By: Haqqseeker
Source: Muslimvillage
Ilm is the inheritance of the Anbiyā (Prophets), whereas wealth and status that are accompanied by miserliness or takabbur (pride) are the inheritance of Qāroon and Fir’āun. Here are some points to consider about knowledge:
- By gaining ‘ilm, there will be an increase in sincere friends. Conversely by gaining wealth, jealousy and animosity will become rampant.
- ‘Ilm has no fear of theft whereas there is constant fear for one’s wealth.
- ‘Ilm is a light (Noor) of the heart. Wherever we go it will accompany us, whereas wealth has to be kept in a safe.
- ‘Ilm will look after us and save us from disgrace and humiliation, whereas wealth will have to be looked after.
- The ‘older’ the ‘ilm, the greater will be the experience and respect earned from others. The ‘older’ the money (currency), the lesser its value.
- The love for ‘ilm makes us generous and the love for wealth makes us miser.
- The more we use ‘ilm the more it increases. The more we spend wealth the greater is its reduction.
- Love for ‘ilm enlightens the heart, whereas love for wealth creates darkness in the heart.
- With ‘ilm a person can acquire wealth but a person cannot buy ‘ilm with wealth.
- The increase in wealth made Fir’āun proclaim himself to be Allāh. Wealth instilled pride in him. But due to an increase in ‘ilm, Rasulullāh made the following supplication:
“We did not worship You (O Allāh) as You deserved to be worshipped, and we did not recognize You as You deserve to be recognized.”
Thus ‘ilm creates humility and humbleness.
- ‘Ilm will make us recognize our Creator. Wealth will involve us in leisure and pleasure, taking us away from our Creator.
- ‘Ilm will make us aware of the rights of others. Wealth will make us violate people’s rights, ultimately making us void of the mercy of Allāh.
- ‘Ilm will give us an understanding of Halāl and Harām, good and bad, right and wrong, whereas wealth will deprive us of this understanding.
(Based on an article from ‘Stages of acquiring ‘Ilm – Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) – Tā’limi Board’)
Allah Ta’ala knows best.
