"Knowledge Is The Real Solution For Any Problem or Adversity"
Intellectual Reasoning and Worldly knowledge are base for Religious Understanding
In India, especially in Kerala, many Peers and Mollas who teach Islamic subjects in madrassas and other platforms often come from uneducated or undereducated backgrounds. Unfortunately, this profession, which demands a high level of education, intellect, and wisdom, has become a common refuge for those with limited academic qualifications. However, true religious scholarship requires a deep understanding of both spiritual and worldly knowledge. Without intellectual reasoning and exposure to broader disciplines, religious teachings risk being misinterpreted or conveyed in a narrow, superficial manner. A well-rounded education enables scholars to engage with religious texts thoughtfully, address contemporary issues effectively, and guide the community with wisdom and insight. Throughout history, the great Imams and scholars of this Ummah excelled not only in religious sciences but also in worldly knowledge. They were legends of their time, contributing to fields like medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy, while simultaneously upholding the highest standards of Islamic scholarship.
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Islam strongly advocates the pursuit of knowledge as a means to enhance religious understanding. The Quran and Hadith repeatedly emphasize the value of learning in both spiritual and worldly domains. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged seeking knowledge as a lifelong duty, recognizing its role in fostering wisdom, justice, and moral clarity. A deep grasp of subjects like history, science, philosophy, and social sciences allows religious teachers to interpret Islamic teachings in a way that is relevant and beneficial to modern society. The legacy of scholars like Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Ghazali, and Ibn Sina, who were not only masters of Islamic sciences but also pioneers in various fields of knowledge, serves as a powerful reminder that true religious understanding flourishes when combined with intellectual reasoning and worldly education. By following their example, today’s scholars can uphold the true essence of Islam—promoting enlightenment, tolerance, and progress.
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Islam encourages the pursuit of worldly knowledge as a means to deepen the understanding of religious teachings. Several Quranic verses and Hadiths highlight the importance of acquiring knowledge in both worldly and religious matters.
Here are some key references:
Quranic Verses:
Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11) "Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is acquainted with what you do." - This verse highlights that those who seek knowledge are granted a higher status in the sight of Allah.
Surah Az-Zumar (39:9) "Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only those who possess intellect take heed." - This emphasizes the importance of knowledge, which includes both religious and worldly sciences.
Surah Al-Alaq (96:1-5) "Read in the name of your Lord who created. He created man from a clot. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous—who taught by the pen—taught man that which he knew not." - This first revelation of the Quran encourages learning and seeking knowledge as a divine duty.
Surah Yunus (10:101)"Say, ‘Observe what is in the heavens and the earth.’ But of no avail will be signs or warners to a people who do not believe." - The Quran urges people to study nature and the universe to understand divine wisdom.
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Hadiths:
Prophet Muhammad ï·º said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”(Ibn Majah 224, Sunan Abu Dawood 3643) - This includes both religious and practical knowledge necessary for life.
The Prophet ï·º also said: "Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise."(Sahih Muslim 2699). - This shows that knowledge—both religious and worldly—leads to a deeper understanding of faith.
Ibn Abbas (RA) said: “A person who has knowledge of both religious and worldly affairs can rightly understand the Deen (religion).” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Commentary on 2:269) - This highlights that worldly knowledge helps in correctly interpreting and practicing Islam.
Pearls from Predecessors:
Sayyidah Aisha (RA): On the Role of Reason in Religious Understanding. “The best women are the women of the Ansar; their modesty does not prevent them from seeking knowledge.”. (Sahih Muslim, 332) - She praised the importance of education, showing that Islam encourages seeking knowledge in all fields.
Sayyidah Aisha (RA): “Whoever tells you that the Prophet ï·º concealed something from revelation, he is lying! The Prophet ï·º did not hide anything; rather, people fail to understand.”(Sahih al-Bukhari, 7275) - Aisha (RA) defended the role of intellectual reasoning in understanding Islam correctly, rejecting baseless interpretations.
Sayyidah Aisha (RA): On the Necessity of Worldly Sciences for Religious Knowledge. “My nephew, gather knowledge from those who still have it, before it disappears. Do not rely only on memorization; understand it well.” (Jami‘ Bayan al-‘Ilm, 1204) - She emphasized critical thinking over blind memorization, showing that deep understanding is essential in religious learning.
Sayyidah Aisha (RA): “The Prophet ï·º often consulted doctors, and I memorized much of their knowledge.”. (Sunan Abu Dawood, 3855) - She learned medicine from doctors who visited the Prophet ï·º, proving that medical science complements religious life.
Sayyidah Aisha (RA): On Medicine and Practical Sciences. “The Prophet ï·º said: ‘Every disease has a cure.’ I memorized much about medicine and cures due to the frequent visits of doctors.”(Musnad Ahmad, 26042) - This shows that medical knowledge was encouraged in early Islam and supported by Aisha (RA).
Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA): On the Role of Reason and Knowledge. “Teach your children swimming, archery, and horse riding, and also teach them what they will need in life.”. (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, Vol. 5, p. 269) - Umar (RA) encouraged both physical and intellectual education, showing that Islam values practical knowledge.
Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA): “The one who does not know the economy of markets will eat usury without realizing it.”. (Kitab al-Amwal by Abu ‘Ubayd, p. 431) - He emphasized that economic knowledge is necessary to avoid financial sins.
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) – On the Necessity of Rational Sciences. “Knowledge is better than wealth, for knowledge protects you, while wealth must be protected.”. (Nahjul Balagha, Saying 147) - He recognized that true knowledge, including rational sciences, is essential for wisdom and guidance.
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) “Speak to people according to their level of understanding.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 127) - This reflects the need for intellectual and logical reasoning in teaching religious knowledge.
Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) – On Astronomy and Science in Religion. “If you understand astronomy (‘ilm al-falak), you will know the exact times of prayer and fasting.”. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Yunus 10:5) - Ibn Abbas (RA) linked astronomy to religious duties, proving that science supports faith.
Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) “Understanding the Quran requires knowledge of history, language, and context.”. (Tafsir al-Tabari, Surah Yusuf 12:2) - He emphasized that historical and linguistic sciences are necessary for accurate Quranic interpretation.
Zayd ibn Thabit (RA) – The Scholar of Writing and Mathematics. “Zayd ibn Thabit was skilled in writing, mathematics, and inheritance law.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, 2878) - The Prophet ï·º assigned him to write the Quran and study inheritance, proving the importance of rational sciences in Fiqh.
Zayd ibn Thabit (RA) “Calculating inheritance shares requires mathematical precision.”. (Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik, Book of Inheritance) - His expertise in math helped in applying Islamic inheritance laws correctly.