Knowledge
العلمThe pursuit of sacred knowledge and the etiquette of the seeker.
What the classical scholars said about ʿilm — what makes knowledge beneficial, who deserves to carry it, and the difference between the knowledge that inflates the ego and the knowledge that draws a person closer to Allah.
In the Iḥyāʾ's Book of Knowledge, al-Ghazālī records that knowledge is of two kinds: knowledge on the tongue, which is an argument against its owner, and knowledge in the heart, which is the beneficial kind, and that a person is not a scholar until he acts on what he knows. Ibn al-Qayyim adds in al-Fawāʾid that real knowledge is what the Messenger brought, not mere talk. Al-Ghazālī also warns that arrogance is the affliction of knowledge. So learn in order to act, and let what you learn make you more humble, not more proud.
7,750 matches across the library · 36 curated below
"Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah makes easy for him the path to Paradise."
Imam al-Ghazali
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"Chapter Five: On the Etiquette of the Teacher and the Student Chapter Six: On the Dangers of Knowledge and Scholars, and the Distinguishing Signs between the Scholars of this World and the Hereafter Chapter Seven: On the Intellect, Its Virtue, Its Divisions, and What Has Been Reported About It Chapter One: On the Virtue of Knowledge, Teaching, Learning, and Its Evidences from Revelation and Reason The Virtue of Knowledge Its Evidences from the Qur'an: Allah, Glorious and Exalted, says: "Allah bears witness that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge, upholding justice."
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"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The Book of Knowledge Containing Seven Chapters: Chapter One: On the Virtue of Knowledge, Teaching, and Learning Chapter Two: On the Obligation of Individual Duty and Collective Duty in Sciences, and the Definition of Jurisprudence and Theology in the Science of Religion, as well as the Distinction between the Knowledge of the Hereafter and the Knowledge of the World Chapter Three: On What the General Public Considers Religious Knowledge but Is Not, and Clarification of the Nature and Extent of Blameworthy Knowledge"
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"That is why ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "I feel overwhelmed by two kinds of people: a debauched scholar and a pretentious ignorant, for the ignorant deludes people by his piety, and the scholar misleads them with his debauchery. Allah knows best." Chapter Six: On the Afflictions of Knowledge and the Signs of Scholars of the Hereafter and the Bad Scholars We have discussed the merit of knowledge and scholars, and there is significant emphasis in the texts about bad scholars, indicating that they will face severe punishment on the Day of Judgment."
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""The people who will be punished the most on the Day of Judgment are the scholars whose knowledge did not benefit them. He also said, "A person is not a scholar until he acts upon his knowledge. Furthermore, he stated, "Knowledge is of two kinds: knowledge on the tongue, which is God's argument against His creation, and knowledge in the heart, which is the beneficial knowledge."
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"as He said, "He created man, He taught him speech. If the beauty and nobility of knowledge are beloved and considered an ornament and perfection, then only God Almighty should be loved for this reason. The knowledge of scholars is ignorance compared to His knowledge. If one were to recognize the most knowledgeable and the most ignorant person of his time, it would be impossible to prefer the less knowledgeable based on knowledge, even if the less knowledgeable possesses knowledge that fulfills his livelihood."
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"knowledge of interaction and knowledge of unveiling, which is the knowledge of Allah and His attributes, commonly referred to as the knowledge of understanding. As for the knowledge related to transactions, such as knowing what is lawful and unlawful, recognizing the praiseworthy and blameworthy traits of the soul, and understanding how to treat and escape them, these are types of knowledge sought solely for the sake of action."
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"This water would be purer, more lasting, and possibly more copious. In the same way, the heart is like a basin, knowledge is like water, and the five senses are like the channels. Knowledge can be conveyed to the heart through the channels of the senses, influenced by what is observed, until it is filled with knowledge. Or, these channels may be blocked by solitude, isolation, and lowering the gaze, while penetrating the depth of the heart by purifying it and removing layers of obstructions until the springs of knowledge burst from within. If you ask how knowledge erupts from the heart itself when it is void, know that this is one of the wondrous secrets of the heart."
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"stands in the way. This belief acts as a barrier, preventing the heart from perceiving anything contrary to it. Such veils often obscure the truth from scholars and the pious alike. Fifth, ignorance of the means to acquire knowledge can hinder understanding. Knowledge is built upon previous knowledge, much like offspring result from the union of male and female. Without knowing the origins and methods of combining knowledge, one cannot attain new understanding. In summary, just as a mirror requires the right conditions to reflect an image, the heart needs clarity, orientation, and the right approach to perceive the truth."
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"and supporters, and told, "Take this in exchange for your knowledge—or even a tenth of your knowledge," they would not take it. This is due to their hope that the blessing of knowledge leads them to closeness with Allah in the hereafter. If told, "In the hereafter, you will have everything you hope for, but exchange these worldly pleasures for the enjoyment and happiness from knowledge," they would refuse because they know that the pleasure of knowledge is continuous, never-ending, and remains untainted, unrecognizable, coveted, or envied by others, while all worldly pleasures are incomplete, tainted,"
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"The bliss of Paradise is proportional to one's love for Allah, and love for Allah is proportional to one's knowledge of Him. The foundation of happiness is the knowledge expressed as faith. If you say that the pleasure of vision, even if it is many times greater, is little compared to the pleasure of knowledge because the pleasure of knowledge in this world is weak, and its increase does not reach a level that makes all other pleasures of Paradise insignificant, know that this disdain for the pleasure of knowledge comes from a lack of understanding."
