Sufi Quotes on Knowledge in English and Arabic
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The Importance of Knowledge in Sufism
Before explaining the Sufi quotes on knowledge, I will first explain the importance of knowledge in Sufism. You need to understand this because it is a fundamental aspect of the topic discussed in this article that must be well understood.
In Sufism, knowledge holds a very important position. Knowledge is considered as the light that illuminates the heart and mind of a person, guiding them towards ma'rifatullah or the knowledge of Allah. Knowledge is not merely intellectual knowledge, but also the primary means to achieve taqarrub (closeness) to Allah. Without knowledge, a person cannot purify their soul and achieve the spiritual perfection that is the ultimate goal in Sufism. Therefore, acquiring knowledge is a duty for every Muslim. The Prophet Muhammad said:
[1]طَلَبُ لْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ
Studying knowledge is the duty of every Muslim.
Knowledge in Sufism is viewed as a barrier against ignorance that can lead people astray from the path of truth. Therefore, Sufis emphasize that knowledge should be the foundation of every act of worship. With knowledge, a salik (spiritual traveler) can understand the essence of each act they perform, so that worship does not merely become a hollow routine but a means to draw closer to Allah.
Read Also: Sufi Quotes on Death in English and Arabic
Moreover, knowledge is also considered a means of purifying the soul. In the process of tazkiyah (self-purification), knowledge plays a crucial role in removing undesirable traits from within a person. Through knowledge, a Sufi can recognize and understand the bad qualities that need to be eradicated, as well as the good qualities that should be cultivated within oneself.
The role of knowledge in Sufism cannot be overlooked. Knowledge is the divine guidance given to humans to lead them to the right path. Without knowledge, people are easily led astray and far from Allah’s mercy. Therefore, Sufis always stress the importance of studying knowledge as the path of truth that will lead people to happiness in this world and the Hereafter.
Sufi Quotes on Knowledge in English and Arabic
There are many Sufi quotes on knowledge. Unfortunately, I cannot explain all of them now. In this article, I will only explain a few Sufi quotes.
Among the Sufi quotes on knowledge in English and Arabic that I am referring to are as follows:
Sufi Quote of Umar bin Khattab on Knowledge
If you want to know the Sufi quote of Umar bin Khattab on knowledge, take a look at the Sufi quote below!
كُوْنُوْا أَوْعِيَةَ الْكِتَابِ وَيَنَابِعَ الْعِلْمِ , وَسَلُوْا اللهَ قُوْتَ يَوْمٍ بِيَوْمٍ[2]
Be vessels of books and sources of knowledge, and ask Allah for daily provision.
In the above Sufi quote, Umar bin Khattab emphasizes the importance of being a knowledgeable and broad-minded individual. "Vessels of books" represents individuals who are filled with knowledge, like a container filled with water. This implies that everyone should continuously seek knowledge, both from the holy scriptures and other sources, so they can become a foundation of knowledge for themselves and others. "Sources of knowledge" reinforces the active role of spreading knowledge to others.
Additionally, in the above Sufi quote, the second Caliph in the history of Islamic governance also underscores the importance of relying on Allah for sustenance. Despite being knowledgeable and making efforts, Muslims should always pray and ask Allah for their daily provision. This teaches a balance between striving for knowledge and depending on Allah for worldly matters. Thus, it instructs to be wise and knowledgeable while remaining trusting in Allah.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Knowledge
If you want to know the Sufi quotes of Ali bin Abi Thalib on knowledge, take a look at the following Sufi quotes!
The One Who Truly Understands Religion
Ali bin Abi Thalib said:
الفَقِيْهُ كُلُّ الْفَقِيْهِ مَنْ لَمْ يُقَنِّطْ النَّاسَ مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللهِ وَلَمْ يُرَخِّصْ لَهُمْ الْمَعِاصِى وَلَمْ يُؤْمِنْهُمْ عَذَابَهَ[3]
A person who truly understands religion is one who does not make people despair of Allah's mercy, does not make light of sins, and does not make them feel secure from His punishment.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib explains three important principles in understanding religion correctly:
A person who truly understands religion will not cause others to lose hope in Allah's mercy. This means that their teachings and attitude should always inspire and reassure that Allah is Most Forgiving and Compassionate.
A correct understanding of religion does not condone sin. This means that someone who has a proper understanding of religion will not justify or trivialize sins but will continue to emphasize the importance of avoiding wrongdoing.
A person who truly understands religion does not make people feel secure from Allah's punishment, as the belief that Allah will punish wrongdoing is part of faith. A true teacher of religion will maintain a balance between hope for Allah’s mercy and awareness of His punishment to ensure justice and healthy spiritual motivation.
