Question 94: Which of
these two is better: performing Qiyaamul-layl or seeking for knowledge?
Response: Seeking for
knowledge is better than performing qiyaamul-layl. This is because, as
stated by Imaam Ahmad, there is nothing equivalent to it for the individual
whose intention is sound, who intends to remove ignorance from himself and
others with his quest for knowledge. Therefore, if a person stays awake in the
first part of the night in order to seek for knowledge desiring the Face of
Allaah alone, regardless of whether he was studying or teaching people, such is
better than performing qiyaamul- layl.
Nevertheless,
if he has the ability to combine the two affairs together, it is better.
However, if one is to choose between the two issues, then seeking for Sharee’ah
knowledge is better and preferable. That is why the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi
wa sallam) instructed Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) to perform
the witr prayer before he sleeps. The scholars say the reason is that Abu
Hurayrah used to memorize the ahaadeeth of the Prophet (sallallaahu
alayhi wa sallam) in the first part of the night and sleep in the last part of
the night. So the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) directed him to
perform witr prayer before he sleeps.
Source:
Kitaabul-‘Ilm, p. 136-137 by Shaykh Muhammad Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen
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