2, of Bihar al-Anwar , Imam Mousa ibn Ja’far (as) quotes his...

2, of Bihar al-Anwar , Imam Mousa ibn Ja’far (as) quotes his forefathers citing the Messenger of Allah (S) saying, "One who reneges from his oath of allegiance, or who promotes what misleads people, or hides some knowledge with him, or confines some wealth with him unjustly, or knowingly aids an oppressor in committing oppression while being fully aware of his oppression, is outside the folds of Islam." Truly if you consider this hadith , you will find it awe-inspiring.

One who hides knowledge, according to this hadith , is on the same level with one who deliberately assists oppressors and oppression. Islam is clear of those who deliberately and in any way hide useful knowledge; so, we seek refuge with Allah, dear reader, against being among them. Rather, we should spare no means to share what we know with others. Good knowledge is like a good seed: once sown, it will Insha-Allah grow and multiply.

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as) is quoted on p. 67, Vol. 2, of Bihar al-Anwar , saying, "The creed stands on four pillars: a scholar who informs people of the knowledge which he has and who acts upon it; a wealthy person who is not miserly when giving those who safeguard the religion of Allah; a poor person who does not sell his hereafter in order to buy the life of this world; and an ignorant person who is never too proud to seek knowledge." What a beautiful statement!

Here we have to stop for a moment to ask ourselves: "Who is qualified enough to be called a scholar, an ‘alim , one to whom the Almighty refers in one of the most Glorious of Qur'anic verses: ‘Surely those among Allah's servants who fear Him most are the scholars (‘ulema)' (Holy Qur'an, Surah Fatir 35:28)"?

The answer is provided by the very best man who ever walked on the face of planet Earth: our beloved Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his pure and sinless Progeny: "Each one of you is an ‘alim (scholar) so long as he pursues knowledge, but when he thinks he achieved it, then he becomes ignorant." Ignorant are the haughty ones who think that "they know it all." Although he (S) was the embodiment of each and every imaginable virtue, he (S) nevertheless was ordered by his Maker to: "Say: Lord!

Increase my share of knowledge!" (Holy Qur'an, Surah Taha 20:114). The Holy Prophet of Islam (S) is quoted on p. 66, Vol. 2, of Bihar al-Anwar , saying, "Jesus son of Mary (as) once stood to address the Israelites and said, ‘O Children of Israel!