ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Human Cycle Lesson 10 4-15-10 The Open School Class: Explanation of Forty Ahadith Text: Jalali, Sayyid Muhammad Husayn. Sharh al-Arba’in al-Nabawwiyah. Arabic edition 1987, pages 435-438. Summary In conjunction with taqwa (God-consciousness), there exists ilm (knowledge) and amal (practice). For how can we be conscious of God (the Almighty) if we do not have knowledge, and what is the point of having knowledge if we do not act upon it?

The Qur’an stresses the importance of knowledge ( ilm ). For example, the Qur’an (58:11) states, inter alia , “Allah will raise those of you who have faith and those who have been given knowledge in rank.” Also, the Qur’an (39:9) states, inter alia , “Say, „Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only those who possess intellect take admonition.” Knowledge has different levels and degrees. There are those who are more knowledgeable than others.

Also, some types of knowledge may be better or more beneficial than other types of knowledge. Knowledge is essential for every civilization. Without knowledge, a society cannot survive, let alone move forward. Islam insists on acquiring knowledge. Regarding the Qur’an, what were the first verses revealed? “Read in the Name of your Lord who created; created man from a clinging mass.

Read, and your Lord is the most generous, who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know.” ( Qur’an (96:1-5) ). So, one should acquire knowledge as much as possible. This knowledge does not have to be just religious knowledge. Any knowledge that brings benefit is important.

However, as said before, some types of knowledge may be better than other types of knowledge, and it is only natural that knowledge that can benefit one in this life and the hereafter will have greater importance than knowledge that merely benefits one in this temporary world. Ilm helps one come closer to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, in a metaphysical sense. (Jalali, page 436). For example, one needs to know what is right and what is wrong.

Also, when one acquires knowledge, the beauty of this world (our existence) and its complexities naturally become apparent, which may strengthen one’s connection with God, the All-Wise. For example, when I was studying physics and engineering, I became aware of some of the magnificent physical theories, laws, and relationships of the Universe, and that made me truly realize that Something must be in charge of all of these things.