Knowledge Without Understanding
Ali bin Abi Thalib said:
[4]لَا خَيْرَ فِى عِبَادَةٍ لَا عِلْمَ فِيْهَا , وَلَا فِى عِلْمٍ لَا فَهْمَ فِيْهِ , وَلَا قِرَاءَةٍ لَاتَدَبُّرَ فِيْهَا
There is no good in worship without knowledge, no good in knowledge without understanding, and no good in reading without reflection.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib highlights the importance of integrating worship, knowledge, and understanding in spiritual life. Some key points are as follows:
Worship without knowledge will lack depth. Knowledge provides the foundation and direction for performing worship correctly.
Knowledge is not sufficient without deep understanding. A thorough and practical understanding of religious teachings is crucial so that the knowledge acquired is not just theoretical but can be applied in daily life.
Reading without reflection is of little value. Reflection turns reading into more than just a physical activity; it allows a person to ponder and absorb the meaning and wisdom of what is read, so that the knowledge can guide actions and attitudes in life. Thus, Ali emphasizes the importance of balance between action, knowledge, and reflection in spiritual practice.
Be Sources of Knowledge
Ali bin Abi Thalib said:
كُوْنُوْا يَنَابِعَ الْعِلْمِ , مَصَابِيْحَ اللَّيْلِ , خَلَقَ الثِّيَابِ ,جُدُدَ الْقُلُوْبِ , تُعْرَفُوْا بِهِ فِى السَّمَاءِ , وَتُذْكَرُوْا بِهِ فِى الْأَرْضِ[5]
Be sources of knowledge, beacons of light, simple in dress, and renewed in heart, so that you are known in heaven and mentioned on earth.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib provides guidance on how to become an honorable and valuable individual in the eyes of religion:
- "Be sources of knowledge" means being knowledgeable and sharing that knowledge with others. This indicates an active role in education and spiritual guidance.
- "Beacons of light" refers to being a source of illumination and guidance in times of darkness, providing inspiration and direction in others' spiritual and moral lives.
- "Simple in dress" teaches the importance of simplicity and humility in life. Simplicity reflects sincerity and keeps one away from arrogance.
- "Renewed in heart" describes the importance of maintaining a pure heart and sincere intentions, as well as continually renewing one's faith and deeds.
By embodying these principles, a person will not only be respected and remembered on earth but also secure a favorable place in heaven according to religious teachings.
Sufi Quote of Abu Idris Al-Khaulani on Knowledge
If you want to know the Sufi quote of Abu Idris al-Khaulani on knowledge, take a look at the Sufi quote below!
لَيْسَ بِفَقِيْهٍ مَنْ لَمْ يَعْمَلْ بِمَا عَلِمَ[6]
A true understanding of religion is not just knowing but practicing what one knows.
In the above Sufi quote, Abu Idris al-Khaulani explains that a true understanding of religion is not merely theoretical knowledge but also involves the practice and application of that knowledge. A person who truly understands religion is one who not only masters the teachings and laws of religion but also applies them in daily life.
Religious knowledge without practice is equivalent to knowledge that does not benefit, as the primary goal of studying religion is to transform behavior and attitudes for the better, and to live according to God's teachings. This reminds us that the knowledge we acquire should guide our actions and decisions, reflecting sincere faith and a commitment to live according to religious principles. Thus, understanding religion means integrating knowledge with action, so that every aspect of life aligns more closely with religious teachings.
Sufi Quote of Abu Bakar bin ‘Ayyasy on Knowledge
If you want to know the Sufi quote of Abu Bakar bin ‘Ayyasy on knowledge, take a look at the Sufi quote below!
[7]مَنْ لَمْ يَطْلُبْ الْعِلْمَ لَمْ يُرْزَقْ عَقْلًا
Whoever does not study knowledge will not be granted wisdom.
In the above Sufi quote, Abu Bakar bin ‘Ayyasy explains the close relationship between studying knowledge and acquiring true wisdom or intellect. According to him, studying knowledge is not merely an activity of learning but also a process that nurtures and expands a person's thinking and understanding abilities.
Knowledge provides the foundation for wisdom, helping a person to see and understand the world in a deeper and more accurate way. Without knowledge, one may not be able to develop critical thinking or make wise decisions. In other words, knowledge equips the mind with the insights and understanding needed to make sound judgments and lead a proper life.
In summary, the above Sufi quote explains that studying knowledge is considered a path to gaining good intellect and mature thinking abilities. It emphasizes the importance of education and learning in the intellectual and spiritual development of an individual.
That concludes the brief explanation of Sufi quotes on knowledge in English and Arabic. Do you understand? If you have any questions, please write them in the comments!
I think that’s enough for this article. I hope it’s been helpful. Amen.
See you again in the next article!
Source Citations
[1] Jalaluddin as-Suyuthi, al-Jâmi' ash-Shaghîr, Number, 5246.
[2] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1 (Cairo: Maktabah ad-Dar al-Arabiyah li al-Kitab, 2009), 142.
[3] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 168.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 169.
[6] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 297.
[7] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 299.
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