Ilmu & Adab
O' seekers,
To fly to the divine presence,
You need a pair of wings,
The wing of Ilmu (Knowledge)
And the wing of Adab (Good Manners).
In the course of human history
There is no more tragic event
Than when humanity has gained Knowledge
But has left Good Manners far behind.
................................
Whatever enlightenment that you have acquired, religious knowledge, metaphysical knowledge, knowledge of the self, knowledge of people and their history, knowledge of the sciences - physics, biology or chemistry, knowledge of the DNA, knowledge of the Atom... all knowledge comes with its appropriate code of courtly manners and courtesies (Adab).
A significant part of the Western civilization hinges upon the Age of Enlightenment that began in France and spread to the rest of Europe, then the world over through conquest and colonialism. Alas, while bringing some good to the people, it is probably the most severe example where knowledge has ran away from good manners. It is an illness that can be remedied, but if the body politic cannot even see that it is unwell, how may the patient be treated? It is now a global problem.
Great Ilmu without great Adab is the greatest danger facing humanity. The devil himself is intelligent and acquired an angel's trove of physical and metaphysical knowledge, but alas, he gained not enough good manners to keep him safe. He lost himself to hubris, which is born whenever knowledge is attained without the appropriate good manners.
Have a thoughtful day, sunshine. May we learn to bear both the knowledge and the manners appropriate to our station before God and the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). I will not say that is is easy, but...
wa min Allah at-taufiq
Hate has no place in Islam
Love will show the Way
2 comments:
Hi there,
Heard you're a sought after speaker now. Keep up the good work!
Oh no... not me. I am only the moderator... hehehe.
But thanks, anyways! I will keep up the good moderating.
TK.
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