The Range of Obligatory Knowledge in Islam

The Quranic verses and prophetic traditions are replete with recommendations about acquiring knowledge. What is meant by knowledge? What kind of knowledge are we supposed to acquire? What is the range of knowledge which is intended by Islam and which we must seek? Are technical and natural sciences counted as part of the recommendation? These are questions addressed and dealt with in this study. The conclusion that has been reached indicates that the knowledge meant for acquisition according to Quran and tradition is not confined to religious and divine knowledge; rather it includes technical, professional and natural sciences as well. However, secondary exigencies such as the need of Islamic society, as well as the dignity, sovereignty and independence of society being associated with technical and natural sciences would make the acquisition of these sciences obligatory in a kifai way which means that it is obligatory on Muslims to acquire, and which, when acquired by some of them, is no longer obligatory on the rest.