True Knowledge, True Reverence – A Reflection on Hazrat Abdul Azim al-Hasani and the Qur’anic Esteem for Scholars

Introduction

The 15th of Shawwal marks the passing of Hazrat Abdul Azim al-Hasani (as), a revered descendant of Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (as). Renowned for his piety, scholarship, and unwavering loyalty to the Imams of his time, Hazrat Abdul Azim occupies a unique place in Islamic intellectual and spiritual heritage. According to narrations, Imam Ali al-Naqi (as) recommended believers to refer to Abdul Azim for matters of religion, reflecting his immense trust in his knowledge and reliability.

This recommendation was not simply due to lineage but was rooted in Abdul Azim’s deep understanding of the Islamic sciences and his meticulous preservation of Hadith. As we remember him, we are reminded of the Qur’an’s emphasis on the role of knowledgeable believers in fostering reverence for Allah SWT:

إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ (فاطر / ۲۸)

“Indeed, it is only those who have knowledge among His servants who fear Allah.”

This verse draws a clear connection between true knowledge and genuine reverence (خشية) for Allah SWT. It underscores that the depth of religious consciousness increases with a person’s understanding of the divine, leading to humility, responsibility, and ethical living.

Why This Verse Matters Today

In an era of information overload, education is often disconnected from moral and spiritual purposes. The Qur’an reminds us that knowledge is not merely accumulation of facts, but a means to deepen our awe of the Creator and act justly. Today, when misinformation, superficiality, and ego-driven knowledge are rampant, reconnecting with this Qur’anic ideal is essential—particularly for Muslim communities navigating complex cultural environments in the West.

By drawing on the lives of figures like Hazrat Abdul Azim, we learn that true scholarship is spiritual, responsible, and community-serving.

Practical Educational Messages of This Verse for Teenagers and Youth

1. Knowledge Must Be Spiritually Grounded

Let the knowledge you pursue in school, university, or the wider world increase your awareness of Allah SWT and your ethical responsibilities. If your learning is not making you humbler and more reflective, revisit your goals and sources.

Practical Challenge: Each week, reflect on one subject you’re studying and identify how it connects to knowing more about Allah SWT.

2. Choose Role Models Who Combine Knowledge with Faith

Look up to scholars, thinkers, and professionals who embody not just intelligence, but also character and spirituality. Make it a habit to follow those who live what they teach. Studies in developmental psychology and moral education consistently show that young people are most influenced by role models who demonstrate integrity and coherence between belief and behaviour. Observing such figures helps develop moral internalisation—where values are not just memorised but deeply embedded in one’s sense of identity and decision-making.

Practical Challenge: Research one Muslim figure past or present whose knowledge led them closer to God and share their story with friends or family.

3. Always Wear the “Divine Lens” While Learning

As you study any subject—whether it’s science, literature, or social studies—imagine wearing a special pair of glasses with two lenses. The first lens prompts you to ask: How can this knowledge draw me closer to Allah and deepen my understanding of Him? This connects to the Qur’anic spirit of “إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ” – “Indeed, it is only those who have knowledge among His servants who fear Allah.”

The second lens invites you to evaluate how well this knowledge aligns with Islamic values and teachings. It encourages you to be a critical and spiritually aware learner, not a passive consumer of information.

Practical Challenge: For one topic you’re currently studying, write down how it can (1) increase your awareness of Allah, and (2) relate to or challenge your Islamic values. Discuss it with parent, mentor, or the Imam of your local mosque.

Practical Educational Messages of This Verse for Parents

1. Reflect on Your Personal Growth

Ask yourself: as my knowledge has grown over the years, has my awareness of Allah SWT and my humility also grown? If not, where might I have strayed from the purpose of knowledge? Share these reflections with your children as part of faith-based conversations.

Practical Challenge: Have a family discussion where each person reflects on something they learned recently that increased their awareness of Allah.

2. Prioritise Faith-Based Learning at Home

Balance your children’s academic pursuits with teachings that nurture their hearts. Make Qur’anic understanding and moral reasoning part of their weekly routine. Providing shelter and food is the least of a parent’s responsibilities—nurturing faith, spiritual depth, and a connection to Allah is their greatest and most enduring duty.

Practical Challenge: Designate one evening a week as “spiritual reflection night” where the family explores a verse or story that deepens God-consciousness.

Practical Educational Messages of This Verse for Imams and Religious Leaders

1. Highlight the Danger of Knowledge Without God Consciousness

A secular or morally disconnected pursuit of knowledge can lead societies astray. Share examples—historical and modern—of how intellectual advancement without divine grounding has resulted in injustice, exploitation, or spiritual emptiness.

Practical Challenge: In your next khutbah, incorporate one example of misused knowledge and contrast it with an Islamic example of knowledge leading to humility.

2. Share Stories of Misguided Scholars

Narrate the lives of individuals who accumulated vast information but remained distant from Allah SWT, and the societal consequences of such detachment. Highlight how even in Islamic history, superficial knowledge without sincerity proved harmful.

Practical Challenge: Offer a class or discussion circle on “Ethics of Knowledge in Islam”, using Qur’anic verses, Hadiths, and biographies of both righteous and misguided scholars.