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 fruitless. As the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, "The devotee without divinity is like a donkey turning a mill." This metaphor implies that without applying knowledge in one's actions, there is no spiritual progress.

While some may argue whether knowledge or action is more important, both perspectives are flawed. Knowledge without action is meaningless, and action without knowledge is incomplete. Prayer, for instance, is not truly prayer unless performed with knowledge of its proper rituals and intentions. Similarly, knowledge pursued solely for personal gain or fame is not in line with true wisdom.

To illustrate the importance of knowledge in Sufism, a story is often told about a man who was captivated by the beauty of his gardener's wife. However, when he attempted to engage in an illicit affair, the woman reminded him of the gate that stands between every individual and God. This profound realization led the man to repent and seek forgiveness.

In the pursuit of knowledge, one must distinguish between Divine knowledge and human knowledge. Divine knowledge belongs solely to God and encompasses all things, while human knowledge is limited and derived from God's guidance. The essence of human knowledge lies in its ability to make the ignorant wise.

It is important to understand that knowledge of God and His commandments should be the ultimate goal of human knowledge. Understanding the Divine essence, the attributes of God, and the actions and wisdom of God are pillars of knowledge. Likewise, knowledge of the Law (Shari'a) is crucial, and it is derived from the Quran, the Sunna (the Prophet's teachings and practices), and the consensus of the Muslim community.

In contemporary times, there are skeptics who argue that nothing can be known and that knowledge itself does not exist. However, this viewpoint is flawed. If nothing can be known, then the assertion itself would contradict its own premise. Knowledge cannot be denied except by ignorance, which is contrary to truth and faith.

Unfortunately, there are individuals who claim to be Sufis but propagate heretical beliefs. They reject knowledge and rely on unfounded assumptions. However, it is important not to generalize such individuals' beliefs to all Sufis. True Sufis seek spiritual guidance from qualified mentors and understand the importance of both knowledge and practice.

In conclusion, knowledge is of utmost importance in Sufism. It is through knowledge that one seeks to know God and His commandments. While the vastness of Divine knowledge is unattainable, human knowledge is essential for spiritual growth. Knowledge and action go hand in hand, and true wisdom lies in applying knowledge in righteous deeds. Therefore, Sufis strive to acquire knowledge that leads them closer to God and helps them navigate the spiritual path with sincerity and enlightenment.