The greater our knowledge increases, the greater our ignorance unfolds. ~ John F. Kennedy
Recently, I have been thinking about writing regarding the use of knowledge. How we input and effect it on others and how we can utilise what we know for greater good, by sharing. Being a teacher by profession, sharing and imparting knowledge seems to be an integral part of my character, just as I am also constantly learning as I move forward in life. As age increases, so too should wisdom. As we mature gracefully, we inculcate all the benefits that the accumulated knowledge imparts, which ultimately, should reflect in our characters. The knowledge that I like to focus on is self improvement, because, as a woman, that has been independent since the age of twenty-two, when I left my parents’ sanctuary, I have had to gather alot of knowledge, to educate myself about various aspects of life. My focal point began with the study of Islam as my chosen religious path, culminating and continuing, as a spiritual being in human form.
Discussing Knowledge
Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, summoned Moslems to discuss knowledge with each other, for that opens new doors to knowledge and science. He, peace be on him, said: "Discussing knowledge is studying, and studying is a good prayer.( Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 41)Putting Knowledge into effect
Ima`m al-Ba`qir, peace be on him, urged scholars to put their knowledge into practice. He, peace be on him, said: "When you hear knowledge, then put it into effect. Let your hearts be wide. For the person with the heart that does not encompass his abundant knowledge makes Satan powerful over him. If Satan disputed with you, then dispute with him through what you know.
Surely, the deception of Satan is weak."Ibn Abu` Layla asked him: "What is the thing which we know?"So, he, peace be on him, replied: "Dispute with Satan through the manifest strength of Allah, the Great and Almighty.
The knowledge learnt from the shariah and fiqh of Islam , has established basic foundations and rules for me to hold onto. Whilst raising a family and applying acts of devotions, as daily activities.The physical functions of devotions have been beneficial for the physical,mind and mental states, and the effects of self improvement, self empowerment, the motivational aspects of this knowledge comes from reading, understanding, reflecting and applying, what has been taught as good character based on the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and traditions (hadith) of Prophet Muhammad saaw(sal allahu alaihi wasalam).
Gradually, as I continued learning and applying, I found myself gaining so many benefits, that when I was asked by others, I would gladly share the reasons why I managed to overcome many difficulties and adversities in my life, which at the time seemed so hopeless. Certainly, our destiny is unknown to us, we have hopes and visions, we make life choices, we make different curves and we tread the walk of life with so many challenges. Knowledge imparted sincerely may be accepted if it is useful , it may be kept for later use, or rejected. Pride does not exist when knowledge is shared. A word spoken in sincerity that helps one who acts upon it is better than ten that only listen. In this age when we have so many distractions, we have such limited time to focus on our spirituality. This can be achieved when we affirm a belief system and adhere to it. As always, I encourage meditation, or zikirullah,done as taught and guided by a teacher.
40. Surah Ghafir or Al-Mu'min (The Forgiver or The Believer)
15. (He is Allah) Owner of High Ranks and Degrees, the Owner of the Throne. He sends the Inspiration by His Command to any of His slaves He wills, that he (the person who receives inspiration) may warn (men) of the Day of Mutual Meeting (i.e. The Day of Resurrection).
For some gaining more knowledge can make for ignorance and foolishness when the Source of this blessing is forgotten. We have the increased technology to fly aircrafts and we are proud of it, yet in the times of our Holy Prophet saaw, he (saaw), had already travelled on a mode of transportation sent by Allah SWT, together with the arch angel Jibril as, to reach the place of Allah SWT. Our technology only allows us to travel as far the stars within our galaxy. Yet, we use the same technology, to destroy each other, a good example is the drones that are used to kill and attack civilisation. Why are we then so arrogant by our knowledge which causes chaos? Knowledge given is a responsibility meant to enhance life.
The Holy Qur' an is an ocean of divine knowledge.It is so vast that its breadth can never be seen and its depth can never be fathomed. To try to limit it, thinking that we can ever fully comprehend its meaning, is ignorant. That ocean contains everything: heaven, hell, this world, and the eighteen thousand universes. We have been told, "Swim! Immerse yourself in that ocean of divine knowledge." To know the secrets it contains, we must obtain the strength of wisdom to dive deep within it and into the depths of the qualities of God. We must cling to the faith that the kalimah inspires as we repeat its words and swim with the power of the kalimah's radiance.
BAHR AL-'ILM – EXCEPRT
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me are like abundant rain which fell on a land. A fertile part of it absorbed the water and brought forth profuse herbage and pasture; and solid ground patches which retained the water by which Allah has benefited people, who drank from it, irrigated their crops and sowed their seeds; and another sandy plane which could neither retain the water nor produce herbage. Such is the similitude of the person who becomes well-versed in the religion of Allah and receives benefit from the Message entrusted to me by Allah, so he himself has learned and taught it to others; such is also the similitude of the person who has stubbornly and ignorantly rejected Allah's Guidance with which I have been sent.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
How can we begin to comprehend what being civilized is when we behave in ways that contradict our advancement in knowledge? My hope is for a world that will exercise better choices based on sound knowledge to advance and enhance life, based on solid principles of mutual love, care and understanding; perfecting humanity with justice, gentleness and concern. May we all be endowed with the generous LOVE we all have to share and create an environment of LIGHT & PEACE for all.
Rabi'a and the Scholar
A leading scholar of Basra visited Rabi`a al-Adawiyya while she was ill. Sitting beside her pillow, the scholar spoke about how terrible the world was.
In reply, Rabi`a told him:
"You love the world very dearly. If you did not love the world, you would not mention it so much. It is always the purchaser who first disparages what he wants to buy. If you were done with the world, you would not mention it either for good or evil. As it is, you keep mentioning it because, as the proverb says, whoever loves a thing mentions it frequently."
[Adapted from the "Memorial of the Saints" by Fariduddin Attar, in the abridged translation called "Muslim Saints and Mystics" by A. J. Arberry, p. 50.]
~LorraineNur
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