Steps to Success on the Path to Seeking Knowlege

Steps to Success on the Path to

Seeking Knowledge

When

Imm al-Shfi complained to his

teacher Wak of his difficulty in retaining knowledge, he was given profound
advice that would become famous lines continuously echoed
centuries later: Abandon sin. For knowledge is a light. And
the light of God is not granted to the disobedient. Reflected
in the wisdom of this luminarys words, we find a common
understanding possessed by the scholars of the Islamic tradition regarding the nature of learning. Namely, that knowledge is a divine gift whose acquisition is facilitated through

Copyright 2013, The Nur Foundation for Sacred Sciences

Steps to Success on the Path to Seeking Knowledge

meeting both spiritual conditions related to the heart as well as

practical conditions such as consistency in study. In an Islamic
tradition whose foundation was based on learning, there was
generally not considered to be a dichotomy between secular and
religious sciences. All of useful knowledge was regarded as sacred and its pursuit, an act of worship. Below is a summary of
some of the practical steps which lead to success in the pursuit
of knowledge based upon the wisdoms of our many great scholars, both past and present.
1. To maintain a consistent and continuous study schedule from the onset of ones coursework. In addition it is essential to be vigilant about
attending all of ones classes and exerting ones utmost effort in preparation 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 blessing. 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 followed 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 obstacles to the minds ability to learn and absorb information.

Copyright 2013, The Nur Foundation for Sacred Sciences

Steps to Success on the Path to Seeking Knowlege

This is what is meant in Imm al-Shfis famous lines:

I complained to Waki about my poor memory:
Give up your sins! was his advice to me;
For knowledge is a light from Divinity,
and the Light of God is veiled by iniquity!
This is also indicative of another truth, namely, that when a seeker of
knowledge sets on the path of learning, and remains consistent and sincere in his pursuit, God grants him a light that increases his power to
resist falling into wrong doing and sins.

4. To have a good relationship with God and to maintain a strong connection with Him through acts of worship. Indeed, the time spent in
worship is not time lost from ones studies. It is in fact, both a source of
energy and tranquility, as well as a form of discipline for the soul that
invigorates ones motivation to remain persistent with the long hours of
study necessary to succeed. Through prayer and extra worship, students
find a source of solace and rejuvenation of the spirit that facilitate their
ability to learn and study.

5. To exert ones utmost effort to keeping ones parents content with them
and to strive to please them. Truly, this is one of the secrets of divinely
granted success (tawfq) and ease in ones affairs.

6. To keep the house clean, tidy, and ritually pure (hir). Ritually pure and
clean settings facilitate ones ability to learn and retain information.

7. To perform all of ones duties and obligations both within ones household and elsewhere. This is because when one has fulfilled his responsibilities, he acquires a sense of serenity and stability. This in turn has
a significant impact in facilitating ones ability to concentrate on ones
Copyright 2013, The Nur Foundation for Sacred Sciences

Steps to Success on the Path to Seeking Knowledge

studies. Whereas, an individual who has anxiety and stress as a result of not fulfilling their duties will predictably have a more difficult 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.

Copyright 2013, The Nur Foundation for Sacred Sciences