Seeking knowledge takes precedence over jihad in the path of Allah

Question:
What is better at this time: jihad in the path of Allah, or seeking knowledge, benefiting people, and removing ignorance? And what is the ruling on jihad for one who did not seek his parents' permission for jihad and went out to fight?

Answer:
Seeking knowledge is part of jihad, and it is obligatory to gain understanding of the religion and seek knowledge. If he finds jihad in the path of Allah—legitimate jihad—he should participate in it if he finds it, and it is among the best of deeds. However, he must learn and gain understanding of the religion, and this is better and takes precedence over jihad; because it is obligatory for him to gain understanding of his religion, and jihad is a recommended practice, a collective obligation; if some people fulfill it, it is lifted from the rest. But for a person to learn knowledge is a matter presumed upon him to gain understanding of his religion. If Allah facilitates Islamic jihad for him, there is no harm; it is prescribed for him to participate if he is able, but with his parents' permission.
As for obligatory jihad; when the enemy attacks the country, it is obligatory for everyone to fight if the enemy attacks the land of the Muslims. It is obligatory for all of them to fight and to repel the evil of the enemy, all of them. Even women must repel the evil of the enemy to the best of their ability.
As for the jihad of seeking (offensive jihad), for him to go to the enemy in their land and fight in their land, this is a collective obligation upon men.