Author: Abdul Hai Lay'yan
Knowledge in Islamic thought (Part 3)
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The Status of Knowledge in Islam
The special position and importance of knowledge are explicitly and extensively mentioned in the religious sources of Islam, both the Qur’an and Hadith. Since it is beyond the scope of this article to examine all the related verses and narrations, we will refer to some key examples below.
Knowledge from the Perspective of the Qur’an
The Noble Qur’an, in numerous verses, invites human beings to acquire knowledge, seek understanding, and explore the mysteries of existence and creation. At a time when the clouds of ignorance had darkened the intellect of societies and people were deeply immersed in superstitions, the Qur’an opened before humanity a new horizon and regarded learning and comprehension as a definite obligation.
Moreover, in the Qur’an, the word “Ilm” (knowledge) and its derivatives such as “Yaʿlam” and “Yaʿlamun” appear 582 times, the word “Kitab” (book) and its derivatives 255 times, “Qalam” (pen) twice, and “Qiraʾah” (reading) and its derivatives 15 times. [1] This in itself demonstrates the high importance of knowledge in the Qur’anic worldview.
1. The Qur’an’s Call to Understanding
Comprehension and recognition are among the most fundamental issues that have always occupied the human mind. Questions such as what the content of true knowledge should be, by what means one can attain sound understanding, and which ways are the most reliable, remain central concerns of humanity.
The Qur’an is the greatest and richest source of knowledge. Owing to its connection with the infinite divine wisdom, it transcends the boundaries of time and generation, continuously providing humanity with the most complete and universal forms of understanding. Accordingly, the Qur’an discusses, in approximately 730 verses, the kinds, dimensions, means, motives, and outcomes of knowledge and recognition. [2] Moreover, in 27 instances, it explicitly commands people with the phrase “Iʿlamu” (Know!) to seek knowledge and understanding. [3]
2. Knowledge — The Foundation of Religion and Faith
According to the Qur’an, the stability and endurance of religion depend on knowledge and understanding. [4] For a person cannot attain true faith and human identity without opening the gate of knowledge and realizing their relationship with the universe and its Creator. Achieving this blessing is only possible through learning and nurturing knowledge.
The life-giving system of Islam has designed special programs to create a knowledge-based society that can reach the highest stages of human perfection. Moreover, it regards the sharing of knowledge with others as an act of worship.
3. Insight and Ignorance in the Qur’anic View
Basirah (insight) is a noble form of intellect derived from pure, disciplined character and a purified soul. It grants clarity of vision in this world and leads to worldly and eternal success. In other words, basirah is the inner faculty through which the heart perceives and understands. [5]
The word “Basar” (sight) and its derivatives occur 148 times in the Qur’an, carrying two meanings: (1) the outward eye (physical sight), and (2) the inward eye (spiritual insight).
The Qur’an describes knowledge as insight and illumination and likens ignorance to blindness and darkness. [6] In other words, ignorance and lack of understanding are a kind of inner blindness, while the possession of knowledge and deep comprehension brings inner light.
4. Knowledge — The Source of Power and Advancement
Knowledge, in all its dimensions, is a source of pride, strength, and both material and spiritual advancement. It is an undeniable truth in modern times that in social life—whether at the regional or international level—the one who possesses superior knowledge holds the upper hand and advances through a culture of intellectual growth.
The followers of the stories of the Prophets know well the power and progress that Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him) possessed. The Qur’an begins its description of his greatness with reference to divine knowledge, presenting it as the reason for his superiority over many believers: “وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ وَسُلَيْمَانَ عِلْمًا وَقَالَا الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي فَضَّلَنَا عَلَى كَثِيرٍ مِّنْ عِبَادِهِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ”[7] Translation: “And We certainly gave knowledge to David and Solomon, and they said, ‘Praise be to Allah, who has favored us above many of His believing servants.’”
5. Knowledge — The Beginning of Faith and Piety
Undoubtedly, the mutual influence between knowledge and faith is undeniable. In clearer terms: precise knowledge and deep understanding are the prelude to firm faith, and, conversely, faith in its higher stages strengthens and enlightens knowledge.
The impact of knowledge on faith is reflected in the following verse: “قُلْ آمِنُوا بِهِ أَوْ لَا تُؤْمِنُوا إِنَّ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ مِن قَبْلِهِ إِذَا يُتْلَى عَلَيْهِمْ يَخِرُّونَ لِلْأَذْقَانِ سُجَّدًا”[8] Translation: “Say, ‘Believe in it or do not believe; indeed, those who were given knowledge before it—when it is recited to them—they fall upon their faces in prostration.’”
Another verse declares: “… وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ”[9] Translation: “… But those firm in knowledge say, ‘We believe in it; all of it is from our Lord.’ And none will remember except people of understanding.”
As these verses show, deep and steadfast faith cannot exist without knowledge. Those lacking understanding may lean toward belief, but their faith will remain weak and devoid of depth and conviction, for they do not grasp the essence and reasons behind their faith.
6. Teaching Knowledge — One of the Purposes of Prophet hood
Among the points highlighting the special importance of knowledge in the Qur’an is that teaching humanity is considered one of the essential objectives of the prophets’ mission. The Qur’an says: “لَقَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذْ بَعَثَ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا مِن قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ”[10] Translation: “Indeed, Allah has conferred a great favor upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and Wisdom, although they had been in clear error before.”
Continues…
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References:
[1] Derived from statistical analysis of Qur’anic occurrences.
[2] Related to thematic study of Qur’anic concepts of knowledge.
[3] Instances of the imperative “Iʿlamū” (Know!).
[4] Qur’anic principle on the foundation of religion through knowledge.
[5] Tafsir works on the meaning of Basirah.
[6] Qur’anic contrast between knowledge (light) and ignorance (darkness).
[7] An-Naml: 15
[8] Al-Isrā’: 107
[9] Āl ʿImrān: 7
[10] Āl ʿImrān: 164
