Knowledge
The human being's story of existence on earth rests on an ultimate purpose: **Marifetullah** (knowing and recognizing God).
The human being's story of existence on earth rests on an ultimate purpose: Marifetullah (knowing and recognizing God). The only path to this purpose is knowledge. Yet acceptable knowledge is not merely a process of accumulating mental data; it is a process in which the heart and intuition also accompany, increasing the human being's faith in and nearness (qurbiyya) to God. According to Imām al-Ghazālī, the key to social reform is correcting the class of scholars (ʿulamā') and their relationship with knowledge. Today, the instrumentalization of knowledge and education's becoming a "licensing course" logic destroys knowledge's transformative power. True knowledge is the greatest force that changes the human being, makes him aware of his helplessness in the universe, and brings him to moral maturity.
1. The Difference Between Knowledge and Maʿrifa
There is a sharp distinction between knowledge and maʿrifa.
- Knowledge: Generally a mental performance and an aim of acquiring information.
- Maʿrifa: A mode of knowing in which the heart and intuition also accompany the mental process. God is not a being who can be understood through logical equations alone; to know Him, the human being's spiritual depths and the sense of taqwā must come into play.
2. Imām al-Ghazālī's Project of Social Reform
According to al-Ghazālī, a society's change and improvement depend directly on the change of the scholarly class (ʿulamā). The fundamental purpose of the sciences is "Iḥyā"—reviving and reforming the human being. Knowledge transforms society to the extent that it transforms the scholar. In this context, the maxim "Only scholars fear God" expresses the deep reverence felt by one who grasps the magnificent system of the universe and its Agent (Creator).
3. Critique of Modern Education: The "Licensing Course" Model
Today universities and educational institutions have lost the spiritual and inward side of knowledge.
- Instrumentalization: Knowledge is viewed not for its own sake, but as a means (commodity) to obtain a better job or salary.
- Lack of Transformation: If a student studies biology or anatomy, discovers the human system, yet experiences no change in life or in the feeling of wonder, he has become only a "carrier" of information.
- Diploma vs. Knowledge: Education has become a mechanical process in which one pays money and receives a diploma (license), without gaining "wonder" or qurbiyya (nearness) in return.
4. The Human Being's Place in the Universe and the Capacity for Expression
The human being lags behind many animals in physical traits (strength, sight, hearing, etc.); yet the single organ that raises him to the summit is the brain.
- Capacity for Expression: The most fundamental trait distinguishing the human being from the animal is the power to express oneself and to think (bayān).
- Pyramid of Existence: Intellect and knowledge make the human being master over other living beings. Yet this pyramid continues within the human species; a more developed intellect/knowledge governs the less developed.
Key concepts
- Knowledge vs. *Maʿrifa*
- While knowledge rests on mental performance, *maʿrifa* is a mode of knowing in which the heart and intuition also accompany the process. God can be understood not only through logical equations, but through the depths of the soul and the active intuitive side.
- *Qurbiyya* and *Taqwā*
- True knowledge is knowledge that increases the human being's faith in and nearness (*qurbiyya*) to God. Knowledge must always be accompanied by *taqwā* (fear of God and scrupulous avoidance).
- *Tafakkur*
- Traveling the earth, observing the sunrise, or examining the systems in the body leads the human being to deep reflection and thus to awareness of his helplessness before God's majesty (a awareness worth a thousand hours of preaching).
- Barcode System Simile
- The taste and perception system in the human mouth is likened to a "barcode system" compatible with all provisions in the universe. This harmony is not accidental, but the result of conscious creation.
Study questions
What is the fundamental difference between *maʿrifa* and knowledge?
Maʿrifa is when the heart and intuition also accompany mental performance; knowledge is more at the level of acquiring information.
What does the "bacterium on the lion's tail" simile in the document express?
It expresses the extremely small and helpless position of the human being and the world before the universe's immense magnitude.
According to Imām al-Ghazālī, what is the precondition for a society's reform?
The change and reform of the scholarly class (ʿulamā).
What does the "commodification" of the sciences mean?
Making knowledge an instrument (instrumental value) used only to earn a living, find work, or obtain a diploma.
How is the "money" example attributed to Ibn Sīnā compared with knowledge?
Money is valuable because it serves something else (car, comfort, etc.); but knowledge is the only thing in the universe valuable for itself. ---