ISLAM: KNOWLEDGE AND

CIVILIZATION
(UNGS 2040)

STANDARD CONTENTS
Department of General Studies, 2008

Definition of Knowledge
Al-ilm ()
/Knowledge

Al-ilm ()
The arrival (Husul:) in the soul
of the meaning of a thing or an
object of knowledge and the arrival
(wusul: ( of the soul at the
meaning of a thing or object of
knowledge

(al-Jurjani:160-161)
3

.cont.,
Realization of the
meanings of things (AlGhazzali)
Realization of something in
its true nature through
different levels of
understanding and in
agreement with the facts
or true to nature.
4

cont.,

To know, to understand, to
perceive, to be familiar and
acquainted with things.
A firm belief that accords
with the reality of things
() ) :47
19(.
- Theology (), Principles
of Jurisprudence()
etc.
5

Opposite of
: Conjecture
Uncertainty
Not supported with decisive
proofs
It might accord with the reality
and it
might not

.cont.,

: doubt
: ignorance
: foolishness
: misguidance

Degrees of Certainty
:knowledge
Certainty, conviction
(/)
Accords with the reality
Certainty by observation

certainty through knowledge

Certainty through experience
8

Importance of Knowledge
1. Knowledge is a requirement for
the fulfillment of mans obligations
as a khalifah on earth. Allah says:

) (30

)(31

) (32

)(33

10

2. The first revelation to the

Messenger of Allah is about
seeking knowledge and
revealing scientific
knowledge:

*
* *
*
(5-1:)
11

Cont.,
Read! In the name of the
Lord and Cherisher, who
created- created man, out of
a mere clot of congealed
blood. Proclaim! And your
Lord is most Bountiful- He
who taught the use of the
pen, taught man that which
he knew not (96:1-5)
[read, teach , pen]
12

cont.,
3. Islam is a religion based
upon knowledge.
4. The text of the Quran is full
of verses inviting man to
use his intellect, to ponder,
to think and to learn.
5.The total number of verses in
which ilm or its derivatives
and associated words are
used is 704.
13

cont.,
6. The main miracle and sign of
authenticity of prophethood of
Mohammed ()
was a book of knowledge; The
Quran.

14

cont.,
7.The Prophet ()
made seeking knowledge
obligatory on Muslims
(men and women):

Seeking knowledge is
obligatory on every
Muslim.
15

cont.,
8. Knowledge is the way through which
people can recognize Allah, fear him,
and discover the truth.

(162 :)
But those among them who are
well-grounded in knowledge, and the
believers, believe in what has been
revealed to you and what was
revealed before you
16

cont.,

)6: )

And those who are
knowledgeable see that the
revelation sent down to you
from the Lord is the Truth, and
that it guides to the Path of
Allah who is Exalted and Worthy
of all praise.
17

cont.,
9. Knowledge elevates the
status and position of its
bearer and makes
difference between him and
ignorant.

(11 : )

Allah will raise up, to high

ranks those of you who
believe and who have been
18

cont.,

)15:(

We gave knowledge to David

and Solomon: and they both
said: "Praise be to Allah, Who
has favoured us above many
"!of His subjects who believe
19

cont.,







) (10

)(11

)(
We bestowed grace on David

and We made the iron soft for him.

Make coats of mail, balance well the
rings of chain armour, and work
righteousness; for be sure I see all
20
"that you do.

cont.,

( 9: )

Say: are those equal,

those who know and
those who do not
know?
21

Purpose of knowledge

Divinely

Worldly

To recognize God

To benefit man

Pleasure of God

22