Kashf ul Mahjoob Chapter I: The Importance of Knowledge in Sufism
Knowledge is a cherished aspect in Sufism, and it plays a vital role in the spiritual journey of a Sufi. In the Holy Quran, God mentions that among His servants, it is the knowledgeable who fear Him (Surah Al Fatir - Verse 28). Moreover, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) emphasized the obligation of seeking knowledge for every Muslim, regardless of gender, stating that "Seeking knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim man and woman" (Hadith). However, the vastness of knowledge and the brevity of life require individuals to focus on acquiring the knowledge that is relevant to religious matters. This includes understanding the timings of prayers, basic medical knowledge to maintain well-being, and arithmetic for matters like inheritance division. The obligation of knowledge is limited to what is necessary for righteous action. It is essential to note that learning should not be separated from action. Mere accumulation of knowledge without putting it into practice is ...