Knowledge is one of the most important aspects of human life. In Islam, knowledge holds a very high status and is encouraged to be sought from cradle to grave. This article will discuss how knowledge can be the key to honor in both this world and the hereafter, as well as how we can practice and derive maximum benefit from it.
Also Read : Faith, Knowledge, and Deeds: The Three Foundations of Act in Islam
Knowledge in Islam
In Islam, knowledge is not merely academic but encompasses all aspects of life. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” (HR. Ibnu Majah). This highlights the importance of knowledge for every Muslim individual. Allah ﷻ also commands every Muslim to seek knowledge, as explained in the Quran, Surah Al-Mujadalah, verse 11:
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوا۟ فِى ٱلْمَجَٰلِسِ فَٱفْسَحُوا۟ يَفْسَحِ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ ٱنشُزُوا۟ فَٱنشُزُوا۟ يَرْفَعِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مِنكُمْ وَٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمَ دَرَجَٰتٍ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ
Translation: “O you who have believed, when you are told, ‘Space yourselves’ in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you. And when you are told, ‘Arise,’ then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.”
Knowledge as the Key to Worldly Honor
Knowledge enables individuals to understand their surroundings, make informed decisions, and live wisely. Here are some reasons why knowledge can lead to worldly honor:
- Improving Quality of Life: Knowledge helps us understand how to maintain health, manage finances, and build good relationships with others.
- Career Opportunities: A good education opens up opportunities for decent jobs and better income.
- Respect and Recognition: Knowledgeable people are often respected in society for their contributions and broad insights.
The importance of knowledge is also reflected in the story of Prophet Adam, who was taught the names of things by Allah ﷻ. When he committed a mistake by eating the forbidden fruit, the knowledge he received from Allah saved him. The supplication made by Prophet Adam and Hawa is a prime example of the significance of knowledge in attaining honor:
رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنْفُسَنَا وَإِنْ لَمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
“Rabbana dzolamna anfusana wa in lam taghfirlana wa tarhamna lanakunanna minal khasirin.”
Translation: “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.” (QS. Al-A’raf: 23)
Knowledge as the Key to Eternal Honor
Knowledge is not only beneficial in this world but also serves as provision for the hereafter. Some reasons why knowledge is the key to eternal honor include:
- Guidance for Life: Religious knowledge helps us understand Allah’s commands and prohibitions, enabling us to live according to Islamic teachings.
- Perpetual Charity: Teaching beneficial knowledge is one of the deeds whose rewards continue even after death.
- Strengthening Faith: Understanding Islamic teachings in depth can strengthen our faith and piety towards Allah SWT.
The story of Prophet Yusuf also supports this view. His ability to interpret dreams and his wisdom in facing life’s trials stemmed from the knowledge he possessed. This knowledge earned him a high position in Egypt and made him a role model for many.
Allah ﷻ elevates the ranks of knowledgeable people, as emphasized in Surah Yusuf, verse 76:
فَبَدَأَ بِأَوْعِيَتِهِمْ قَبْلَ وِعَآءِ أَخِيهِ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَخْرَجَهَا مِن وِعَآءِ أَخِيهِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ كِدْنَا لِيُوسُفَ ۖ مَا كَانَ لِيَأْخُذَ أَخَاهُ فِى دِينِ ٱلْمَلِكِ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ۚ نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَٰتٍ مَّن نَّشَآءُ ۗ وَفَوْقَ كُلِّ ذِى عِلْمٍ عَلِيمٌ
Translation: “So he began [the search] with their bags before the bag of his brother; then he extracted it from the bag of his brother. Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not have taken his brother within the religion of the king except that Allah willed. We raise in degrees whom We will, but over every possessor of knowledge is one [more] knowing.” (QS. Yusuf: 76)
This verse underscores that knowledge is the key to achieving high status.
Effective Ways to Seek Knowledge
To attain the honor that comes with knowledge, several effective steps can be taken in seeking it:
- Sincere Intentions: Ensure that our intention in seeking knowledge is to seek Allah’s pleasure, not merely for worldly purposes.
- Consistency: Seeking knowledge is an ongoing process, not something that can be done once and for all.
- Finding Competent Teachers: Learning from competent teachers with correct understanding is crucial for acquiring quality knowledge.
- Practicing Knowledge: Knowledge that is not practiced is like a tree without fruit. Ensure that we apply what we have learned.
Overcoming Challenges in Seeking Knowledge
Seeking knowledge is not always easy. Several challenges are often faced, such as lack of time, high education costs, or limited access. Here are some tips to overcome these challenges:
- Time Management: Arrange daily schedules well to allocate specific time for studying.
- Scholarships and Assistance: Look for information about available scholarships or educational assistance to ease the financial burden.
- Utilizing Technology: Make use of online resources such as online courses, e-books, and educational videos to facilitate access to knowledge.
Conclusion
Knowledge is the key to honor in both this world and the hereafter. With knowledge, we can live better lives, make wise decisions, and draw closer to Allah. Seeking knowledge is a duty for every Muslim, and with sincere intentions and consistent efforts, we can achieve true honor.
Knowledge not only serves as provision for worldly life but also guides us towards happiness in the hereafter. Therefore, let us remain enthusiastic in seeking knowledge and practicing it in our daily lives.
References:
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TafsirWeb. (n.d.). Surat Al-A’raf Ayat 23 Arab, Latin, Terjemah dan Tafsir | Baca di TafsirWeb. Retrieved from https://tafsirweb.com/2477-surat-al-araf-ayat-23.html
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