and those who are born after them, while its possessor himself benefits from it in his lifetime and after his death. The Prophet ﷺ said, “When a human being dies, his deeds are cut off except for three: an ongoing charity, knowledge from which people benefit, or a righteous child who prays for him.”

Everyone needs knowledge—prophets and those below them alike. For that reason Allah commanded His Prophet, “And say: ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’” He also said, “Do not rush with the Quran before its revelation to you is completed; instead say: ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’” Thus the messengers themselves are in need of knowledge, of ever increasing it, and of asking Allah to add to it; how much more, then, do those beneath the prophets need it! It is therefore proper for the servant to keep asking Allah to augment his knowledge.

However, when he asks Allah for more knowledge he must also pursue the means by which knowledge is acquired. To say, “My Lord, increase me in knowledge,” while neglecting the necessary means is neither wise nor correct. It is like someone who prays, “O Allah, grant me a child,” yet never marries—where would the child come from? Whenever you ask Allah for something, you must strive for the means that lead to it, for Allah is Wise and has joined effects to their causes.

The verse, “And say: ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge,’” is proof of the excellence of knowledge. Allah did not say to His Prophet, “Say: My Lord, increase me in wealth,” but rather, “My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” Concerning worldly life He told him, “Do not let your eyes roam toward what We have given some groups of them to enjoy—the adornment of the worldly life—so that We may test them thereby; the provision of your Lord is better and more lasting.”

I ask Allah, Exalted is He, to bless us and you with beneficial knowledge, righteous deeds, and the call to Allah.