The Da’wah To Islam by Sheikh Ahmad Mahmoud

As for the Shar’ee rule in respect to the mukallaf (legally responsible person), every sane and mature Muslim is obliged to gain knowledge in the deen regarding the matters necessary for him (to act on) in life. This is because he is commanded to conduct all his actions according to the orders and prohibitions of Allah 􀀬. That is not possible without knowledge of the Shar’ee rules relating to his actions. Therefore, seeking knowledge in the deen about the rules necessary for the Muslim in life is fard ‘ayni (individual obligation) and not a collective obligation. Anything more than that is mustahab (recommended), in relation to him.When he prays he must know how he should pray. If his wealth reaches the nisaab and one year has passed on it, he is obliged to pay Zakah. It is incumbent on him then to know what he must pay in accordance with the amount he possesses. If his wealth is gold or silver, then he must learn how to pay the Zakah and to whom it should be paid. There is no harm on him however if he does not know the rules of zakah relating to fruits and livestock. If he knew such rules then he has increased in the goodness and had his reward. If he undertook the task of working to establish the Islamic State, then he is obliged to learn that which is necessary to establish this State. Thus, every obligation is linked to his responsibility, the knowledge of it is accordingly linked with it.

In this way the Muslim, if that is guaranteed for him, will be content about the correctness of his Imaan and soundness of his adherence.

If his intention is purely for his Lord, and he is guided to the correct action, he will find a merciful Lord,Who accepts his action and saves him on the Day of reckoning by His Mercy.