Question:
What is the authenticity of this narration?
“Seek [knowledge] and teach it to people, for I will certainly illuminate the grave of the teacher and the seeker so that they do not feel desolate.”
Answer:
This Historical narration is recorded in Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam Ahmad and Jami’u Bayanil ‘Ilmi Wa Fadlihi. Ka’b Al Ahbar relates that Allah revealed to Nabi Musa (‘alayhis salam):
“Seek [knowledge] and teach it to people, for I will certainly illuminate the grave of the teacher and the seeker so that they do not feel desolate.”
(Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam Ahmad, Hadith: 353, Jami’u Bayanil ‘Ilmi Wa Fadlihi, Hadith: 324)
The chain is weak. However, the narration is suitable to quote for the purpose of encouragement to seek knowledge, as is the case with narrations of this nature.
(Refer: Lisanul Mizan, vol. 9 pg. 1115-116, number: 8960)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar