If knowledge with practice produces emaan or faith, does it then mean that without knowledge there is no faith?

Without knowledge, people have the wrong faith and the wrong emaan. For example, it’s just how a Buddhist or the Hindu has faith and emaan in his idols. However, this is not the emaan which will get him into Paradise. Without knowledge, the faith that one has is likely to be the wrong faith.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim." [1]

It is obvious that if one does not have sufficient knowledge about the message of the Qur'an, for instance, then there is hardly a chance of one performing deeds that are in coherence with the teachings of the Qur'an. Therefore, knowledge must precede performing deeds. However, if knowledge does not prompt a person to perform correct deeds then this knowledge is like a tree that produces neither fruits nor gives shadow.

As I see it, both knowledge and deeds are of utmost importance. The only difference, however, is that knowledge must precede actions. Actions that are not based on knowledge may ultimately prove to be harmful rather than beneficial; while knowledge that does not produce actions is completely useless.

Keeping the foregoing explanation in perspective, my answer to your question is in the affirmative: Yes, every person must try to get the maximum level of knowledge about his religion that his particular circumstances, abilities and opportunities permit. Subsequently, his actions should be based on this Knowledge.

And Allah knows best.

Reference:

[1] Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 74