When Knowledge Makes the Difference

Occasions for reflecting on this verse: 22 Shaʿbān: Death of Ibn Shahr Āshūb / 24 Shaʿbān: Death of Mirzā Muḥammad Ḥasan Shīrāzī / 11 February: International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Both occasions above remind us that the pursuit of truth is a sacred journey that transcends time and gender, anchoring our identity in the light of intellect.

«قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ»

“Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only those of understanding will take heed.” Surah Az-Zumar (39:9)

Educational messages of this verse for teens and youth

1. The Rule of Informed Judgement

Avoid forming opinions or passing judgements on people or situations until you have gathered all the facts and understood the full context.

Practical Challenge: If you hear a rumour or a one-sided story today, consciously withhold your opinion and do not share it until you have verified the truth for yourself.

2. The Lifelong Quest for Awareness

Constantly strive to expand your intellectual horizons and never allow your curiosity about the world and your faith to fade.

Practical Challenge: Identify a topic you know very little about – be it a scientific concept or a historical event – and spend ten minutes researching it today.

3. Reflective Wisdom

Following the Quranic reminder that “only those of understanding take heed,” use your past experiences and the history of others as a guide to make better choices.

Practical Challenge: Think of one mistake you made in the past and write down one specific lesson you learned from it to ensure it isn’t repeated.

4. Digital Discernment

In an era of viral misinformation in social media, use your knowledge to distinguish fact from fiction.

Practical Challenge: Before sharing a post today, verify the source of the information.

5. Knowledge Builds Your Identity

Learning shapes who you become and how you see the world.

Practical Challenge: Spend 20 minutes daily learning something new.

6. Thinking Makes You Strong

Islam values thinking, questioning and understanding.

Practical Challenge: Ask one meaningful question in class this week.

Educational messages of this verse for parents

1. The Home Library

Prioritise the presence of books and learning resources over material luxuries in the household.

Practical Challenge: Set aside a “reading hour” this weekend where the whole family puts away phones to read.

2. Validating Curiosity

Foster an environment where children feel safe to question and explore new ideas.

Practical Challenge: The next time your child asks a “difficult” question, look up the answer together instead of dismissing it.

3. Support Both Daughters and Sons

As could be seen in the verse as well, Islam values education for all, without discrimination.

Practical Challenge: Encourage your children for learning, regardless of gender.

4. Teach Wisdom, Not Just Information

Help children use knowledge responsibly.

Practical Challenge: Discuss one life lesson from today’s news.

Educational messages of this verse for imams, chaplains and religious leaders

1. Science from the Minbar

While Imaan is much higher than the human’s imperfect knowledge and science, incorporate modern scientific evidence and discoveries into sermons to show the harmony between faith and reason.

Practical Challenge: Include one scientific fact or a reference to a Muslim scientist in your next talk.

2. Modernising Mosque Spaces

Ensure the mosque is not just a place of prayer, but a hub for intellectual growth and study.

Practical Challenge: Designate a specific area or “study corner” in the mosque for students to use.

3. Honouring Local Scholars

Keep the legacy of polymaths like Ibn Shahr Ashub alive by relating their work to modern challenges.

Practical Challenge: Give a short five-minute talk after prayer about a historical scholar’s contribution to science.

4. Promote Knowledge as Worship

Teach your audience that seeking knowledge with the intention of drawing closer to Allah and serving His creation is a noble form of worship.

Practical Challenge: Include one educational message in each sermon.