ABU DHABI // Allah gives us the gift of knowledge, which in turn brings happiness, today's sermon will remind worshippers.
"One of the greatest blessings of Allah is that human beings were bestowed upon by knowledge," the sermon says.
It cites a Surat Al Baqara verse that states: "And He taught Adam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, 'Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful'. They said, 'Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise'."
With knowledge comes good feelings, the sermon adds. It also "enlightens the mind and insight".
"Knowledge brings happiness to one, it benefits and guides in the good and bad times," the sermon says. "Because of its importance, knowledge is the first word received to the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him," the sermon says.
It highlights a verse from the Quran that says: "Recite in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance. Recite, and you Lord is the most Generous. Who taught by the pen. Taught man which he knew not."
The sermon says as children return to school, the "educational organisations will be ready to receive them" and that "knowledge has been a steady principle in the many verses of the Quran".
"As the Prophet Mohammed said, 'The Angels put their wings for the seeker of knowledge'," the sermon adds.
It ends by telling teachers, pupils and parents about the importance of learning.
"Students, know that your school days are filled with worship, and you are doing your community a favour in which you are given the chance to develop the countries," it says.
"Parents, you are responsible for your children, help guide them to the way of knowledge. And teachers, you were given the responsibility to teach the children of the community. Appreciate the good, and help the weak to become good."