Reference: Kitaabul-‘Ilm – Page 119, Question 17
Question: Briefly, what is the way to seek knowledge, and may Allaah reward you with good?
Response: Briefly, in point form, the way to seek knowledge [is as follows]:
1) Take care to memorise the Book of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى and allocate some time every day to memorise and read, such that your recitation is with reflection and understanding. And if you come across a beneficial point whilst reading, then make a note of it;
2) Take care to memorise that which is easy [for you] from the authentic Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ and from that [I recommend] memorising [the book] «’Umdatul-Ahkaam»;
3) Take care in concentrating and confirming [whilst seeking knowledge] such that you do not take a little knowledge from here and a little from there. This is because this wastes your time and [unnecessarily] busies your mind;
4) Start with the smaller books and study them well, then move on to that which is above this [in level] until you obtain knowledge little by little in a manner which makes firm [the knowledge] in your heart and to that which you are at peace (comfortable) with;
5) Take care to understand the fundamental issues, their rules and the limits of all that passes by you, as it has been said:
«Whoever does not take care to learn the fundamentals/principles, then he has prevented [himself] from arriving at the conclusion/goal»;
6) Discuss issues with your Shaykh or someone who is known for his knowledge and [practise of the] religion based upon the conditions you know. [Even if you are mentally able to discuss the issue].
