> Knowledge Quest to China

[Assad]

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The quote of seeking knowledge even if this requires travelling to China is widespread amongst the Muslim World , therefore its important that we verify its authenticity. Below is the fatwa by a famous Saudi scholar who often writes for national newspaper " Arab News"

Question:
Is it an authentic Hadith that says that one should seek education, even though it requires him to travel to China for the purpose?
(Emran K.)


Answer:


I could not find the statement, "Seek knowledge, even though it may be in China,' in any book of Hadith. It is a famous statement, and it is often thought of as a Hadith, but I believe it is not. It may be the word of one of the Prophet's companions, most probably Ali ibn Abi Talib. However, its message is in line with Islamic teachings. What it signifies is that knowledge is to be sought because it is needed in every way, by both the individual who seeks it and the Muslim community. So, no matter what difficulties one may face in acquiring knowledge, he should try to pursue it as much as he or she can.


Adil Salahi | Arab News

[Assad]

Question: I study in USA. When I go to my University I cover myself with loose clothes and wear hijab. But, still that University is coeducation. I try to avoid talking to Non Mahram but sometimes I have to talk to them. I want to complete my education here and then want to live in some Islamic country. Is it right for me to study in USA? Does this hadith "Even if u have to go to China to earn knowledge, go" applies to woman too?

Answer: Praise be to Allaah.

With regard to girls studying in these mixed societies and in this corrupt environment, please see the answer to Question # 5384.

With regard to the hadeeth mentioned, “Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China, for seeking knowledge is a duty on every Muslim,” Shaykh al-Albaani said in Da’eef al-Jaami’: “(It is) fabricated.” (no. 906).

The proven hadeeth is that which was narrated by Ibn Maajah from the hadeeth of Anas ibn Maalik, who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.’” (220. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan Ibn Maajah. What is meant by knowledge here is knowledge of sharee’ah (Islamic knowledge). Al-Thawri said: “It is the knowledge for which no person has any excuse for not knowing.” And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Source: http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/13637