Shaykh Al-Albānī on How Little We Know, and an Authentic Supplication for Knowledge

Shaykh Muḥammad Nāṣir al-Dīn al-Albānī said:

…[A]s time goes by and my life keeps getting longer, I keep increasing in the strength of my belief in Allāh the Most High and Great’s saying:

[EnglishMeaning:]

You have not been given of [Allāh’s] knowledge except a small amount. (Al‑Isrāʾ 85)

…and [in the belief] that the more a person increases in knowledge over time, the more aware he becomes of his [own] ignorance.

And because of that it was from Allāh’s commands to His prophet ﷺ  that He said to him, teaching us [as well]:

[English Meaning:]

And say, my Lord increase me in knowledge. (Ṭā Hā 114)

And for that reason, it was from his ﷺ supplications [to ask]:

اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِي، وَعَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِي، وَزِدْنِي عِلْماً

O Allāh, grant me benefit out that which You have taught me, teach me that which will be of benefit to me, and increase me in knowledge.

Graded Hasan by Al-Albānī (Al-Silsilah al-Ṣaḥīḥah, no. 3150)