The paradox of ignorance and quest for knowledge
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Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
Contd from previous issue
Islam and the Pursuit of Knowledge
In Islamic thought, the pursuit of knowledge is highly valued. The first word revealed to the Holy Prophet as a revelation of the Holy Qur’an was “Iqra,” which translates to “read in the name of the Lord.” This was a call to the believers, the Muslims, to seek knowledge and remove darkness from their lives and the lives of others. Yet, as history has shown, not all Muslims responded positively to this call.
“Allama Iqbal, the famous revolutionary poet, used his poetry to inspire Muslims towards education. In one of his poems, he expressed surprise at the lack of progress in education and civilization among the Muslim community, despite the fact that their journey towards knowledge and enlightenment began with the word ‘Iqra’ (Read!). He was trying to encourage Muslims to rediscover their love for learning and to strive towards greater educational and cultural achievements.”
Instead, some chose to ignore the message and remain in the dark, listening to the “Kathas” and “Dastans” of others, including anti-Islam non-Muslim propagandists, ignorant Muslim preachers, politicians, writers, and culturalists.
(To be contd)
Contd from previous issue
Islam and the Pursuit of Knowledge
In Islamic thought, the pursuit of knowledge is highly valued. The first word revealed to the Holy Prophet as a revelation of the Holy Qur’an was “Iqra,” which translates to “read in the name of the Lord.” This was a call to the believers, the Muslims, to seek knowledge and remove darkness from their lives and the lives of others. Yet, as history has shown, not all Muslims responded positively to this call.
“Allama Iqbal, the famous revolutionary poet, used his poetry to inspire Muslims towards education. In one of his poems, he expressed surprise at the lack of progress in education and civilization among the Muslim community, despite the fact that their journey towards knowledge and enlightenment began with the word ‘Iqra’ (Read!). He was trying to encourage Muslims to rediscover their love for learning and to strive towards greater educational and cultural achievements.”
Instead, some chose to ignore the message and remain in the dark, listening to the “Kathas” and “Dastans” of others, including anti-Islam non-Muslim propagandists, ignorant Muslim preachers, politicians, writers, and culturalists.
(To be contd)