Fatwa · Character & Etiquette
What etiquette should a student of knowledge keep in mind?
Seek knowledge with humility, consistency and respect for teachers, sources and fellow students.
The answer
Begin with a sincere intention: to worship God, to act on what you learn and to benefit others. Then be realistic about method. A structured course, a clear reading list and a regular time for study will take you further than collecting scattered videos and quotations.
Check sources before repeating them. Learn who transmitted a report, what a term means in its discipline and where a scholar has explained a text. Respect your teachers by preparing, listening and asking questions without turning the lesson into a debate. Respect fellow students by making room for beginners and by not showing off.
Put knowledge into practice, even in small ways. A student who learns about patience and then behaves impatiently has not yet understood the lesson. Keep company with people who encourage good character, and avoid arguments that are more about winning than learning. If you are unsure, say so.
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