seeker of ilm (Islamic knowledge) out of pleasure for what he is seeking. This is a great benefit which indicates the virtue of knowledge and seeking it. What is meant by it (ilm) is Islamic knowledge, meaning the knowledge which the Prophet ﷺ has brought forth. As for worldly knowledge, it is for the Dunya (worldly life). However, seeking the knowledge which the Prophet ﷺ brought forth is what is praised, and it is emphasized in the Quran and Sunnah. Also, it’s a type of Jihad in the path of Allah, because this religion is established by two things: It is established by knowledge, clarification, and (also) by arms and the sword. Some of the ulama (scholars) said: verily, seeking knowledge is better than Jihad in the path of Allah using arms. That’s because preserving the religion is only accomplished through knowledge. And performing Jihad in the path of Allah, I mean with arms, is built upon knowledge. A Mujahid (fighter) doesn’t march, fight, stop, divide the bounty, or make rulings regarding war captives except by way of knowledge. Knowledge is everything, therefore Allah the Almighty said: “Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge” [Surah Al-Mujadilah: 11]. The angels lowering their wings for the seeker of ilm is out of pleasure for what he is seeking and out of respect for him.