KNOWLEDGE

The first human to be endowed with knowledge was Adam. Satan too had knowledge but his haughtiness and conceit made him reject God’s command to prostrate before Adam. His reasoning was that since he was made out of fire and Adam out of mud, he was superior. God gave Adam the knowledge of all things that humans would encounter on earth and asked the angels if they knew all this.

The Test Begins
[2:31-33] He taught Adam all the names then presented them to the angels, saying, “Give me the names of these, if you are right.” They said, “Be You glorified, we have no knowledge, except that which You have taught us.  You are the Omniscient, Most Wise.” He said, “O Adam, tell them their names.” When he told them their names, He said, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth? I know what you declare, and what you conceal.”

Knowledge means getting to know things that one does not know. Adam did not know the names before they were instructed to him and finding those names was knowledge.

Knowledge has no limits, no peripheries and no confines in the worldly sense. It is of various types and can be used for numerous reasons but the principal function would be to facilitate yourself and others in a most righteous manner. For example, the study of nuclear science need not be used to build atomic weapons but can be used for power generation, medicine, etc. to benefit people.

Since the dawn of time, the human has an inherent wonder, and knowledge has been crucial for our development. It manoeuvres us towards a more productive and advantageous course. A reliable standard for actions to have basic benefit is when they are of assistance to humankind. This leads to exploration and research which in turn results in personal achievements like physical and spiritual growth. All knowledge, including religious knowledge, can directly or indirectly advance human progress if God permits. Knowledge has to be first procured and then passed on. The more we use knowledge, the more it increases. Like a candle—when it lights another candle it does not lose any of its own luminescence. Gaining and conveying knowledge can bring about a just and cultured society.

Muhammad was commanded to narrate on being informed of his Prophethood.

[96:1-5] Read, in the name of your Lord, who created. He created man from an embryo. Read, and your Lord, Most Exalted. Teaches by means of the pen. He teaches man what he never knew.

The words read and pen have an immense implication. They highlight the necessity to be literate so you can comprehend and put pen to paper. It is the best way of attaining and circulating knowledge. God Himself has sent us this Divine Message in the form of the Quran so we can understand, appreciate, contemplate and abide by His injunctions. He tells us how it should be done.

[2:151] (Blessings) such as the sending of a messenger from among you to recite our revelations to you, purify you, teach you the scripture and wisdom, and to teach you what you never knew.

In seeking knowledge, as submitters, we are stimulated by faith and belief.

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