Islamic Concept of Knowledge

The Concept and Objects of Knowledge

If we think for a while over the first verse of Surah Al-Alaq we find that it starts with the word “read”. The commencement of the Surah with this word signifies that Allah (SWT) has started the revelation of His Guidance with the command to seek knowledge. Acquiring knowledge, therefore, is the first step whence apostolate initiates. In the like manner if we look at the last word of the 5th verse, it reveals that best of the apostolate also comes out to be acquisition of knowledge. The commencement as well as zenith of Messengership is but knowledge alone; that is the be-all and end-all. What remains is found nowhere but in the embrace of knowledge. The truth of seeking knowledge and its real import comes to fore vividly. We can see how significant it is to gain knowledge to promote and promulgate the divine guidance. It also persuades to strive hard against the darknesses of ignorance.

Knowledge that Merits Excellence

We should bear in mind that knowledge and education does not only mean literacy. Capability to read and write or gaining some command or hold over certain aspects of professional knowledge is not in itself the major objective. The objective to attain knowledge is very high; it is a blessing that encompasses the entire universe. We can say that, high or low, nothing of this universe falls beyond the scope of knowledge. Everything in the heavens and the earth and in between them is in the ambit of knowledge. But what bears special significance in this regard is revealed in the first verse:

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ

“(O Beloved!) Read (commencing) with the name of Allah (SWT).”

Allah Almighty (SWT) asks the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) to start learning with the blessed name of Allah (SWT). It brings to fore that only that knowledge is acceptable in the sight of Allah (SWT) that starts with the holy name of Allah (SWT) – knowledge based on the name of Allah (SWT), giving pivotal status to Islamic ideology and doctrine.

We should keep in mind that Islamic concept of knowledge is not confined only to religious or spiritual knowledge. It encompasses the entire scientific, modern and secular knowledge. The Islamic history bears testimony to it that, laying the foundation of scientific knowledge, the Muslim scientists carried out the Prophetic injunction contained in this tradition:

.أُطْلُبُوا الْعِلْمَ وَلَوْ بِالصِّينِ, فَإِنَّ طَلَبَ الْعِلْمِ فَرِيْضَةٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ

“Seek for knowledge even (you have to go) to China. Getting knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim (man and woman).”

The Holy Qur’an has frequently urged to conquer universe which is not possible without gaining mastery over modern sciences. But the pertinent point to make here is that only that knowledge of modern sciences merits excellence that seeks the pleasure of Allah Most High (SWT).

Knowledge and divine gnosis

Learning, starting with the sacred name of Allah Almighty (SWT), laying central emphasis on Islamic doctrine and ideology, brings about gnosis of Allah (SWT). Only that knowledge, therefore, will be considered real knowledge that brings man closer to Allah (SWT); brings Allah’s gnosis and true servitude to Him and grants an access to Him and finally takes man to enforcement of Islamic law and putting Allah’s commands to practice. On the contrary, knowledge that drives us away from our Lord is not the real knowledge. The modern and scientific knowledge and discoveries bring us, both intellectually as well as practically, close to Allah Almighty (SWT). A scientist with a broader mind and vision is basically a monotheist. Knowledge means to be aware but only that awareness becomes knowledge in the real sense which brings divine gnosis and nearness to Allah (SWT).

What is ignorance?

Now the question arises as to what is ignorance. Does it mean knowing nothing? We have seen that only that knowledge is worthwhile and valuable that grants us divine gnosis. So, the knowledge that drifts us away from Allah (SWT) and fails to become a means of nearness to Allah (SWT), His awareness, consciousness and gnosis is not knowledge but ignorance. If a person holds many degrees but his knowledge makes him forget Allah (SWT) he is not a scholar; he is rather an ignorant soul. The knowledge he possesses is but ignorance. Abu Jahl was not known as Abu Jahl (father of ignorance) for he could not read or write; he was considered literate man of his time. But he was known as Abu Jahl because his knowledge could not help him recognize Allah Almighty (SWT). That is why Islamic concept of Knowledge aims awareness of Allah Almighty (SWT) and the learning process starts with the blessed name of Allah (SWT).