The Description of Ilm (Knowledge)

Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله

There are many from the students of knowledge whose intention in seeking knowledge is nothing except for the attainment of leadership or wealth, and for every person is that which he intended. As for the people of knowledge and religion, they are the (true) people of knowledge.  This is what’s intended with them due to its benefit for them and their need for it in this life as well as in the hereafter. Just as Mu’aadh ibn Jabal (رضي اللّه عنـه) stated regarding the description of knowledge:

Indeed the seeking of it for the sake of Allaah is Ibaadah (worship). Reviewing it is a means of glorifying (Allaah).  The research of it is striving (for the sake of Allaah.)  Teaching it to the one who does not know it is sadaqah (charity). By way of it Allaah it is known and they worship Him.  Also (by way of it) Allaah is magnified and singled out (for all that which is specifically for Him). Based upon this we find the people who benefit from it and their souls are purified by way of it. They intend with it the following of the truth and not the following of desires. The traverse on it: the path of justice and fairness. They love it and find delight with it. They love an abundance of it and the abundance of its people. 

Their resolution is to act in accordance to it, its mandate and that which it requires is revitalized in contrast to the one who hasn’t tasted its sweetness and his intention is nothing except for (the attainment of) wealth or leadership. Indeed if there was another way for him to attain it, he would traverse upon it and he would possibly give precedence to it (over the path of seeking knowledge) if it was easier upon him.

{Source: Minhaaj as-Sunnah 8/210}