The Messenger of Allahﷺsaid: “If one travels in search of knowledge, God will make him travel to Paradise; the angels, being highly pleased with him, spread their wings over the seeker of knowledge; everything in the heavens and on earth, even the fish in the depths of water, seeks forgiveness for a scholar; and the superiority of a learned man over one engaged in ritual worship is like that of a full moon over the rest of the stars.”
(Ahmad: Abu Darda)
Islam lays much emphasis on seeking knowledge. The Holy Qur’ān reminds the believer of the importance of knowledge and encourages him to attain the power of knowledge. For, it is knowledge that makes man of man.
Here the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) throws light on the significance of knowledge and learning. He gives the glad tidings that travelling in search of knowledge leads the believer to the Paradise. Angels welcome him with their wings wide spread. Everything in the heavens and on earth, even the fish in the depths of water, seeks forgiveness for a person who commits himself to academic pursuit.
A scholar or learned person is much better than a committed and devoted worshipper. Apparently a worshipper seems to be close to Allah. But the Messenger of Allah ﷺsays that in the eyes of Allah a learned man is superior to a worshipper.