Golden Words of Allah (episode 23)

By Abdullahi Yusuf

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All perfect praise be to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, the Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Allah says concerning; The dangers of ignorance (jahl)

Ignorance (jahl) is not merely the absence of knowledge but a state of spiritual and intellectual stagnation that hinders personal growth, disrupts societal harmony, and distances humanity from divine truth. In the Quran, ignorance is depicted as a significant barrier to guidance, justice, and enlightenment. It fosters arrogance, misguidance, and blind adherence to falsehood, ultimately leading individuals and communities astray. To counteract this, the Quran emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge, reflection, and understanding as essential virtues.

1. Ignorance Leads to Misguidance:
The Quran associates ignorance with a lack of guidance and wisdom. Those who act without knowledge risk straying from the path of Allah:
Quranic reference: “But most of them follow nothing but conjecture. Indeed, conjecture avails nothing against the truth.” (Quran 10:36)
Hadith reference: “The cure for ignorance is to ask questions.” (Sunan Abu Dawood 336)

2. Blind Following Without Understanding:
The Quran criticizes people who blindly follow traditions or leaders without questioning their validity or seeking the truth:
Quranic reference: “When it is said to them, ‘Follow what Allah has revealed,’ they say, ‘Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.’ Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?” (Quran 2:170)
Hadith reference: “Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not from it will have it rejected.”(Sahih al-Bukhari 2697)

3. Ignorance as a Cause of Injustice:
Ignorance often leads to injustice, as people act without understanding the consequences or without fairness:
Quranic reference: “And do not approach the property of the orphan, except in a way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weight in justice. We do not burden any soul except with that which it can bear. And when you speak, be just, even if it concerns a near relative. And fulfill the covenant of Allah. This is what He has instructed you, that you may remember.” (Quran 6:152)
Hadith reference: “Be aware! Whosoever is unjust, will appear on the Day of Resurrection with his injustices around his neck.”(Sahih Muslim 2581) 

4. Lack of Knowledge Breeds Arrogance:
Ignorance often fosters arrogance, leading people to reject divine guidance and truth:
Quranic reference: “But those who disbelieve say, ‘This is nothing but a lie that he (Muhammad) has invented, and another people assisted him in it.’ But they have produced an injustice and a lie.” (Quran 25:4)
Hadith reference: “No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim 91)

5. Ignorance Prevents Reflection:
The Quran repeatedly calls for reflection on creation, life, and divine signs. Ignorance blinds people to these opportunities for insight and spiritual growth:
Quranic reference: “Do they not reflect on themselves? Allah created the heavens and the earth and everything between them for a purpose and an appointed term. Yet many people deny they will meet their Lord.” (Quran 30:8)
Hadith reference: “An hour’s reflection is better than seventy years of worship.”(Narrated by Ibn Hibban)

6. The Obligation to Seek Knowledge:
The Quran makes the pursuit of knowledge a divine obligation, contrasting ignorance with the blessings of understanding:
Quranic reference:“Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only those of understanding will take heed.’” (Quran 39:9)
Hadith reference: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”(Sunan Ibn Majah 224)

Conclusion

The Quran highlights ignorance as a root of misguidance and injustice, urging believers to seek knowledge and wisdom. By overcoming ignorance, individuals can align with truth and righteousness, fostering spiritual growth and societal harmony.

And Allah knows best…

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