Islamic Concept of Knowledge

Elements of Knowledge

This definition of knowledge leads us to the following four elements of knowledge:

1. Observer
2. Object
3. Observing Capability
4. Objectivity

Observer

A person who seeks knowledge or is eager to learn about some truth is called an observer. This is the distinction of man alone who is the best of all the creation of Allah Almighty (SWT). An observer is generally known as a student, the one who is all the time inquisitive to know something. Knowledge is an unfathomable ocean. No one can claim possession of the whole of knowledge. He who knows a bit of it is known as a scholar.

Object

The thing that is being explored, sought for and known is called an object. It implies any reality concrete or abstract, whether employing senses or intellect. The entire creation that exists in the embrace of universe and its physical and metaphysical entities and truths, all are the objects of knowledge.

Observing capability

This is the third element of knowledge. This relates to the susceptibility and potential of an observer to know something. If the object is of sensory nature, the observer is required to possess sensory capability to observe, perceive and know the object through five senses. On the other hand if the object can be known through reason and intellect the observer needs to have intellectual capability without which objects of reason cannot be encompassed. Thirdly if the knowledge of an object cannot be acquired without ecstasy and intuition the observer has to first equip himself with this faculty. And over and above all is the capability of receiving revelation which is the attribute of the Prophets and the Messengers alone. This is beyond human capabilities and cannot be acquired; this is absolutely a divine capability which Allah (SWT) bestows only upon His chosen servants, the Prophets and the Messengers.

Objectivity

The fourth and the last of the elements of knowledge is objectivity. It signifies purpose-oriented quest to perceive and know the object. This necessitates perceptibility of the object through any of the observer’s capabilities, that it can be grasped with any of the inquisitor’s potentials.

The concept of knowledge in the light of Surah Al-Alaq

Let us now see the concept of knowledge in the light of the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq of the Holy Qur’an. It was 17 of Ramadan. The sacred seclusion of Mount Hira cave was perfumed with the holy presence of Allah’s Beloved when it glowed with the brightening arrival of the angel Gabriel. Allah Most Gracious (SWT) addressed His Most Exalted of men and His Final Messenger (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) sent towards mankind in the following divine words through revelation.

Oاقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَO خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍO اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُO الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِO عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ

“(O Beloved!) Read (commencing) with the name of Allah (SWT) Who has created (everything); He created man from a mass suspended like a leech (in the mother’s womb). Read and your Lord is Most Generous; He Who taught man (reading and writing) by the pen. He Who (besides that) taught man (all that) which he did not know.”

These are the five verses that contain the note of knowledge. Man knew nothing but now he was blessed with knowledge. He started knowing (the reality of the things). He was brought to light from the dark and deep ditch of ignorance. It was light of awareness that was conferred upon him. Knowledge is, in truth, a journey towards light and awareness.

Through mediation of the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) Allah Almighty (SWT) connected man to the system of education and exploration of knowledge revealed in these five verses and kindled human mind with countless lights of consciousness and cognition. This was the first centre of enlightenment in Islam that came about under the divine guidance in the holy seclusion of Mount Hira cave; the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) was its first disciple and the Creator of the universe his Guide, the Teacher and the Trainer. If we ponder over various aspects of the above mentioned verses, and prepare its synopsis the following three scientific and doctrinal features stand out:

1. The Concept of Creation
2. Human Creation
3. The Grandeur of Allah (SWT)

But as these topics do not relate to the inquiry of this treatise and we are to talk only about the concept of knowledge we, therefore, confine our work only to exploring the following six features of the concept of knowledge concealed in these verses.

Six aspects of the concept of knowledge

1. Knowledge: We would see what knowledge is? And what is its nature?
2. The objective of knowledge: Why should we attain and venture for knowledge? And what is its purpose?
3. Syllabus: What is the syllabus of Islamic concept of knowledge and on what aspects of it Islam sheds light?
4. The outcome of knowledge: What would be the possible result or outcome after acquiring knowledge?
5. Means of knowledge: What should be the means of knowledge? What is the identification of its origins?
6. The scope of knowledge: What should be its scope?
   Let us elaborate these aspects one by one.