ভূমিকা

Knowledge is an embellishment for man in this world, and causes its owner to become one of those with whom God is pleased. One who possesses knowledge, ought to realize that the acquisition of an hour of knowledge demands a life-time of practice (in accordance with the knowledge). Thus, when one seeks to acquire knowledge he should bear in mind that he has to practice what he acquires.

This is because God, regarding a scholar that does not act in accordance with the knowledge that he possesses, has said: “ From seventy of my punishments (that I would subject him to), the least that I would do to him is to remove the sweetness of My remembrance from his heart.” [^3] Knowledge does not mean mere memorization of terminologies, or information that is not beneficial, or information that is accompanied by evil intentions such as exhibiting one’s scholarly calibre before other scholars - in which case it would only serve to be an encumbrance and burden - rather, it means the comprehension of piety, (divine) cognisance and certainty.

Al-Hajj Sheikh Abbas Qummi The late Sheikh Abbas Qummi, the author of Mafatih al-Jinan narrates: “When I had compiled and published the book Manazil al-Akhirah*,* it reached the hands of Sheikh Abd al-Razzaq who used to explain religious rulings daily before dhuhr time in the holy courtyard of Hadhrat Ma’sumah (peace be upon her). My father, Kerbalai Muhammad Ridha, was greatly fond of Sheikh Abd al-Razzaq and would attend his sessions every day.

The Sheikh had procured the book Manazil al-Akhirah and used to read from it for his audience. One day my father returned home and said to me: O Sheikh Abbas! I wish you would be like that person, who explains religious rulings, and climb onto the pulpit and recite from the book in the manner he recited for us today.