The praiseworthy and the useless
How to choose what to learn, and what to leave alone.
About 25 minutes of listening
Book 1: The Book of Knowledge
Imam al-Ghazali · Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din
The first book of the Ihya examines the nature and purpose of knowledge, distinguishing beneficial from harmful knowledge, and establishing the foundations of Islamic learning and scholarship.
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From The Book of Knowledge.
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"Regarding religious sciences, which are the focus of this clarification, all of them are praiseworthy, though there may be some that appear religious but are blameworthy. They are divided into praiseworthy and blameworthy. The praiseworthy sciences have fundamentals, branches, introductions, and supplementary aspects. They are divided into four types: The first type: the fundamentals, which are four - the Book of Allah Almighty, the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, the consensus of the community, and the traditions of the Companions."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 1: The Book of Knowledge
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"Regarding abstentions, the learning of related knowledge becomes necessary as new situations arise, varying with personal conditions. For example, a mute person is not required to learn about forbidden speech, a blind person is not required to learn about forbidden sights, and a nomad is not required to learn about places forbidden to inhabit."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 1: The Book of Knowledge
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"Medicine fits this category as it is needed to maintain the body's health. Even if one were alone, medicine would still be required. Jurisprudence, however, differs in that if a person were alone, they might not need it. Humans are created such that they cannot live alone, unable to manage obtaining food, clothing, and shelter by themselves."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 1: The Book of Knowledge