of the scholars or by consulting the pages of books. Thus, whoever turns to the books to look up the ruling of a legal issue—even though he may be sitting comfortably in his chair—has embarked upon a path in pursuit of knowledge. Likewise, whoever sits before a teacher to learn from him has set out upon a path seeking knowledge, even while remaining seated. Therefore, as you have heard, “treading the path” is of two kinds: the first is the physical path upon which one’s feet walk, and the second is the path that leads to knowledge even if a person never leaves his place.

Whoever sets foot on this path, Allah will, by virtue of it, make a path to Paradise easy for him. Through sacred knowledge you come to know the rulings of what Allah has revealed, you become acquainted with His law, His commands, and His prohibitions. By means of that knowledge you are guided to the way that pleases Allah and leads to Paradise. The more eagerly you pursue the avenues that lead to knowledge, the more avenues open that lead you to the Garden.

In this ḥadith lies an unmistakable encouragement to seek knowledge. A person should seize the opportunity—especially the young, whose memories are quick and whose learning stays with them. He ought to hasten while time and life are still in his hands, before something arises to distract him.

As for the second ḥadith, it too is narrated by Abū Hurayrah: the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever calls others to guidance will receive a reward equal to the rewards of those who follow him,” meaning until the Day of Resurrection. Calling to guidance means teaching people: the caller to guidance is the one who informs others, clarifies the truth for them, and directs them to it. Such a person will earn the same reward as the one who acts upon that guidance. For instance, you advise someone to perform witr, making the last of his night prayer an odd number as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded, and he… said: