The Holy Quran is said to be "the highest miracle of Islam". But why would a book turn out to be the proof of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) prophethood? What does it reveal about Islam's attitude toward the issue of learning or seeking knowledge? How does a true Muslim seek knowledge?
There are many verses in the Quran about acquiring knowledge. The very first verse of the Quran that was sent to our Prophet starts with an imperative form of the verb "read" (Ighra) [1]. Literacy and having knowledge is so important in Islam that Quran equals illiteracy to being in darkness [i]. Accordingly, it is the duty of any Muslim to try to learn. Besides, many Islamic scholars advise Muslims to strive for achieving knowledge. One of them is a quotation (hadith) from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP): “Seek knowledge, even if it is in China”. Considering the distance between the Arabian Peninsula (where the Prophet lived) and China as well as the lack of transportation 14 centuries ago, one can imagine how arduous it was to travel there. In addition to many life-threatening dangers, it is no exaggeration to say that it took several months to arrive there. This shows the emphasis on the importance of learning.
When the prophetic mission of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) started, most people in his land were illiterate, so, he asked the literate ones to teach Muslims; even prisoners of war were granted freedom provided that they taught literacy to at least ten Muslims. It has been said that once, the Prophet (PBUH&HP) entered a mosque and saw two groups of people; one group was praying and the other was sharing knowledge. He stated that both of them were doing a good job, and then continued his speech by saying that he was sent to people by God “to teach” them. So he went and sat in the second group [2]. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) was alive, there were places like schools where both women and men had the freedom to take part in classes. And, different fields of knowledge were learned including religion, literature, poetry, rhetoric, medicine, astronomy, etc [3].
A human being is curious by nature. We have been created with an inquiring mind. It has been said that all human beings are bestowed a gift, that is the brain as well as the desire for learning. The desire to learn is in our nature [4]. In Islamic instructions, there is a huge emphasis on the value of seeking knowledge. It has been quoted from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP): “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave”. It is a must for every Muslim regardless of their age, race, or gender [5]. All people must have the ability and liberty to learn, teach, exchange, and share information. It does not matter from whom you are learning. As long as they have the knowledge, it would be perfect. There is an Islamic hadith from the fifth Imam of Muslims, Imam Muhammed Al-Bagher (AS), quoted from Jesus Christ (AS) saying that: “Learn knowledge from someone who has it and does not look at their deeds.” There is no kind of prejudice whatsoever in choosing the teacher. The only important thing is the learning itself. Besides, ignorance has been known as the root of many miseries; and knowledge is like a vast amount of treasure that never runs out.
Notes:
[i]. (13:16)
References:
- Ahamiyate Danesh-Andoozi az Nazare Eslam Akhlagh va Irfan
- Morteza Motahari, "Talim va Tarbiyat Dar Eslam [Education in Islam]", Sadra, p. 22, 2008.
- Soheyla Jalali, Derakhsheshe Zanane Mosalman Dar Arseye Elm va Farhang Dar Sadre Eslam Pajooheshgahe Oloom va Farhange Islami
- Morteza Motahari, "Moghadame'I bar Jahanbiniye Eslami. [An Introduction to Islamic Ideology]", Sadra, p. 274, 2004.
- Faeze Azimzade Ardebili, Hghe Amoozeshe Zanan Dar Eslam va Gharb [The Right of Learning for Women from Islamic and Western Viewpoint
Trusting in Allah is the expense for achieving whatever worthwhile and the ladder toward whatever elevating.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.364.
Feeling Allah in every breath is more advantageous than exhausting your body in worshipping Him.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.364.
The believer is in need of Allah's favor, his/her inner guide, and being open to the goodwill of the well-wishers.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p. 457.
Visiting your friends, even for a short time, improves your health and elevates your mind.
al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.329.
Trusting someone before making sure [of his/her personality] ends up in pain and catastrophe.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.364.
The believer prospers in not depending on others.
al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.109.
Life reveals the hidden secrets to you, [as it goes by].
al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.365.
Know that you are constantly under Allah's supervision, so beware of yourself.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p. 455.
If you approve of a wrong deed, you will be considered to have a share in committing it.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.75, p.82.
Whoever turns to anyone other than Allah, Allah will leave his/her matters to that other person.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.
Don't pretend to be Allah's friend while being His enemy in secret.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p.365.
If you are confused about entering a deed, you'll be desperate in coming out of it.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p.364.
You receive affection through gaining three characteristics; being fair in your relations, sympathizing [with others] in their hardship and happiness, and keeping your heart unstained [from sins].
Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.3, p.139.
Avoid befriending a mischievous person, since he/she is like a bare blade whose look is alluring, while its impact [wound] is hideous.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.74, p.198.
The good that generous people do for others benefits them more than the ones in need of help since its reward, honor, and reputation belong to them. Therefore, any favor that one does first benefits him/herself. So he/she shouldn't expect to be gratified for what he/she has done.
Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.3, p.137.
The best worship is sincerity in [intention].
Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir , vol.2, p.109.
When you listen to a speaker, you have turned into his/her slave (follower); if the speaker's words are directed toward Allah Almighty, the listener has glorified Allah, and if his/her words are directed toward Satan, the listener has worshipped Satan.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.6, p.434.
The blessing, which is not gratified, is like a sin, which has not forgiven.
Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.309.
The least punishment of the one who relies on a mischievous person is being deprived of his/her aspiration.
Aziz Allah, Atarodi, Mosnad Imam al-Jawad (AS), p.248.
Unwise words cause many disputes.
Sabbagh al-Maliki, Al-Fusul al-muhimma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, p.274.
If you stay pious despite being in a chaotic situation, Allah will bestow His mercy upon you and show you a way out.
Sabbagh al-Maliki, Al-Fusul al-muhimma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, p.274.
Death is like your sleep at night, except that the fatal sleep is longer, and you won't wake up from it until the Day of Judgement.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.3, p.134.
The needs are requested by hope and answered by divine will. Undoubtedly, the best blessing is well-being.
Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.309.
The one whom Allah is his/her trustee and guardian will never go astray or get disappointed.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.
Whoever desires Allah will surely be saved.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.
Unexpected incidents and calamities will devour the one who lacks foresight.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.340.
Blaming people without any evidence or reason causes anger and distress, and they will never forgive you for this.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.71, p.181.
If you are sure about the piety, faith, and trustworthiness of your daughter's suitor, agree to his request; otherwise, it will lead to great misfortune and ruin.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.347.
There will be no dispute among people if the ignorant remain silent.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 81.
Whoever accepts and submits [to a task, command, etc.] without considering its different aspects, has exposed him/herself to destruction and distress.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 364.
People will be dependent on the one who, by relying on Allah, considers himself independent. And the pious will naturally be favored by people even if they aren't pious themselves.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 79.
Strive in gaining knowledge and wisdom, and know that learning is obligatory (Wajib) and discussing [what has been learned] is recommended (Mustahab).
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.
Knowledge is the means of helping friends and relatives, the reason for and sign of fairness, a gift and means of entertainment in gatherings, the human's companion in travel, and one's mate in lonely times.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.
Modesty and humility are the adornments of knowledge and wisdom.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 91.
Politeness and being good-natured are signs of reason and forbearance.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 91.
Rely on patience in all your life, see poverty as your companion, and stand against your whims and impulses.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 358.
One should perform prayer (Salat) in a modest manner.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.74, p. 131.
The conditions for your repentance to be accepted by Allah are feeling regret at heart, asking for forgiveness by the tongue, compensating for your mistakes, and being determined not to commit those sins again.
Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.2, p.349.
There are two kinds of knowledge; one is heard, and the other is practiced [besides being heard]. There is no use in the knowledge that is heard but not practiced.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.
The one who does an injustice, the one who participates in it, and the one who is content with it all have a share in it.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 81.
Judaism in Islam is considered as one of the most significant monotheistic religions, and many verses of Quran are dedicated to describing the fate of the followers of this religion. In different verses of the Holy Quran, when Allah wants to mention people of Moses, He calls them “Children of Israel” (Bani-Israel). The reason for which is that they were the generation of Prophet Jacob or Israel (PBUH), who at the time of Prophet Joseph (PBUH), migrated to Egypt and settled there for years [1].
After Pharaohs gained power in Egypt, they started violence against the immigrant generation of Israel by “slaughtering their sons and sparing their women” (28: 4).
