Abu Darda (R.A) narrates: I heard Rasulullah (SAW) saying: “The death of an Aalim (Islamic Scholar), is such a calamity that it can neither be made up nor compensated for; and he was a star (of guidance and due to his death) his light is lost. The death of a whole tribe is less significant than the death of an ‘Alim.” (Baihaqi, Shua’bil Imaan, Vol.3, Pg.223-224, Hadith No.1572, Published by Maktaba Ar Rushd)
Ibn Abbas (R.A) narrated, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “The virtue of knowledge is superior than worship and the foundation of religion is piety.” (Majma oz Zawaid, Pg.159, Vol.1, Hadith No.480, Published by Darul Khutub Ilmiyah)
“Let us utilize these gifts of intelligence and reasoning which Allah Ta’ala has bestowed on us and choose that which will benefit us and our children in this life and in the Hereafter. A gift of knowledge is light in darkness.” (Mufti Waseem Khan [Hafizahullah])
“Knowledge revives the dead hearts and drives them out of darkness into light” (Mu’adh bin Jabal [R.A])