1.    Having Correct Intention:

The most important rule regarding seeking Islamic knowledge is having the correct intention. The meaning of this is that a person should solely aim to gain the pleasure of Allah Almighty by seeking Islamic knowledge. There cannot be any other intention at all, such as, receiving fame, getting a job etc.

2.    Showing Respect to One’s Teachers

The second most important rule is that a student of Islamic knowledge must always show respect to his/her teachers. This means that he/she should obey their teachers, serve them and honour them outwardly and inwardly by never talking negatively in relation to any teacher.

3.    Taking Care of Learning Resources

It is of utmost importance that a student looks after his/her books and other learning materials. Especially, if one is reading the Holy Qur’an, one must take extra care, avoiding the following actions: (1) to rest on the books, (2) to turn one’s back towards the books, (3) to leave the books open when not reading, and (4) scribbling inside or on the covers of one’s books unnecessarily.

4.    Punctuality and Regular Attendance

A student must try to attend the lessons regularly and on time. There is no doubt that being absent from the lessons regularly or arriving late adversely affects a student’s learning progress.

5.    Eagerness, Persistence and Hard work

He who seeks knowledge with eagerness will gain it. He who knocks on the door of knowledge persistently shall enter. A person will gain knowledge to the extent of his hard work. Imam Abu Hanifah (rahimahullah) said to his most senior student Imam Abu Yusuf (rahimahullah): “You were unlearned. But hard work in your studies took you out of ignorance. Moreover, beware of laziness, for it is a misfortune and a great calamity”.

See for more: Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam, Advice for the Student of Knowledge, JKN Publications.