Explanation of the saying: "This knowledge is religion"

Question:
The honorable Shaykh says: This saying is attributed to whom, and what is its meaning? That this knowledge is religion, so know what you are taking as your religion?

Answer:
Answer: Yes, this is found from some of the Salaf (the earliest generations); I think it is from Ibn Sirin (may Allah have mercy on him). He said, "Knowledge is religion," because religion is established upon knowledge. Therefore, religion without knowledge is of no benefit. Religion is established upon knowledge, so a person must learn what will make his religion upright. This is from the perspective of the second aspect: the Shaykhs and teachers differ among themselves. Some fear Allah and revere Him, and they raise students on correct knowledge and correct creed. This is the one from whom knowledge should be taken. As for the misguided scholar, the lax scholar, or the hypocrite whose knowledge is only on his tongue, it is not permissible to take knowledge from him. Nor is it permissible to take knowledge from the innovator, because he affects his student.