| Amir al-Mu’minin Ali, peace be upon him, speaks of the value of knowledge in Nahj al-Balaghah, saying:
«الْعِلْمُ وِرَاثَةٌ کَرِیمَةٌ.»
“Knowledge is a priceless inheritance.” (Nahj al-Balaghah, Wisdom. no 5)
Explanation:
It can perhaps be said that the particular attention and emphasis Islam places on the concept of knowledge and learning, is unmatched by any other issue or topic.
The reason for this can be summarized in the following point: “Opposed to knowledge is ignorance, and ignorance is the root of all deviation.”
The weapon that protects humanity from ignorance and guides them toward divine commandments is knowledge and understanding. Without being adorned with knowledge and understanding, we become vulnerable, turning into tools and playthings for those with unworthy thoughts—because without knowledge, there is no willpower. And willpower is born from the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
The following narrations emphasize the exceptional status of knowledge and learning:
Stepping on the Wings of Angels
In a deeply meaningful narration, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, states:
«إِنَّ اَلْمَلاَئِکَةَ لَتَضَعُ أَجْنِحَتَهَا لِطَالِبِ اَلْعِلْمِ حَتَّی یَطَأَ عَلَیْهَا رِضًا بِهِ.»
“Indeed, the angels spread their wings under the feet of the seeker of knowledge, out of their pleasure with him.” (Bihar al-Anwar, v. 1, p. 177)
The Superiority of the Scholar Over the Worshiper
In another narration, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, says:
«إِنَّ فَضْلَ اَلْعَالِمِ عَلَی اَلْعَابِدِ کَفَضْلِ اَلشَّمْسِ عَلَی اَلْکَوَاکِبِ.»
“The superiority of a scholar over a worshiper is like the superiority of the sun over the other stars.” (Bihar al-Anwar, v. 2, p. 19)
Comparing One Hour of Scientific Discussion to Twelve Thousand Quranic Recitations
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, advised Abu Dharr, (one of his companions), saying:
«یَا أَبَا ذَرٍّ اَلْجُلُوسُ سَاعَةً عِنْدَ مُذَاکَرَةِ اَلْعِلْمِ أَحَبُّ إِلَیَّ مِنْ قِرَاءَةِ اَلْقُرْآنِ کُلِّهِ اِثْنَیْ عَشَرَ أَلْفَ مَرَّةٍ.»
“O Abu Dharr! One hour of sitting in a gathering of knowledge (a session of scientific discussion) is better for me than twelve thousand recitations of the Quran.” (Jami’ al-Akhbar, v. 1, p. 37)
The Ink of Scholars Preferred Over the Blood of Martyrs
Furthermore, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, states:
«إِذَا کَانَ یَوْمُ اَلْقِیَامَةِ وُزِنَ مِدَادُ اَلْعُلَمَاءِ بِدِمَاءِ اَلشُّهَدَاءِ، فَیُرَجَّحُ مِدَادُ اَلْعُلَمَاءِ عَلَی دِمَاءِ اَلشُّهَدَاءِ.»
“On the Day of Judgment, the ink of the scholars will be weighed against the blood of the martyrs, and the ink of the scholars will outweigh the blood of the martyrs.” (Amali Shaikh Tusi, v.1, p.521)
And there are numerous other narrations that highlight the greatness of knowledge and the pursuit of learning.
A Question:
How can the ink of scholars be superior to the blood of martyrs, who sacrifice everything they have in the way of Allah?
This question was posed to an infallible Imam, who replied:
“The one who goes to jihad protects the borders of the Islamic nation, preventing enemies from invading the lands of Muslims and violating their wealth, lives. If this effort is not made, the lands and possessions of Muslims fall into the hands of disbelievers. Jihad achieves nothing greater than this. However, those who pursue knowledge protect the borders of hearts from being infiltrated by enemies and Satan, preventing them from robbing a believer of their faith.
If an enemy invades and seizes wealth, it is a worldly loss, one which Allah will compensate for in the Hereafter. Even if a person is killed, they lose only a few days of worldly life, and Allah grants them eternal life in the Hereafter. But if someone’s faith is stolen, what remains for them? Eternal punishment!” (Narrated by Ayatullah Misbah Yazdi)
Thus, as expressed by the illuminating words of the Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him: “Knowledge is a priceless inheritance.”
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The International Service of “Hawzah News Agency”
