KNOWLEDGE (العلم)

DEFINITION

Etymologically:

-Al-`ilm derived from the Arabic word `Alima means :-
* To know
* To learn
* To understand
* To perceive
* To be familiar or acquainted with.

Technical meaning :-

- Defined by al-Jurjani :-
i) The absolute certainty which is comformable with its actual reality.
ii) An established ( of being knowledgeble) quality by which a person is able to know the generals as well as the particulars.

- The definitions above focuses on 2 different aspects of al-`Ilm

1) The 4 level of Understanding :
i) Al-yakin : absolute certainly and very clear. 100%
ii) Al-zan : it is a state of knowing something with certainly but with a slight of doubtfulness. 75% ↑
iii) Al-syak : it is a state of knowing something with same level of doubtfulness. 50%
iv) Al-wahim : it is the states of perceiving something wrongly without any basis or very unclearly. 25% ↑

2) The scope of knowledge
- As a scholar or a professional - should mastering his discipline of knowledge and knowing in general the other parts of knowledge.

The Importance/significance of knowledge

1.   The first quranic revelation received by the prophet s.a.w

·         Emphasized on acquiring and    searching for knowledge.

·         Contained command and order for him to search knowledge.(refer 96:1-5)

2.   Distinction between Adam and Angel (2:30-34)

3.   Having faith in Allah & the rank of knowledgeable person is ranked up.(58:11)

4.   Knowledgeable person will fear to Allah.(35:28)

5.   Allah distinguishes those who knowledgeable and not knowledgeable.(39:9)

6.   Allah favours us Al-Quran and gives us intelligent.(55:1-4)

7.   Pre-requisite of responsibilities/to be a leader. (2:247)

8.   Knowledge will guide its owner to the right path.(3:18)

Surah Al-Alaq 96 : 1
The meaning of "reading" ( iqra`) in the above ayah in fact has two types :

i) Tafakkur ( a process of obsevation of visible signs of Allah (s.w.t) (ayatillah al-mandhurah) scientifically. The visible signs of Allah (s.w.t)(ayatillah al-naqru`ah) consists of two types and they are natural phenomenon of universe and human phenomenon.
ii) Tadabbur ( a process of studying the readable signs of Allah (s.w.t)(ayatillah al-maqru`ah) scientifically, that is al-Quran al-karim.

Surah Al-Baqarah 2 : 30-34
A dialogue took place between Allah (s.w.t), the angels and Adam (a.s) which was ended with the instruction from Allah (s.w.t) to the angels to prostrate to Adam (a.s) as a symbol of a respect given by the angels with the instruction from Allah (s.w.t) after his ability to demonstrate his knowledge and inability of the angels to do so. It shows how al-Quran al-Karim honors knowledge and the people of knowledge.

Surah Al-Rahman 55:1-4
Human being no matter how great the form of his creation without knowledge being incorporated it is meaningless and useless. It shows how al-Quran attached a great importance to knowledge.

CLASSIFICATION OF KNOWLEDGE

(refer at the diagram below)

SOURCE OF AL`ILM (KNOWLEDGE)

·         Al-Wahy ( revelation )

o   Al-Quran

ü  All contents in the al-Quran al-Karim are completely coming from Allah (s.w.t).

ü  Other sources of knowledge if knowledge are derived their validities from al-quran al-Karim and its means that it is an inevitable source of knowledge for ensuring goodness and well being of all mankind.

ü  Nothing is neglected from al-Quran al-Karim (refer Surah Al-Nahl 16:89)

o   Al-Sunnah

o   It is a practical explanation of al-Quran al-Karim, in order to know how to practice al-Quran al-Karim, we have to refer to Al-Sunnah. ( refer Surah Al-Nahl 16:44)

·         Observation

o   Natural Phenomenon of Universe
This universe and very natural phenomenon happens in it should be taken by the Muslim as a subject of scientific observation which can understanding of properties of the things which created by Allah (s.w.t) in this universe ( refer Surah Al-Imran 3:190)

o   Human phenomenon
-A Muslim is required and obligated by Allah (s.w.t) to undergo a process of tafakkur upon human phenomenon, that is the noticeable, and natural reaction of human being under different condition and situation,( refer Surah Al-Araf 7:176)

·         Inspiration

o   Minor inspiration/intuition, that is an idea or inclination and feeling to do something that is coming into one`s mind spontaneously and naturally without having to use power of reason or faculty of intellect. This kind of inspiration is mentioned by Allah (s.w.t) in many ayah for example in Surah Al-Nahl 16:68. Though in this ayah is specifically related to bees, but the point which we want to highlight in this ayah is the fact all living creation of Allah (s.w.t) including human being is bestowed with knowledge through this way that knowledge which is known spontaneously and naturally, without having to use power of reason or faculty of intellect.

o   Major Inspiration. It refer to the idea which is coming into one`s mind after having exercised a process of serious thinking, by using his power of reason. ( refer Surah Al-Qasas 28:7)

·         Dream

It can be relied as one of the sources of knowledge for helping us as a normal individual to predict about what is going to happen to us. In fact, the visions seen in sleeping has 3 kinds :

o    Al-ru`yah al-salihah,
this is the one which recognized as a source of knowledge, however it is only shown to pious people.

o    Adghath ahlam ( confused dream)

o    Al-hulm ( the unfavorable things seen in sleeping - coming from syaitan)(refer 12:36-41)

ADAB OF SEEKING KNOWLEDGE

1.    Praying for Allah’s assistance & favor (96:1-2)

2.    Acquiring knowledge from its scholars (16:43)(4:83)(12:76)

3.    Observing the manners in the majlis of knowledge. (58:11)(49:2)

4.    Choosing the proper words in seeking knowledge and avoiding the act of cursing. (2:104)

STORY OF MUSA A.S IN SEEKING KNOWLEDGE.

1.    Searching knowledge even you are knowledgeable.

2.    Humbleness and patient/perseverance.

3.    Listen first to teacher explaination before asking question.

4.    Obedient to the conditions given by the teacher.

ADAB OF LEARNING WITH TEACHER.

1.    To ensure the cleanliness & purity of body, dress & heart & good morals because knowledge is the light of God.

2.    To get rid of unnecessary matters & to devote himself to learning & to leave his home or to travel to get knowledge.

3.    Not to be arrogant to knowledge & to the teacher & to put trust on them as an acute patient trust the doctor.

4.    To avoid listening to the polemic or unnecessary debates that can confuse him & makes him frustrated especially for the beginners.

5.    Not to easily move from 1 field of ‘ilm to another until he master the earlier knowledge (33:4)

6.    To follow the priority of learning starting from the most important to the less important. Knowledge of God most important than others.

7.    To correct the intention of learning that is to seek God’s pleasure above all interest.(3:190-192)

8.    To adhere to the ethic of majlis ‘ilm such as al tafassuh(helping each other), completing the majlis, lowering the voice, choosing good words, etc.

Modified

By Mohd Khairullah Mohd Idzhar based on Ustazah Salmiah's talk during Basic Theme Al Quran lecture.