Bismillah
A short translation [edited for readability] from Sharh Riyaad as-Saliheen by Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen rahimahullah:
Abu Hurayrah may Allah be pleased with him reported that the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said,“Allah makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge.” [Saheeh Muslim]
The first meaning of path is a path that one walks on, such as when people leave their home to any location to gain knowledge. The specific destination does not restrict the meaning. Thus, the meaning includes a person traveling to a masjid, school, university, or any other location where knowledge is being dispensed. This meaning also includes a student of knowledge traveling from his city to another city to seek knowledge as the first meaning includes anyone literally ‘treading’ a path (stepping the steps on a path) towards knowledge.
A secondary meaning of path is defined as a process by which an individual seeks knowledge from scholars and books. Therefore, treading a path is not contingent on the actual movement of an individual-for example, one who investigates rulings without leaving his city or attends classes with scholars is indeed treading a path in search of knowledge according to this definition.
In summary, “treading on a path” is categorized into two primary definitions:
a) Physically walking upon a path.
b) Intention to connect oneself to knowledge, irrespective of ones physical state.
Whosoever treads this path, Allah subhana wa ta’ala facilitates for him a path to Paradise. This is due to the significance placed on learning knowledge of the Shariah (Islamic Law), which enables an individual to understand the rulings that Allah has sent down. With this type of knowledge, both prohibitions and commands can be understood in there proper light, identifying the path that pleases Allah, and connect oneself with Paradise. This connection will manifest itself in the obedience of Allah in ones life, and every time the desire for treading on the path increases, so too will ones connection with Paradise.
In this hadeeth, describing the fruits of the path to gaining knowledge, we learn that it is critical to take advantage of the opportunity to seek knowledge, specifically in times of our lives when we may be free from other difficulties. If the goal is to tread a path to your Lord by seeking knowledge, the efficient student would take heed before the obstacles of life litter his path (and distance his goal).
Source:
tayyibaat.com