Increase in Knowledge

Tafsir of Sheikh Abd al-Rahman al-Saadi

Sheikh as-Saadi writes: “Knowledge is the highest good. The more useful knowledge a person has of Allah, His religion and His verses, the greater his God-consciousness, his wisdom and his elevation in rank.”

Tafsir of Imam Ibn Kathir

Ibn Kathir notes: “The Prophet Muhammad constantly asked for an increase of useful knowledge and sought refuge from knowledge that is of no benefit.”

Tafsir al-Baghawi

“…And exalted is Allah, the Sovereign, the True…” Allah is exalted above the fact that the unbelievers deny Him and that the polytheists say things about Him.

“…And do not hasten with the Qur’an…” This refers to the fact that when Jibril descended to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) with the Qur’an, he wished to begin reciting it before Jibril had finished reciting what he intended. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did this for fear of missing something or forgetting it, but Allah Most High forbade him to do so, saying: “…And do not hasten with the Qur’an…” that is, do not hasten in reciting it.

“…before its revelation to you is completed…” that is, before Jibril has finished conveying the verses. A similar verse is: “Do not move your tongue with it, [O Prophet]…” (Surah “al-Qiyamah,” verse 16).

Ya‘qub recited “naqdi” (We shall complete) with a fathah on the nun and a kasrah on the dal, and the word “wahyahu” (its revelation).

Mujahid and Qatadah said: Do not teach it to your companions, and do not recite it to them until its meaning has been explained to you.

“…And say: ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge!’…” that is, through the Qur’an and its meanings. Another opinion is: knowledge added to the knowledge already possessed.

When Ibn Mas‘ud recited this verse, he would say: “O Allah, increase me in faith and certainty.”