Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah ad-Dimashqi al-Hanbalee Rahimaullah said:

“There are six stages to knowledge:

Firstly: Asking questions in a good manner.

Secondly: Remaining quiet and listening attentively.

Thirdly: Understanding well.

Fourthly: Memorising.

Fifthly: Teaching.

Sixthly: and it is its fruit: Acting upon the knowledge and keeping to its limits.”

[Miftaah Daarus-Sa ‘aadah p.283]

Six Etiquettes of Learning from Ibn al-Qayyim { Download PDF }