Then after so many years, during which Bani-Israel were waiting for a deliverer, Moses was appointed to save them and deliver them from Egypt to the holy land: “O my people, enter the Holy Land which Allah has ordained for you, and do not turn your backs, or you will become losers’” (5: 21). They did not accept to enter the holy land as they were afraid of the people of that land. Therefore, they lost their opportunity and were wandering in the deserts for years. There was no promise that if children of Israel do not act according to God’s orders, they will still inherit the holy land.
“We dispersed them into communities around the earth: some of them were righteous, and some of them otherwise, and We tested them with good and bad [times] so that they may come back” (7: 168).
Like any other monotheistic religion that has good or bad followers, the followers of Judaism are either virtuous or sinful according to the above verse of the Holy Quran.
The bad Jews, mainly known to be Zionists, are those who are committing great sins and have huge racist beliefs. Since they believe they are the higher race and others are somehow their properties. Zionism is not a religion, but a political branch that tries to gain power using any tools, even the religion of Jews.
The Holy Quran introduces all prophets as Muslims [2]. Quran strongly defends Jewish believers like the believers of other religions; “Indeed the faithful, the Jews, the Christians and the Sabaeans - those of them who have faith in Allah and the Last Day and act righteously—they shall have their reward from their Lord, and they will have no fear, nor will they grieve” (2: 62).
Quran confirms the book of Moses and says: “We sent down the Torah containing guidance and light” (5:44). And in another verse, it says: “Yet before it, the Book of Moses was a guide and mercy, and this is a Book in the Arabic language, which confirms it…” (46: 12).
Although Quran confirms that all the prophets were from God and they had the same message, the problem, according to the Quran, is that the book of Moses was distorted by those ignorant and arrogant followers of him.
Accordingly, Islam was sent down to the followers of all prophets and the people of all nations and lands as a final and most complete religion, which was fundamentally the same as their religion. But all true believers and true followers of prophets should now be united in the way of worshipping One God and follow the book of Muhammad (PBUH), who has been mentioned in their books (7: 156-7).
God also warns Muslims that when they wish to convey His messages to the followers of other prophets, they should be respectful towards them: “Do not argue with the People of the Book except in a manner which is best, except such of them as are wrongdoers, and say, ‘We believe in what has been sent down to us and in what has been sent down to you; our God and your God is one [and the same], and to Him do we submit’” (29: 46).
As mentioned in the article on monotheism, from the Islamic point of view, the followers of other religions should realize the perfectness of Islam “despite the distorted image of Islam” in today’s world. They need to reach complete faith based on a firm understanding of Islam as the last and the complete way of life [3].
Since Jews were waiting for the last prophet and when some of them found him rise from among Arabs and not from amongst themselves, they denied him, since they had this thought that Islam must belong to a specific land or specific people, and it cannot be a complete universal religion for all lands at all times.
God mentions the rabbis with so much respect in the Quran and expects them to enlighten their people in worshipping one God and not to be fighting against each other while they worship the same God: “We sent down the Torah containing guidance and light. The prophets, who had submitted, judged by it for the Jews, and so did the rabbis and the scribes, as they were charged to preserve the Book of Allah and were witnesses to it...” (5: 44).
Going through the story of Prophet Moses (PBUH) and explaining it in details in the Quran had two major reasons:
1. Since when Muhammad was assigned as a prophet, Jews annoyed him in every possible way, God kept sending revelations regarding their past actions and their behavior towards Prophet Moses from whom they had seen many miracles.
2. The story of Jewish people and how they saw the miracles of their prophet and yet, they kept denying him, is repeatedly explained in the Quran, to be a lesson for Muslims. Muslims should remember that they had hard times, too, like the Jews, and they should not become arrogant because the last prophet was raised amongst them. Muslims should not make complaints against God’s orders, and by remembering the history of Jews, they should keep in mind that if they decline Allah’s commands, they will lose their opportunities since blessing is given to those who are God-wary:
“If the people of the towns had been faithful and God-wary, We would have opened to them blessings from the heaven and the earth. But they denied; so We seized them because of what they used to earn” (7: 96).
References:
- The Quran, Yousof (12), 93
- The Quran, Al-Shourea (42), 13
- jews in Islam