Hafiz Maulana Muhammad Masud Babunagari : The Superiority of Knowledge, The Almighty Allah granted mankind superiority over all other creations due to knowledge (Ilm). When Allah created Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), the angels questioned His wisdom. In response, Allah taught Adam the names of all things, thereby granting him superiority over the angels. As a result, they prostrated before him, acknowledging this divine gift of knowledge. Without knowledge, no civilization, morality, or ethics can exist. Just as man has received the light of life by Allah’s command, he has also received the light of knowledge from Him. Through knowledge, man is spiritually reborn. When the recognition of Allah enters the heart, one becomes a true human being.
Two Types of Knowledge
Education, in its essence, is of two fundamental types: secular education and religious education. Secular education refers to knowledge that fulfills human worldly needs, such as science, medicine, and mathematics its primary source being human experience. Religious education, on the other hand, relates to knowledge concerning Allah’s pleasure and displeasure. Its source is divine revelation (Wahi). Among all creations, only humans have been granted the capacity to acquire and transmit knowledge. Through education, humans explore the unknown, make discoveries, and exercise authority over the earth responsibilities entrusted by Allah.
The Necessity of Secular Education
Allah has made the world a Darul Asbab—a world governed by means and causes. Humans have been blessed with intellect and senses to fulfill their worldly duties. Islam emphasizes the proper use of these faculties, which is precisely the function of education.
Imam Ghazali (Rahmatullahi Alaih) classified secular knowledge into two categories:
1. Essential Knowledge, indispensable for daily life (e.g., medicine, mathematics, governance, agriculture).
2. Commendable Knowledge, beneficial but not obligatory.
He stressed that knowledge which leads to disbelief or moral corruption is forbidden. Thus, secular education is not inherently un-Islamic; rather, it is essential for human welfare when pursued within Islamic boundaries.
Islamic Perspective on Modern Knowledge
Modern science and technology can become a means of religious service (khidmat al-din) when pursued with righteous intentions. The Qur’an commands: “And prepare against them all you can of power.” (Surah Al-Anfal: 60)
Therefore, studying modern sciences for the defense and upliftment of Islam becomes a religious act. When such education is pursued to serve the Deen or benefit humanity, it brings spiritual reward (sawab). However, for this to happen, students must cultivate God-consciousness (taqwa) something often neglected in today’s secular education systems that focus on fame, wealth, and prestige.
The Importance of Religious Education
Just as worldly education ensures material progress, religious education safeguards faith and ensures that worldly activities are performed for Allah’s pleasure. To live by the principles of Islam and distinguish between halal and haram, a community must have individuals well-versed in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The Qur’an states: “Why does not a group from every community arise to gain knowledge of the Deen, so that they may warn their people when they return to them, that perhaps they may become God-conscious?” (Surah At-Tawbah: 122)
Thus, learning religious knowledge is a collective obligation (Fard Kifaya). Without it, moral decay and corruption inevitably spread. Regardless of technological advancement, without faith and divine guidance, human progress brings harm instead of benefit.
Preserving the Deen through Knowledge
To preserve Islam’s true message, scholars must constantly engage in learning, teaching, and refuting false interpretations. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Every generation will have people who will preserve the knowledge of the Deen. They will protect it from distortions by transgressors, falsehoods by innovators, and misinterpretations by the ignorant.” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi 10/209)
Hence, the role of religious education is not only to educate but also to protect the integrity of Islamic teachings for future generations.
Virtues of Religious Knowledge
Religious knowledge holds a higher rank than any other form of knowledge because it directly relates to Allah and the Hereafter. The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize this repeatedly:
1. “Allah will raise those of you who believe and those who are given knowledge in degrees.” (Surah Al-Mujadila: 11)
2. “The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” (Sahih Bukhari 5027)
3. “Whoever takes a path to seek knowledge, Allah will make the path to Paradise easy for him.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2646)
4. “When Allah wishes good for someone, He grants him the understanding of the Deen.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 220)
However, sincerity (ikhlas) is essential. Seeking religious knowledge for worldly gain, fame, or reputation is severely condemned. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned that those who pursue knowledge for worldly motives will be among the first to be punished on the Day of Judgment.
Balancing Both Worlds
In summary, both religious and secular education are vital for human prosperity. Secular education ensures material welfare and societal development, while religious education guarantees spiritual well-being and moral integrity. Each complements the other.
No individual can master every field, but together, through specialization, people form a balanced society united by faith and Islamic values. When Muslims previously led the world, their education system was built upon this harmony between worldly and divine knowledge. To reclaim that glory, the Muslim Ummah must return to this balanced, faith-centered educational philosophy.
Writer:
Hafiz Maulana Muhammad Masud Babunagari,
Lecturer, Jamia Darul Ulum Islamia Madrasa, Rangunia, Chattogram.
