Self Aware

It is important for the sake of our own development that we differentiate between the different types of knowledge to which we are exposed. In our understanding of ourselves, and of the presenters of knowledge, an awareness of the distinction between various propositions; their types, value or purpose, is key. As an example, we should develop ourselves to identify pieces of information or knowledge we are taught as something accessible to us (in ordinary circumstances) or as something beyond our reach. We should know when we are being taught knowledge that is new to us and brings us out of ignorance, and that which only acts as a reminder of what we already knew to be true; through attainment or innately.

Knowledge Without the Nafs

It is not always our disagreements that divide us, rather, more often than not, it is how we deal with those differences. It is completely possible and plausible that despite our differences, we can still have a respectful and peaceful relationship. In fact, were we to observe the words of Muhammad b. Hasan (d.461/1068), one of the early and most reputable Shia scholars (better known as Shaykh Tusi), we’d see that it is possible to oppose another jurists views, but still maintain the bond of religious brotherhood.

Musk And Masks

‘Musk is known by its perfume and not by what the perfumer says’
Sa’adi Shirazi (Gulistaan)

One of the numerous obstacles of true intellectual growth in our communities is the association of knowledge to what’s on the head rather than what’s in the head. The clerical garb has a symbolic place in our tradition, however, it is not an absolute or exclusive indicator of knowledge. We need to take a critical approach to what is being presented to us from the platforms of guidance (or so they should be), and raise the standards of our conversations and discourse.

Time Well-Spent

The Oft-Repeated Advice

We learn and are inspired not only by the words of people, but also their actions and habits.

In the seminary, we were always told to read the works of the martyred scholar, Murtadha Mutahhari. One can dedicate years to going through the volumes of works associated with this marvellous scholar, and still not appreciate their depth, or even complete them entirely, particularly if they’re read how Mutahhari may have wanted them to be.

On The Prerequisites of Forming an Opinion or Taking a Stance (1)

 

An opinion, if it is to have any value, or a stance, should it deserve any respect, must have the indispensable quality of being informed or educated. Before our opinions or stances enjoy these essential qualities, they lack the requirements to be considered seriously, unless being looked at with an alternative purpose.

Fish for Knowledge Where it is to be Found

 

I make no doubt but that I often happen to speak of things that are much better and more truly handled by those who are masters of the trade. You have here purely an essay of my natural parts, and not of those acquired: and whoever shall catch me tripping in ignorance, will not in any sort get the better of me; for I should be very unwilling to become responsible to another for my writings, who am not so to myself, nor satisfied with them. Whoever goes in quest of knowledge, let him fish for it where it is to be found; there is nothing I so little profess. These are fancies of my own, by which I do not pretend to discover things but to lay open myself; they may, peradventure, one day be known to me, or have formerly been, according as fortune has been able to bring me in place where they have been explained; but I have utterly forgotten it; and if I am a man of some reading, I am a man of no retention; so that I can promise no certainty, more than to make known to what point the knowledge I now have has risen.

Michel de Montaigne, The Essays of Michel de Montaigne, Chapter 10.