fs steps to success

8/10/2019 FS Steps to Success

1/4

WhenImm al-Shfi complained to histeacher Wak of his difficulty in retain-ing knowledge, he was given profound

advice that would become famous lines continuously echoedcenturies later: Abandon sin. For knowledge is a light. Andthe light of God is not granted to the disobedient. Reflectedin the wisdom of this luminarys words, we find a commonunderstanding possessed by the scholars of the Islamic tradi-tion regarding the nature of learning. Namely, that knowl-edge is a divine gift whose acquisition is facilitated through

Copyright , Te Nur Foundation for Sacred Sciences

Steps to Success on the Path to Seeking Knowlege

Steps to Success on the Path to

Seeking Knowledge


2/4

meeting both spiritual conditions related to the heart as well aspractical conditions such as consistency in study. In an Islamictradition whose foundation was based on learning, there was

generally not considered to be a dichotomy between secular andreligious sciences. All of useful knowledge was regarded as sa-cred and its pursuit, an act of worship. Below is a summary ofsome of the practical steps which lead to success in the pursuitof knowledge based upon the wisdoms of our many great schol-ars, both past and present.

1. To maintain a consistent and continuous study schedule from the on-

set of ones coursework. In addition it is essential to be vigilant about

attending all of ones classes and exerting ones utmost effort in prepa-ration for these classes. It is as the common saying goes, no gain is

obtained without pain.

2. To organize ones time and to take advantage of the early hours of the

day to study, as it is the most productive time of the day due to its bless-

ing. It is also important to strive to benefit from every moment of ones

time, for it is the capital of the seekers of knowledge.

The early men and women of righteousness, and those who later fol-

lowed in their footsteps, were the most vigilant about ensuring that

every moment of their time was devoted to good acts. It is related that

someone once said to mir b. Abd Qays who was one of the pious

Successors, (tbin al-zuhhd) Converse with me. He said, Hold the

sun (i.e. halt it and keep it from moving) so that I may converse with

you. For, time is moving and passing and it never returns once it has

gone. Once lost, it can never be replaced or made up because for each

time period was what could have filled it with good works.

3. To abstain from sins and disobedience. This has a profound impact on

enhancing the intellects ability to understand and retain information.

Whereas, sins, bad character, and acts of disobedience serve as obsta-

cles to the minds ability to learn and absorb information.


Steps to Success on the Path to Seeking Knowledge


3/4


4/4

studies. Whereas, an individual who has anxiety and stress as a re-

sult of not fulfilling their duties will predictably have a more diffi-

cult time in finding the peace of mind necessary to focus on ones

studies.

8. To avoid bad company and squandering ones energy on frivolous

affairs that waste ones study time such as excessive talk and the like.

9. To respect ones teachers and maintain proper courtesy with them,if one desires to attain his aspired goals.

10. 10) To choose a field of study that is consistent with ones interests,

capabilities, and talents.


Steps to Success on the Path to Seeking Knowledge

fs steps to success

Documents