ISLAM: Seeking knowledge for empowerment (Part 2)

21 Jun, 2015 - 00:06 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

Umari Stambuli

Superiority over all beings

MAN is regarded as being superior to all other creatures, primarily due to the knowledge that he seeks or has been bestowed with. Allah Almighty explains in the Holy Qur’aan that when He first created the human being, “And He taught Adam the names – all of items. Then He showed them to the angels and said, ‘Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful. They said, ‘Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the All Knowing, the Most Wise.’ He said, ‘O Adam, inform them of their names.’ And when he had informed them of their names, He said, ‘Did I not tell you that I know the unseen (aspects) of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed.” Ch 2 : v 31-34).

When The Almighty had taught Adam (peace be upon him) the names of all things, He asked the angels to prostrate to Adam. This prostration was performed as a form of respect and took place based on one and only one factor: knowledge.

Even in this world, the way to gain superiority over others is through knowledge – you get a better income, you enjoy a more luxurious lifestyle, you have a higher reputation in the society.

But to be higher in front of Allah Almighty you have to be knowledgeable in your duty to Him, and this is how you will truly become superior to all other creations of The Almighty.

Raised status

In the Holy Qur’aan, Allah Almighty declares that He will further raise the status of those who attain knowledge: “Allah Almighty will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.” (Ch 58 : v 11)

Let us take a hypothetical scenario where you work for a reputable company. One day your boss entices you with a promotion upon completion of a certain project under your lead.

Be rest assured that you would put your heart and soul into getting that promotion. Well, Allah Almighty wants to give you a promotion, not just in this world but in the Hereafter too! And this will be by increasing your knowledge.

Knowledge brings about understanding

There are countless examples and parables which Allah Almighty raises in the Holy Qur’aan for the guidance of humankind, and He very clearly explains: “And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.” (Ch 29 : v 43)

People of knowledge who read and learn will truly understand and comprehend the signs of The Almighty, recognise Him and render service unto Him and Him alone. The parables mentioned in the Holy Qur’aan are important in telling us which actions are harmful to us – in this world and the Hereafter, and hence should be avoided. They also guide us in which actions are more rewarding than others, so that we can strive to do them.

However, this understanding does not come without striving, trying hard and putting in a lot of effort. You have to strive to gain knowledge — even if there are not many resources around you, even if the knowledge seems hard to retain, even if there are many distractions around you.

Apart from books, learning means keeping the mind open and active to receive all kinds of experience. As pointed out earlier there is a great emphasis on learning and seeking knowledge in Islam.

Striving for knowledge is one of the best deeds we can do to attain mercy of The Almighty.

When a person is granted knowledge, he appreciates The Almighty’s creation even more, and becomes more acquainted with The Almighty’s attributes and qualities. Consequently, he wholeheartedly witnesses that his Creator is the only one worthy of worship, and then submits to Him humbly. This, in return, generates in his heart a fear, which is akin to a full appreciation and love of His Lord, The Most Exalted.

(…to be continued next week.)

 

For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:

Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars

Publications Department

P.O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare

Tel: 04-614078 / 614004, Fax: 04-614003

e-mail: [email protected].

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