The function of knowledge, therefore, is five-fold:
a) It informs Man that there is One Creator, Whose Creativity/Activity is constant;
b) it reveals the existence of things;
c) it conveys their true nature;
d) it supplies evidence of a Realm beyond that which is seen;
e) it thus manifests the essential unity underpinning creation.
In the Verses of Al-Qur'an relating to the creation of the first human being, Adam (pbuh), Allah SWT informs us of the dialogue that ensued between HIM and HIS Angels - whether allegorical or literal, HE Knows Best. During the course of this Conversation, the Angels wish to ask of their Sustainer why HE Willed to create one who would subsequently become a "spreader of corruption and a shedder of blood"
These passages Reveal that the Angels have a degree of knowledge and foreknowledge. Allah SWT utters HIS Word "BE!" and Adam enters into HIS Presence, thereupon he is Taught the "names of all things" HE Commands the Angels to "name" those things, which they are unable to do, expressing their fear and confessing that they only possess the knowledge granted to them by HIM and nothing other than that. Adam, Guided and Inspired by HIS Creator and in the Company of the Heavenly Hosts, conveys that which he has learned. Please see 2:30-37; 16:40
Thus, the Angels have been granted knowledge which enables them to perform their duties, fulfilling the purpose for which they were created, and Man has been endowed with the ability to acquire knowledge which permits him to live according to the manner in which his Reason interprets it, so fulfilling the purpose for which he was created. They hold limited cognition of each other's existence, but only Allah SWT is the Owner of all categories of knowledge.
Adam and Hawa's fall from Grace exhibits a recurring tendency on the part of humankind, which is to forget, discard, or reject knowledge beneficial to its well-being. For those who acknowledge the Existence and Presence of The Creator, they are informed of HIS Gracious, Merciful, Forgiving and Forbearing Nature through the Revelation of HIS having Accepted Adam's repentance and thereafter Promised to Guide him and his offspring. At the same time, Man is made aware of his inherent weaknesses by making manifest the opposing forces working within and outside of him.These opposites that when brought into balance cause serenity and harmony leading to peace, and when in conflict bring about chaos and catastrophe.
The purpose for which invisible beings and men were granted life is to worship The Ever-Living, Supreme Being. This relationship of Creator and created is the basis for all interaction and communication between both HIM and sentient beings. Seeking knowledge of The Maintainer of the Universe is, therefore, an imperative, for worship that rests upon ignorance necessarily implies a lack of awareness for the inner reason of it. In that sense, worship is actually a manifestation and comprehension of the Truth. Please see 51:56
The Lord Of The Worlds Conveys to humankind its common origins through the merging of the male and female. In addition, HE States that HE created peoples of diverse races so that they may come to know each other. When human beings belonging to different nations and tribes arrive at the realization of their similarities, they attain a greater sense of understanding and appreciation of each person's dignity. The Loving One Stresses that these differences exist by HIS Will and Design, and so that Man may be tested by means of them - whereas in HIS Sight the noblest from amongst people are those who are "most conscious of HIM" Please see 49:13; 30:22
The Guide To The Right Path Utters the imperative "Read!" - and informs Man that it is HE WHO Taught him by means of the pen that which he did not know. Thus, revealing the importance of seeking, acquiring knowledge as well as of recording it. Present and later generations inherit this legacy and gain benefits by its application. Further, they follow the example of their predeccessors by adding to this collective pool - creating oceans of knowledge in which the waters revive, refresh and sustain every living thing. For, the knowledge of Man inspires in him a love for/respect of all existing things, creating in him a profound desire to preserve and guard the beauties of his environment as well as its innocent inhabitants. All of this leads him to gain a wisdom that he could not otherwise have attained. Please see 96:1-5
Noah (pbuh) makes his invocation to Allah SWT regarding his son, wherein HE admonishes his Noble Messenger - "you shall not ask of ME anything of which you cannot have any knowledge..." This narrative informs Man that whilst the Prophets (pbut) have been granted the most comprehensive knowledge regarding the Realms of the Seen and Unseen, it is nevertheless finite. To continue and expand upon this theme, Al-Qur'an takes the reader upon a journey of discovery with Musa (pbuh) Embarking upon this Path with the Wise Sage reveals to Musa the fundamental differences between appearance and reality. Only those extremely close to Allah SWT are granted a degree of insight into this difference. In addition, Yusuf's (pbuh) experiences make evident the fact that The Most Wise employs both the waking and sleeping states in order to send Messages by means of dreams and visions, which make manifest hidden knowledge of the past, present or future. In this manner, those phases and stages of Man that appear far distant and silent in fact speak and express themselves when required to do so. Please see 11:45-48; 18:60-82; 12:4-5, 36-41, 43-50; 48:27
Thus, the acquisition and sharing of knowledge is an imperative for human beings. Also, a humble acknowledgement that the categories of knowledge open to Man are not as great as may at first sight appear. The Provision of knowledge is a form of spiritual/intellectual Sustenance, it enables Man to ascend above the mere physical aspect of his life, causing him to submit to the Truth about his nature, origins and ultimate destination.
© Jadz Deen 2009
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