In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
“Is he who payeth adoration in the watches of the night, prostrate and standing, bewaring of the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, (to be accounted equal with a disbeliever)? Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Are those who know equal with those who know not? But only men of understanding will pay heed.” (39:9)
The Splendor of Knowledge and Wisdom.
By Dr. Hamzah Ibn Fa'i' Al Fathi.
May Allah preserve him: The superiority of knowledge over worship.
The scholar ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, said—
who passed away in the year 68 AH—
"Studying knowledge for an hour during the night
is better than spending the whole night in worship."
There is no comparison between knowledge and worship,
for knowledge is higher and more sublime.
This is because its benefit is far-reaching and its radiance is magnificent,
unlike worship,
which is limited and exclusive to the one performing it.
It is for this reason that the salaf favored it,
such as Ibn ‘Abbas, Al-Shafi‘i, and others, as has been narrated.
They preferred it over one who wavered between the two.
The reason is that knowledge brings life to the heart and the intellect,
and provides zakat for the soul and understanding,
benefiting both the self and the creation,
dispelling ignorance and folly,
and removing harm and corruption.
Worship, by contrast, may offer nothing beyond the reward and the expansion of the soul.
Al-Qurtubi, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
"If there were anything more noble than knowledge,
Allah the Almighty would have commanded His Prophet, peace be upon him,
to ask Him for an increase in it,
just as He commanded him to seek an increase in knowledge."
Sometimes, a worshiper may underestimate knowledge and fiqh,
and thus fall into error and extremism,
practicing religion based on ignorance and innovation,
without even realizing it.
He may remain in error for ages without being aware of it.
Therefore, it is said to the student of knowledge:
"Learn before you practice religion."
Strive for knowledge that elevates you,
not for worship that lets you down.
An ignorant worshiper is shackled by Satan,
and is a target for humiliation and manipulation.
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said,
in what has been authentically narrated from him:
"The superiority of the scholar over the worshiper
is like my superiority over the lowest among you."
There is no harm in staying up late occasionally,
with moderation, in pursuit of knowledge,
unless one fears missing the dawn prayer.
It is not disliked for one who is diligent and benefits from it,
provided he does not neglect a mandatory duty or obligation.
Al-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
"The scholars have stated
that the hadith which is disliked after the night prayer (Isha')
is that which concerns matters containing no benefit.
As for that which contains benefit and goodness,
there is no dislike in it."
This includes studying knowledge,
narrating the stories of the righteous,
conversing with a guest,
or with a bride to put her at ease,
or a man conversing with his wife and children
for the sake of kindness and necessity,
or conversing with travelers
to ensure the safety of their belongings or themselves,
or speaking to reconcile between people.