Acquiring knowledge

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) said:

 "Acquiring knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim. (At-Tabarani)

This narration applies equally to men and women. "Knowledge" in this context refers primarily to knowledge of the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah as no Muslim should be ignorant of his or her Faith, but it also covers other areas of general education, which can contribute to the welfare of civilization.