Short notes for you (by Hakim sensei)
Topic 1: Islam and Knowledge
There are 5 parts for you to grasp strongly upon this topic:
1) Meaning of Knowledge
2) Importance of Knowledge
3) Classifications of Knowledge
4) Sources of Knowledge
5) Adab in Seeking Knowledge
The Meaning of Knowledge:
Literally: understanding (fahm) and cognition (ma’rifah).
It also covers these meanings:
Tafaqquh Tafakkur/Tadabbur Tadhakkur Tabassur Ta’aqqul
(depth (contemplation (remembrance) (mental (reasoning)
understanding) &reflection) perception)
Technically: Al-Jurjani defined knowledge by 2 definitions.
i. The absolute certainty which is conformable with its actual reality.
Certainty comes with perception, and absolute certainty with the right
perception will be considered as knowledge. There are 4 levels of
perception from the lowest to the highest:
a) Al-Wahm
b) Al-Shak
c) Al-Zann
d) Al-Yaqin
ii. An established quality by which a person is able to know the generals as
well as the particulars.
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The Importance of Knowledge:
Seeking knowledge in life is compulsory for Muslim as it aligns with the
Maqasid al-Shariah under the preservation of intellect. In addition, humankind
has been given the blessing of mind, a tool to differentiate between right and
wrong, a tool that allows the responsibility to be manifested. Below are the
justifications of the importance of knowledge:
1) The first Quranic revelation is on the acquisition of knowledge.
- The word (Iqra’) in Surah al-‘Alaq (96: 1) means to read and explore
knowledge.
- It can be done by 2 ways:
a) Tadabbur by studying the Ayat Quraniyyah.
b) Tafakkur by observing the Ayat Kawniyyah.
2) Allah’s appreciation and praise for the people of knowledge.
3) Knowledge is a prominent distinction between Prophet Adam A.S and the
Angels.
4) Knowledge is a prerequisite for any form of responsibility.
Classifications of Knowledge:
There are 2 categories of knowledge:
1. Absolute Perfect Knowledge ))العلم المطلق المحيط
- Allah S.W.T is The All Knowing, His knowledge covers everything even
in every minor detail.
- For example, the unseen and metaphysical world that only known by
Allah S.W.T.
- The Absolute Perfect Knowledge only belongs to Allah S.W.T alone.
- Acknowledging this category of knowledge will lead to:
a) the attainment of muraqabatillah.
b) the understanding and realisitaion of the Hereafter.
c) the firm conviction in Allah S.W.T as the Supreme Legislator.
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2. Limited Knowledge ()العلم المحدود
- It refers to the knowledge that Allah S.W.T bestows upon His creations.
There are two types of limited knowledge:
a) Gifted knowledge ()العلم الوهب
Sacred Knowledge Native Knowledge
The knowledge that Allah S.W.T The knowledge that Allah S.W.T
teaches man through revelation implants in the very nature of
to His Prophets and Messengers. creation.
b) Acquired knowledge ()العلم االكتساب
Praiseworthy Knowledge Blameworthy Knowledge
a) Individual Obligatory a) Blameworthy in its
Knowledge Essence
- It refers to the level of - It brings negative
any discipline of impact entirely such as
knowledge upon an the knowledge of black
individual to ensure his magic.
well-being such as
knowledge of Tajwid. b) Blameworthy for its
External Elements
b) Collective Obligatory - It is initially useful yet
Knowledge becomes blameworthy
- It refers to the advance due to these factors:
level of any field of
knowledge to preserve 1) Misperception towards the
the advancement of origin of knowledge
the society such as 2) Displacement of goals
engineering fields and 3) Misuse of knowledge
civil law fields.
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Sources of Knowledge:
There are 5 sources of knowledge in Islam:
1. Revelation ()الوح
- Quran ()الوح المتلو
- Sunnah (غي المتلو
)الوح ر
2. Observation
- Natural Physical Phenomena of the Universe (sunnatullah)
- Human Phenomena
3. Inspiration
- Minor Inspiration (intuition, inclination to do things spontaneously)
- Major Inspiration (idea given by Allah S.W.T after deliberation and
reflection)
4. Dream
- ( الرؤيا الصالحةOnly this one can be recognised as a source of knowledge)
- ( أضغاث أحالمConfused dream)
- ( الحلمNightmare)
5. History
- The history of the past can be a guidance (‘ibrah) and the source of
knowledge for mankind such as the historical instances in the Quran.
Adab in Seeking Knowledge:
There are 6 manners for a Muslim to adhere in seeking knowledge:
1. Sincerity intentions.
2. Firm and strong determination.
3. Humility and respect.
4. Patience and perseverance.
5. Acquisition of knowledge from the scholars.
6. Observance of Adab in “Gathering of Knowledge”.
“A strong heart will always prevail even if it is an arduous journey.” <3
