Ibn alQayyim (rahimahullaah) said,
There are six stages to knowledge,
Firstly, Asking questions in a good manner.
Secondly, Remaining quiet and listening attentively.
Thirdly, Understanding well.
Fourthly, Memorizing.
Fifthly, Teaching.
Sixthly- and it is its fruit, Acting upon the knowledge and keeping to its limits.
Miftaah Daarus Sa aadah p.283
Sufyan bin Uyainah (Allah have mercy on him) said,
The first step in knowledge is to listen, then to be quiet and attentive, then to preserve it, then to put it into practice and then to spread it.
Abu Nuaym, Hilyah AlAwliya Vol.3 p283
Masruq (Allah have mercy on him) said,
Sufficient as knowledge for a person is that he fears Allah, and sufficient as ignorance for a person is that he feels impressed with the knowledge he has.
AlAjurri in Akhlaq AlUlama no.40.
