Purpose of Study

Intention is necessary in the study of science, since every deed is rooted in intention, as attested to in the words of the Prophet [SA], "Deeds [are measured] by their intentions." This is an authentic tradition. The Messenger of God [SA] also said:

How many are the deeds which bear the image of the deeds of this world but then become -through their good intention -among the deeds of the Hereafter! And how many are the deeds which bear the image of the Hereafter but then become -through their evil intention -among the deeds of this world!

One must intend [with knowledge] to being thankful [to God] for a healthy mind and a sound body; one should not, however, [intend] to attract people toward himself, or reap the vanities of the world, or obtain honors from the king, and the like.

Muhammad ibn al-Hasan said, "If the people, all of them, were my slaves, I would emancipate them and free myself from being their patron." This is because he who finds pleasure in knowledge and in acting according to it, rarely does he desire man's [worldly]
possessions.

One must intend [with knowledge] to being thankful [to God] for a healthy mind and a sound body; one should not, however, [intend] to attract people toward himself, or reap the vanities of the world, or obtain honors from the king, and the like.

Muhammad ibn al-Hasan said, "If the people, all of them, were my slaves, I would emancipate them and free myself from being their patron." This is because he who finds pleasure in knowledge and in acting according to it, rarely does he desire man's [worldly] possessions.

It is essential for one who strives for knowledge to reflect on this. One should seek knowledge with great personal devotion/efford/attention and not apply it to this base, small, and perishable world. [As the poet said]:

This world is more worthless than the worthless,
And its lover is baser than the base.
It renders people deaf by its magic and makes them blind
so they become perplexed with no guide.

Indeed, modesty is a quality of the God-fearing,
and by it do the pious ascend [to sublime heights].