Wednesday 19 April 2006

W I S D O M

Wisdom

According to philosophers, wisdom means understanding truth for what it truly is. This, however, is an inaccurate description, since understanding truth is but a fruit of wisdom. Wisdom is related to the existence of a number of specific qualities in the thought process of the wise person.



The first quality is the presence of enlightened thought. This quality enables the wise person to understand truth and to reach correct conclusions when judging realities. It also enables the individual to distinguish correctness among a sea of corruption and stray thoughts.



The second quality is the capacity of this thought. The wise person utilises thought in solving all problems, no matter how complex or numerous. Then, they offer the necessary methods and means to implement these solutions in everyday life.



Truth is not what philosophers assume it to be; rather, truth is the thought that agrees with reality. Truth is Islam. Its proof is simply that it agrees with reality. The existence of Allah (swt), His (swt) Oneness, that the Qur'an is His (swt) word and that Muhammed (saw) is His (swt) Prophet and Messenger, are all corroborated by this. All these thoughts agree with reality and can be established and understood through enlightened thinking. As for the thoughts and ideologies other than Islam, such as Capitalism, Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism, these are all false in that they contradict reality.



Understanding truth is not for the sake of truth itself; rather, it is sought so that we may abide by it and to call to it. Not abiding by truth would indicate a contradiction in the person's personality and an inconsistency between his words and actions. Wisdom requires its owner to have consistency between his words and actions. This is not achieved unless Taqwa (fear) of Allah (swt) is present, as it is the motivation for the wise person to perform the acts of obedience and to abstain from forbidden actions. The wise individual understands the verse:



''Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do'' [ As-Saff: 3].



The wise individual also understands the dire consequences in this world and in the next if he rejects and ignores Islamic concepts. He understands the warning:



''But whosoever turns away from My reminder (Islam), verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection'' [ Ta-Ha: 124].



Refusal in calling to the truth would mean that the person is selfish, and selfishness is not associated with the personality of one blessed with wisdom; for it is the Taqwa of Allah (swt) that pushes him to carry the message of Islam to the rest of the world to rescue mankind from Kufr and from the anger and punishment of Allah (swt) in the Akhirah. This also drives him to save himself from the grievous punishment in the Akhirah. How could one who is wise not wish to win the highest levels of Paradise and the greatest prize of all: the pleasure of Allah (swt), for if he comprehends the words of Allah (swt) he would, after all, understand that:



''Those who conceal the Clear (Signs) We have sent down, and the Guidance, after we have made it clear for the People in the Book, on them shall be Allah's curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse.'' [ Al-Baqarah: 159].



Likewise, the Messenger of Allah (saw) also explained, ''Whosoever is asked regarding knowledge and withholds it will be bridled on the Day of Resurrection with a bridle of fire.'' [Abu-Dawood]. He who is wise does not forget:



''And who is better in speech than he who calls to (the word) of Allah, performs righteous deeds, and says: I am one of the Muslims'' [ Fussilat: 33].



Thus, understanding Islam and implementing it, based on the drive of Taqwa of Allah (swt), will establish feelings and thoughts of responsibility towards mankind. Consequently, this will drive one to carry the da'wa to the whole world.



The fruits of this wisdom are many. It allows one to measure the calibre of thoughts, to account for consequences and to master the ability of probing into the depths of men, societies, countries and groups. Furthermore, it elevates one's understanding of Islam in order to perfect its implementation. It helps one to remove obstacles and achieve goals by constructing effective plans.



Based on this, it is apparent that wisdom is enlightened thought capable of identifying and solving problems. Its fruits include realisation of the existence of Allah (swt), the correctness of Islam, the importance of implementing and carrying Islam and implementing all that is required to establish Islam.



Wisdom is not granted by Allah (swt) to a Kafir, Fasiq (a corrupt person) or one who sins heedlessly. The Qur'an confirms this in the following verses:



''And indeed we bestowed upon Luqman wisdom, saying: Give thanks to Allah'' [ Luqman: 12].



''And he, to whom wisdom is granted, has indeed been granted abundant good'' [ Al-Baqarah: 269].



The blessing of wisdom necessitates continuous thanks to Allah (swt). He (swt) is the Most Wise, and His (swt) wisdom is perfect. We are told:



''Perfect wisdom (this Qur'an), but (the preaching of) warners benefit them not'' [ Al-Qamar: 5].



The word �wisdom' has appeared in the Book of Allah (swt) with various meanings. In the following verse, the word wisdom refers to Prophethood:



''And Dawud slew Jalut (Goliath): and Allah gave him the kingdom and wisdom and taught him whatever (else) He willed'' [ Al-Baqarah: 251].



In this next verse, however, wisdom is used regarding the learning of Islam through the Qur'an and Sunnah:



''And teach them the Book and the wisdom'' [ Al-Baqarah: 129].



The Qur'an also uses the word wisdom to mean proofs that lead to belief in Islam:



''Invite (all of mankind) to the way of your Lord, with wisdom and beautiful preaching'' [ An-Nahl: 125].



While the definition of wisdom can vary, its importance is immeasurable.



Oh Allah (swt), bring Your victory upon us, and bring Your victory through us. Hasten the re-establishment of the Khilafah State. Oh Allah (swt), we seek refuge in You from the Kuffar, their agents and their spies. Oh Allah (swt), we ask You to come down with Your punishment upon their necks and we seek refuge in You from their evils.



Source: http://www.adduonline.com/articles/wisdom.htm

1 comment:

Nur Amira Safari said...

peace be upon you.

good posts. very enlightening.

=)