Bismillah In the ninth lecture which was delivered on the 13th November 2013, the following points were discussed: 1. A very important requirement of being truthful and dedicated to the truth is to try to understand and discover the truth. This leads to having great interest for knowledge whether it be in the form of learning or teaching. The Qur’an says: … Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only those who possess intellect take admonition. (39:9) God will raise those of you who have faith and those who have been given knowledge in ranks, and God is well aware of what you do. (58:11) It was explained that the ranks of heaven depends on faith and then all depend on knowledge. Those believers who have more knowledge will be put in higher positions. See e.g. Al-Mizan by Allamah Tabataba’I, vol. 1. 2. Believers should not try to understand or disclose the secrets of people or the things that would not bring good if they come to know them. Allah swt says in the Qur’an: O you who have faith! Do not ask about things which, if they are disclosed to you, will upset you… (5:101) This is why backbiting is forbidden. 3. When it comes to understanding the creation of God or understanding what we are supposed to do all types of knowledge become important. All sciences like physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, mathematics are valued in Islam. There must be in the Muslim community sufficient number of people who specialise in these sciences. 4. Islam changed the ignorant society of Mecca in which those were able to read and write were less than fingers of one person into a society which pioneered science and philosophy and Medieval Europe learnt a lot from them. Even their knowledge of Greek philosophy came through Arabic translations till they later directly translated from Greek into Latin. 5. Knowledge about religion is something that is necessary for everyone. Although it is not expected from everyone to become a theological or jurist, but everyone should know enough to back up his faith with arguments and be aware of what his personal and social responsibilities are. 6. The Qur’an says: Yet it is not for the faithful to go forth en masse. But why should not there go forth a group from each of their sections to become learned in religion, and to warn their people when they return to them, so that they may beware? (9:122) 7. Thus, every community must make sure that they send a group of talented, dedicated and pious people to the Islamic seminaries in order to grasp deep understanding of Islam (tafaqquh) and then upon their return, they can pass on their knowledge to others so that they act upon it. 8. In the hadiths of Ahlul Bayt (a) great emphasis has been put on the high ranks of the Ulama who have deep understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Hadiths from Prophet Muhammad (a), Imam Hasan, Imam Baqir, Imam Sadiq, Imam Kazim, Imam Rida, Imam Javad and Imam Hadi were narrated and explained. The conclusion was: 8.1. When the Shi’a have no access to their Imams they are like orphans and the Ulama who look after them by guiding them and protecting them against the attacks coming from Satan and his allies like the enemies of the Ahlul Bayt (a) have very high position. 8.2. Ulama will be put in much higher position than those pious worshippers who are just concerned about their own piety. 8.3. The Ulama who have guided people will be asked on the day of judgement to intercede (sahfa’ah) for everyone who has learnt from them directly or indirectly by being saved from misguidance, ignorance and confusion. 8.4. Minbar (pulpit) is a sacred platform and must only be used by those who have sufficient knowledge and can say what is %100 known to be authentic and reliable. Minbar is not a place to test your own opinions or take risk. Those who have new ideas which are not endorsed by great scholars should keep their ideas for academic circles like seminaries where peers or more knowledgeable people are there to challenge them. 8.5. The institution of marja’iyyah which is based on piety and knowledge is rooted in clear teachings of the Qur’an and the Ahlul Bayt (a) and has saved our community so far. Other schools of Islam feel envious when they see that the Shi’a after verifying ones utmost piety and knowledge wholeheartedly follow them and do not let anyone to divide the community. 8.6. To live in the west or to speak English or French or to belong to my own ethnicity at maximum can be taken as some advantages, but they can never replace piety or knowledge. We have to first find out the most knowledgeable and pious people and if it happens that they are more than one then we can go for the one who lives nearer to us or speaks our language etc. Eltemase dua
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 10:41:58 +0000
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