Which Is Better — Abundant Worship or Acquiring Knowledge of the Sacred Law

Question

Which is better — abundant worship, or acquiring knowledge of the Sacred Law? And does abundant worship give rise to karamat (a saint’s miracle), while acquiring knowledge of the Sacred Law gives rise to complete guidance?

Answer

Abundance of supererogatory (nafl) worship is a cause of the elevation of one’s own ranks; abundant striving in acquiring knowledge of the Sacred Law brings a benefit that extends to others (muta‘addi), which is superior. Sincerity (ikhlas) is in any case necessary. [ar]عن حذيفة بن اليمان مرفوعًا: فضل العلم خير من فضل العبادة.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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