By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya
By
Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya
Allâh I not only commands the whole mankind to seek knowledge but also commends those who are knowledgeable. He encourages the learned by promising them rewards. The following ayât state:
“He grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to whom wisdom is granted receives indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message but men of understanding.” (2: 269)
“...Allâh will raise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and have been granted Knowledge. And Allâh is well-acquainted with all you do.” (58:11)
Allâh I has honored and extolled the people who possess knowledge of Islâm. He has raised their status high by including them among with those who bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh. He the Almighty says:
“Allâh bears witness that none has the right to be worshipped but He, and the angels, and those having knowledge (also bear witness to this); (He is always) maintaining His Creation in justice. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Almighty the All-Wise.” (3:18)
In another verse, Allâh I tells us that “Only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allâh...” (35:28). In return for their being god-fearing, Allâh is pleased with them. They receive Allâh’s admonition. Allâh the Exalted tells us in His Book:
“On the other hand for those who fear their Rabb are gardens with rivers flowing beneath therein are they to dwell (for ever) a gift from the presence of Allâh and that which is in the presence of Allâh is the best (bliss) for the righteous.” (3:198)
“O you who believe! If you fear Allâh, He will grant you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong) remove from you (all) evil (that may afflict) you and forgive you: for Allâh is the Rabb of grace unbounded.” (8:29)
“As for those who fear their Rabb Unseen, for them is Forgiveness and a great Reward.” (67:12)
Is then one who does know that, that which has been Revealed unto you from your Rabb is the Truth, like the one who is blind? It is those who are endowed with understanding that receive admonition; those who fulfill the Covenant of Allâh and fail not in their plighted word; those who join together those things, which Allâh has commanded to be joined, hold their Rabb in awe, and fear the terrible reckoning; those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Creator; establish regular prayers, spend out of (the gifts) We have bestowed for their sustenance, secretly and openly; and turn off Evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the (eternal) Home. Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their offspring and angels shall enter unto them from every gate (with the salutation) “Peace unto you for that you persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final Home!” (13:19-24)
When we acquire knowledge of Islâm we learn not only the divine purpose why Allâh I has created us but also understand the meaning of this temporary world, and how we should prepare our lives to enjoy the everlasting life in the hereafter. We know that only when we peacefully and completely submit to Allâh, believe and fear in Him, follow His commands, do righteous deeds for the sole purpose of pleasing Him alone, and subsequently refrain from committing sins do we attain salvation. When we acquire knowledge we are assured of Allâh’s everlasting reward. We gain Allâh’s protection from the terrible punishments in the hell-fire that await those who do not believe because they are devoid of wisdom. For our benefit we should strive to acquire knowledge because Allâh makes it very clear that those who know are not equal with those who do not know. He tells us:
“Is one who worships devoutly during the hours of the night prostrating himself or standing (in adoration), who takes heed of the Hereafter, and who places his hope in the Mercy of his God—like one who does not)? Say: 'Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?” It is those who are endowed with understanding that receive admonition.'” (39:9)
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