Faith and Knowledge in Islam: Lessons from Abu Hurairah and the Branches of Iman
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. Today, I want to share a reflection on the importance of beneficial knowledge and the role of faith (Iman) in shaping our lives, inspired by the words of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the legacy of his noble companion, Abu Hurairah (RA).
Knowledge as a Growing Light
Islam encourages seeking every form of beneficial knowledge. Just as the world advances with new sciences and technologies, Muslims are urged to use these tools to develop and present Islamic knowledge in ways that benefit society.
The Qur’an emphasizes:
“Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’” (Qur’an 39:9, quran.com/39/9)
Knowledge in Islam is compared to a pure spring — quenching the thirst of those who long for guidance from the Qur’an and Sunnah. Like flowers blooming in a garden, knowledge brings life, beauty, and clarity to the heart.
Abu Hurairah (RA): A Guardian of Hadith
One of the most well-known narrators of hadith is Abu Hurairah (RA), whose real name was Abd al-Rahman ibn Sakhr al-Dawsi. He embraced Islam and devoted his life to preserving the sayings of the Prophet ﷺ. Living through the caliphates of Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (RA), he became a key source of prophetic traditions for the Muslim Ummah.
Abd al-Rahman b. Auf reported: I heard Mu'awiya b. Abu Sufyan saying in an address that he had heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: He to whom Allah intends to do good, He gives him insight into religion. And I am only the distributor while Allah is the Bestower.
Sahih Muslim 1037b
https://sunnah.com/muslim:1037b
This highlights the value of companions like Abu Hurairah (RA), who dedicated their lives to preserving and teaching knowledge.
It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) said: Faith has over seventy branches or over sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no god but Allah, and the humblest of which is the, removal of what is injurious from the path: and modesty is a branch of faith.
Sahih Muslim 35b
https://sunnah.com/muslim:35b
This hadith shows that Iman is comprehensive: it covers belief, worship, manners, and service to others. Even a simple act like removing harm from a pathway is part of faith, while modesty (ḥayāʾ) is highlighted as a key characteristic of a true believer.
In today’s world, modesty is often undervalued, yet the Prophet ﷺ described it as an essential part of faith. The Qur’an commands both men and women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty:
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity… and tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity.” (Qur’an 24:30-31, quran.com/24/30-31)
This shows that modesty is not just about clothing but about humility, respect, and self-discipline.
Important Notes
Conclusion:
Faith and knowledge are inseparable in Islam. Just as beneficial knowledge grows and spreads like flowers in a garden, faith grows stronger through belief, worship, and good manners. May Allah grant us understanding of our religion and allow us to embody the branches of Iman in our lives.
“Indeed, Allah loves those who rely upon Him.” (Qur’an 3:159, quran.com/3/159)