Why do or did you go to school? Why did you pursue further studies? Do you need to go to an institution to seek knowledge? Is seeking knowledge a duty for every individual? Is seeking knowledge based upon interest in the area and pursuing a career? Is seeking knowledge based upon exploring and understanding the world around us and; igniting human interactions? The basis of every action is the intention and to be able to seek knowledge requires reason, respect, understanding and humility. In Islam, we believe that Allah (The Most High) created all things and is the All-Knowing. He created a brain to know what is right and wrong. Through knowledge, we understand the limitations of our ability. It is Allah (The Most High) who alone knows everything from the past, present, future, far, near, seen and the unseen. This highlights the intuitiveness and comprehensiveness of His knowledge. “Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the chests.” [Quran, Surah Hud, Verse 5] The Arabic term, Al-Alim, is All-knowing and is derived from the term ‘alm’ that is to have knowledge or be aware. No matter how much we know, we will still do not know. For example, when performing a scientific experiment, we obtain results that are analysed using the knowledge taught. This helps to provide reasoning and leads to more questions asked, experiments and our lifespan may not be sufficient to answer every research question. This suggests the limit of mankind regardless of the advancement of technology, analysis, thoughts and discoveries. If we do not understand our limits to knowledge, it will lead to erroneous thinking. Therefore, we as humans should adopt intellectual humility and how we are all students of knowledge, learning from each other to progress forward. No one is better than another. “And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts that you might give thanks (to Allah).” [Quran, Surah al-Nahl (The Bee) 16:78] There are two forms of knowledge according to Imam Al-Ghazali’s book ‘Ihyaa Uloom Uddin', the first form of knowledge is religion (Uloom Al-Diniyyah). The other form is the knowledge of this life (Uloom Al-Dunyawiyyah). It is important to have a balance in both to succeed and perform our roles to the best of our abilities. We are only here travelling, just like going on a train (life), one passenger enters (born) the train and one passenger gets off (passes away). In preparation for the blessed month of Ramadan, it is important to seek useful knowledge, understand why we fast, the history of Islam and how our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and His messengers prepared for Ramadan and during the blessed month and beyond. This gives us significance to learn and understand who we are and why we are here. This builds a relationship of love and fear with Allah (The Most High) once we understand the true sense of reality and purpose. It is obligatory to seek knowledge for our ultimate destination. Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “If anyone pursues a path in search of knowledge, Allah will thereby make easy for him a path to paradise; and he who is made slow by his actions will not be speeded by his genealogy.” [Hadith, Abu Dawud, 3643] To seek knowledge, we need to read, listen, ask and apply. “Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created all that exists. He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not.” [Quran, al-‘Alaq (The Clot) 96:1-5] Practical advice 1) To make dua (supplication). There are several duas we can recite, for instance : "O Allah! Benefit me with the knowledge You have given me and teach me that which will benefit me and bestow me with knowledge You will benefit me with." “My Rabb open for me my chest and make easy for me my task, and loosen the knot from my tongue so they can understand my speech.” [Quran, Surah Taha, 25 – 28] This was the dua (supplication) recited by Moses (peace be upon him) where he was going to talk to the Pharoah to let the Bani Israel (Sons of Israelites) free. Therefore, when we speak, we ask Allah (The Most High) to help and make ease when we teach and share knowledge. Another practical piece of advice is to allocate time to read to seek knowledge. However, each person’s commitment varies but starting small and maintaining it at that level and making progress is good. Ultimately, when reading and seeking knowledge, we need Allah’s help when making dua and being conscious with an open heart and mind. Don't know how to make the most of Ramadan? Start now. References
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