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"fearing more for them than for himself and hoping more for himself than for them. This behavior renders him more ignorant than knowledgeable, for true knowledge teaches one about oneself, their Lord, the gravity of the Day of Judgment, the burden on scholars, and the importance of knowledge. This knowledge should increase humility, submission, and a view of others as superior due to the great responsibility one holds because of their knowledge and their shortcomings in expressing gratitude for it."
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"beauty, and other attributes, which hold no true value without knowledge and action. Ka'b al-Ahbar said, "Indeed, knowledge can lead to transgression akin to that of wealth." Similarly, 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said, "A learned person who falters does so with the fall of a scholar. The scholar struggles to avoid grandiosity in comparison to the ignorant due to the abundance with which the law speaks of the virtues of knowledge."
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"as opposed to knowledge that increases the desire for wealth and prestige. It is also important for the scholar to allocate his time wisely, as dedicating all time to arranging knowledge is not sustainable. From dawn until sunrise should be devoted to supplications and remembrances. After sunrise until mid-morning should be for teaching and learning if there is someone to benefit for the sake of the Hereafter."
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"The first cause is knowledge, and how quickly arrogance can afflict scholars! The Prophet, peace be upon him, said that the affliction of knowledge is arrogance. A scholar who exalts himself with the dignity of knowledge is aware of its beauty and perfection. He holds himself in high esteem, looks down on others, regards them as lesser, considers them ignorant, and expects them to greet him first."
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"They believe that He will not hold them accountable for their sins and mistakes because of their esteemed rank with Allah. However, they are deluded, for if they looked with insight, they would know that knowledge is of two types: knowledge of interaction and knowledge of unveiling, which is the knowledge of Allah and His attributes, commonly referred to as the knowledge of understanding."
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"Set aside the marvels of the celestial and terrestrial kingdoms, as human lifetimes would end before their clarification. Our knowledge compared to that which prophets and scholars encompass is insignificant, and even their knowledge is but a drop in the ocean of what is exclusive to God. The knowledge we possess is not worthy of being called knowledge next to God's infinite wisdom."
Ibn Kathir
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"the soul and guides the heart. In the pursuit of knowledge, one must approach it with sincerity and humility. It is essential to seek knowledge from reliable sources and to engage with scholars who embody the teachings of Islam. The companions of the Prophet, such as Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, were known for their dedication to learning and their commitment to sharing that knowledge with others. As we embark on this journey of learning, let us remember the words of the great scholar Ibn Kathir, who said, Knowledge is the key to understanding the Divine and the means to attain closeness to Allah. Therefore, let us strive to acquire"
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"Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave. This teaching emphasizes that the quest for knowledge is a lifelong endeavor, and one should never cease to learn and grow in understanding. Chapter The Benefits of Knowledge The benefits of knowledge are manifold. It leads to a deeper understanding of one's faith, enhances one's ability to worship Allah correctly, and fosters a sense of responsibility towards oneself and others. Knowledge also cultivates humility, as one realizes the vastness of what remains to be learned. Knowledge empowers individuals to contribute positively to their communities, guiding them in making informed decisions that align with Islamic"
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"the teachings of Islam to future generations. It is through their efforts that the light of knowledge continues to shine in the hearts of believers. Section The Pursuit of Knowledge The pursuit of knowledge requires dedication and perseverance. It is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual journey that brings one closer to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad encouraged his followers to seek knowledge, regardless of their circumstances, stating, Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave. This teaching emphasizes that the quest for knowledge is a lifelong endeavor, and one should never cease to learn and grow in understanding."
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"Tabuk, during the days of Umar, he asked the people of Kuba, Chapter, The Importance of Knowledge. Knowledge is a light that illuminates the path of the seeker. It is through knowledge that one can discern right from wrong, and it is the foundation upon which the edifice of faith is built. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, emphasized the significance of seeking knowledge, stating, Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim. This pursuit is not limited to a specific age or gender. Rather, it is a lifelong journey that enriches the soul and guides the heart. In the pursuit of knowledge, one must approach it with sincerity"
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"is an obligation upon every Muslim. May Allah grant us the ability to comprehend his words and the teachings of his messenger, and may he guide us on the straight path. Chapter The Importance of Knowledge Knowledge is a light that illuminates the path of the believer. It is through knowledge that one can discern right from wrong, and it is through knowledge that one can strengthen their faith. The Quran emphasizes the significance of knowledge in many verses, including, Say are those who know equal to those who do not know."
