You Choose to Be Learned or Lost | Midnight Majlis | Night 3 | Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas
Mar 25, 2025
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Is your knowledge uplifting or dragging you down? Insightful discussions reveal how true understanding elevates the soul. Explore the decline in respect for scholars in today's information age and the importance of pursuing knowledge with genuine intent. Humility, role models, and meaningful conversations come into play, emphasizing the value of structured learning. Navigating family dynamics and the significance of intentions are also highlighted, offering strategies for fostering respectful and enriching interactions.
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Quick takeaways
Knowledge should lead to spiritual purification and mental clarity, transcending mere academic achievement to combat ego and anxiety.
The current trend of anti-intellectualism highlights society's disrespect for knowledge, emphasizing the need to recognize ignorance's harmful implications.
Engaging in structured learning environments promotes accountability and retention of knowledge, effectively fostering community while enhancing understanding.
Deep dives
The High Value of Knowledge
Knowledge is emphasized as a crucial pursuit that goes beyond mere academic achievement; it is key in removing anxiety and ego from an individual's life. The conversation highlights how Ibn Hazm believes that even if the only benefit of knowledge is being revered by the ignorant and respected by scholars, it should be seen as obligatory to seek it. In today’s society, the respect for knowledge seems diminished compared to earlier times, where learned individuals were honored. This shift is attributed to the increased access to information, resulting in a general lack of reverence for scholars and knowledgeable people.
Understanding Ignorance and its Consequences
Ignorance is illustrated as detrimental, leading individuals to harbor animosity towards scholars and indulge in envy and pride within their ignorance. The discussion raises concerns over the current culture that often glorifies ignorance, where being 'cool' sometimes translates to anti-intellectualism. This phenomenon can be observed in the trend of celebrating poor academic performance among students, which fosters an environment where ignorance is preferred over knowledge. The speakers call for a recognition of the disgraceful implications of ignorance, urging individuals to strive away from it.
The Psychological Benefits of Knowledge
Knowledge is portrayed as a means to relieve doubts and banish harmful thoughts, leading to mental clarity and peace. Ibn Hazm argues that possessing knowledge can eliminate uncertainty and false aspirations that often lead to pain, such as pursuing sinful gains. The pursuit of knowledge not only enhances understanding about worldly matters but also cultivates virtues that contribute to overall well-being. This mental fortitude gained through knowledge is vital for individuals facing life's challenges, guiding them towards a more stable mindset.
The Importance of Structured Learning
Having a structured and consistent approach to learning is highlighted as essential for ensuring that knowledge is retained and practiced adequately. The idea of structured knowledge is presented as a means to prevent complacency and encourage active engagement with the material. Being part of a learning environment, such as study circles or formal classes, can promote accountability and enhance retention of knowledge. This structured approach not only fosters a deeper understanding but also builds community among learners.
Intention and Accountability in Knowledge
The need for a pure intention when seeking knowledge is emphasized, illustrating how an individual's motivation can significantly affect their journey. Continuous self-reflection is deemed necessary to ensure that one's pursuit of knowledge aligns with the aim of pleasing Allah rather than seeking fame or approval from others. The discussion highlights the common challenge of negative influences, such as pride and discouragement, which can detract from the goal of acquiring knowledge. It is suggested that individuals maintain consistent self-assessment while engaging in the pursuit of knowledge.
Incorporating Knowledge into Daily Life
Practical application of knowledge is underscored, with advice that learning should not only be theoretical but also integrated into one’s daily life. The speakers remind listeners that knowledge should stimulate action, allowing principles learned to manifest in real-world behavior and decision-making. They encourage learners to start small, ensuring gradual implementation of knowledge rather than overwhelming themselves with expectations. This approach emphasizes that knowledge acquisition is a continuous journey, one that ideally progresses alongside personal growth and spiritual development.
You can memorize verses, master texts, even preach to others—and still be far from Allah. So what kind of knowledge actually purifies the soul?
In this Midnight Majlis reflection, Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas explore Ibn Hazm’s advice about knowledge, ego, and the difference between true guidance and performative scholarship.
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