Wisdom Of The Prophet : Knowledge Seekers

Presented in these pages are the sayings of Prophet Muhammad, the great prophet of Islam, on the topic of knowledge and the knowledge seekers. These sayings have been extracted, mostly, from the book, "Kanz-al-ummal" by Ali al-Muttaqi, published in Hyderabad (India) in 1958.

The Manifestation of the Divine
Since words are but manifestations of objects, concepts, and truths, the sufi feels that by continuous and complete attention to the meaning and reality of his remembrance of God, he becomes the true manifestation of that remembrance. That is to say, with continuous, selfless remembrance a Divine Attribute comes to predominate in the being of the sufi.

The Sufis consider that there is a particular Divine Attribute which dominates the being of every prophet and saint, such that they can be said to be the incarnation of that attribute. For example, sufis feel that Moses is the manifestation of the transcendent aspect of Reality, because of his ability to speak with God without an intermediary. In the Qur'an, the Lord said to Moses, "Do not fear, because you are transcendent." Jesus is the manifestation of prophethood. While an infant he cried, "God gave me the book and placed me as a prophet."

All of the prophets are manifestations of the Divine Unity and Perfection, but Mohammed is its supreme manifestation. His name is the most exalted of the Divine Names, containing all the Names within it. Thus, Mohammed is the spiritual incarnation and manifestation of all of God's Names. Mohammed himself said, "What God first created was my Light."

In addition, each prophet is the manifestation of one of the Divine Attributes, and all of the Attributes are contained in the most exalted Name. Also, Mohammed is the manifestation of the Great Name. So, due to the fact that his manifestation is inclusive of all the Names, he hierarchically comes before all other created things, and for the same reason said, "I was a prophet while Adam was still between water and earth."

"The best pursuit is the pursuit of knowledge."

"Search for knowledge ('ilm) even unto China, because it is an obligatory duty of every Muslim."

"An hour's thinking is more meritorious than sixty years of worship."

"Knlowledge and wealth cover up all foibles (of man), whereas ignorance and poverty expose all shortcomings."

"Pursuit of knowledge is superior to prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and struggle (for Islam) for the cause of God Alone."

"The men of learning are the trustees of my (that is, Islamic) Community."

"Knowledge of God is my Capital;
Reason is the root of my Faith;
Love is my Foundation;
Enthusiasm is my Horse;
Remembrance of God is my Friend;
Firmness is my Treasure;
Sorrow is my Companion;
Science is my Weapon;
Patience is my Pride;
Devotion is my Art;
Conviction is my Power;
Truth is my Redeemer;
Obedience is my Sufficiency;
Struggle is my Manner, and
My Pleasure is in my Prayer."