عن جابر بن عبد الله، أن النبي - صلى الله عليه وسلم - قال: "لا تعلموا العلم لتباهوا به العلماء، ولا لتماروا به السفهاء، ولا تخيروا به المجالس، فمن فعل ذلك، فالنار النار".
[صحيح] - [رواه ابن ماجه]
المزيــد ...

Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Do not seek knowledge in order to show off in front of the scholars, or to argue with the foolish, and do not choose the best seat in a gathering, and whoever does that, the Fire, the Fire."
Sahih/Authentic. - [Ibn Maajah]

Explanation

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: Do not seek knowledge in order to brag about it before the scholars and to say "I am a scholar like you" and treat people arrogantly and feel superior to them. And do not seek it to argue with the foolish, the feeble-minded, and the ignorant. Do not say to them: We are more knowledgeable and you are fools. Thus, discord and rancor will arise among you. Do not choose the best and prominent seats in gatherings due to your knowledge. A person may seek knowledge in order to gain prominence and preference in people's meetings. Whoever does so - bragging about his knowledge before the scholars, arguing with the foolish, or choosing the prominent seats in gatherings - the Fire, the Fire. In other words, he deserves to enter Hellfire, without eternal stay therein. So, let him beware of it. Moreover, Allah Almighty's grace is immense, and He may pardon him, if He so wills, and save him from Hellfire.

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Benefits from the Hadith

  1. The Hadīth warns those who seek knowledge to brag about it or use it for arguing with the foolish or achieving prominence in gatherings.
  2. It is important that we rectify our intention when we seek knowledge, and our seeking knowledge should be solely for the sake of Allah Almighty.
  3. The intention is the basis of deeds and their reward in the Hereafter.