Ibn al-Qayyim
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"As Hammad ibn Zayd said: I asked Ayyub, "Is there more knowledge today, or in times past?" He replied, "There is more talk today, and more knowledge in times past." So this firmly grounded scholar distinguished between knowledge and mere talk. Books are exceedingly many, and talk, disputation, and mental speculations are many, yet true knowledge stands apart from most of it. Knowledge is what the Messenger brought from God. The Exalted has said: "So whoever disputes with you concerning it after the knowledge that has come to you." And He said:"
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"Chapter: The Ranks of "You Alone We Worship" in Knowledge and Action The concept of servitude has various ranks, determined by knowledge and action. In terms of knowledge, there are two ranks: The first is knowledge of اللّٰه, and the second is knowledge of His religion. Knowledge of اللّٰه encompasses five aspects: knowledge of His essence, His attributes, His actions, His names, and His transcendence above what does not befit Him."
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"who acknowledged their lack of knowledge before God, attributing all knowledge to Him. Realization means that one's knowledge fades into God's knowledge, becoming as if it were no knowledge at all. All knowledge is returned to its rightful owner, God, whose knowledge is vast beyond comparison. The second degree is about ensuring that one's witnessing does not dispute God's witnessing."
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"let alone divinely inspired knowledge. Divinely inspired knowledge is supported by correct evidence that it came from اللّٰه through His messengers. Anything else is merely knowledge from the human self. The barrier to divinely inspired knowledge has been breached, with many claiming their knowledge is divinely inspired. Those who speak on faith, conduct, and the names and attributes of اللّٰه based on whims or what their devils cast into their hearts claim their knowledge is divinely inspired."
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"and the deeds of those brought near are through knowledge. This statement is valid in one aspect and invalid in another. The righteous and those brought near act with knowledge, adhering to its rulings, even if the knowledge of those brought near is more complete than that of the righteous. Both are people of knowledge and understanding, so the righteous are not deprived of knowledge, nor are those brought near independent of knowledge."
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"also contribute to knowledge. Additionally, what is obtained through reflection and deduction, even if not from experience, contributes to knowledge. Thus, knowledge is not confined to these three mentioned alone. The distinction between knowledge and recognition is in three aspects. The first is that recognition is the essence of knowledge, and its relation to knowledge is like the relation of faith to excellence."
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"his Originator and Maker, knowledge of His names and attributes, knowledge of the path that leads to Him, knowledge of the perils that beset that path, knowledge of his own soul, and knowledge of its defects. By these five branches of knowledge the perfection of his cognitive faculty is attained, and the most learned of people are those who know them best and understand them most deeply."
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"The beneficial knowledge is what the Messenger brought. Knowledge is better than spiritual states: knowledge is the judge, and the state is judged. Knowledge guides, and the state follows. Knowledge commands and prohibits, while the state is executed and accepted. The state is like a sword; if it is not accompanied by knowledge, it is like a toy in the hand of a player."
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"the annihilation of knowledge in the known necessitates the annihilation of information in knowledge. Thus, one first loses themselves in knowledge, and then knowledge itself is lost in the known. As for the annihilation of vision in the witnessed, vision is above knowledge. Knowledge is a rank above mere information and below vision."
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"of a known form from the soul and its establishing in the outer world. If what is fixed in the soul corresponds to the reality as it truly is, then it is sound knowledge. Yet often there arise and settle in the soul forms that have no real existence, and the one who has fixed them within himself supposes them to be knowledge, when in truth they are merely posited and have no reality. Most of people's knowledge is of this kind. And what does correspond to reality in the outer world is of two sorts: a sort by whose perception and knowledge the soul is perfected — and that is knowledge of God, His names, His attributes, His acts, His books, His command, and His prohibition;"
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"The First Degree: إِحْسَان in Intention by Refining it with Knowledge He said: It is on three levels. The first level is إِحْسَان in intention by refining it with knowledge, confirming it with determination, and purifying it in state. This means that the excellence of intention is achieved through three things. The first is refining it with knowledge, by making it follow knowledge according to its requirements, purified by it, and free from the impurities of personal desires, intending only what is permissible in knowledge."
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"If knowledge agrees with it, otherwise, it is a corrupt state, deviating from the states of the truthful according to its distance from knowledge. Knowledge is the judge, and the state is judged by it. Knowledge is the shepherd, and the state is among its flock. Whoever does not have this as the foundation of his path, his path is corrupt, and its end is the stripping away from knowledge and religion, as has happened to those to whom it has happened."
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""And if you were to follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you." And He said of the Qur'an, "He sent it down with His knowledge" — that is, His knowledge is contained within it. When the age grew distant from this knowledge, matters came to such a pass with many people that they took the promptings of their thoughts, the passing notions that occurred to them, and mere opinions as knowledge."
Imam al-Nawawī
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"son, backquote Abdullah, said, The one who is overly lenient in seeking knowledge will find his knowledge diminished. This means that one who is shy in seeking knowledge will end up with little knowledge. Mujahid said, Knowledge is not learned by the shy or the arrogant. Backquote Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said, The best women are the women of the Ansar. They did not let modesty prevent them from understanding religion. Backquote Omar, may Allah be pleased with him, said, Seek understanding before you become leaders. This means striving to master knowledge and diligence"
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