The Need for Acquiring Knowledge and Using it Wisely — Essence of Islam Vol. 4

14 Sep, 2026 Essence of Islam 0

Essence of Islam Book Cover by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS)

Introduction

In this discourse from Essence of Islam (Volume 4), Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS), the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, expounds upon The Need for Acquiring Knowledge and Using it Wisely, presenting profound spiritual insights and scriptural verities.

Book Series: Essence of Islam (Volume 4)
Author: Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (AS)
Section: Part 5: Propagation, Establishment of a Holy Jama’at, and Instructions
Navigation: Book Table of Contents | « Previous: Name of the Jama‘at and Its Significance | Next: Avoid Needless Debates »

Propagation, Establishment of a Holy Jama‘at, and Instructions Names like Hanafi, Shafi‘i, which people have appointed for themselves, are all innovations. The Holy Prophetsa had only two names, Muhammad and Ahmadsa…. Mosesas described the Holy Prophetsa as Muhammadsa, for Mosesas himself was a manifestation of glory. Jesusas described the Holy Prophetsa as Ahmadsa, for he himself was a manifestation of beauty. Since our community has been established for the manifestation of beauty and harmony, it has been named Ahmadi.
[Malfuzat, vol. 2, p. 208]
[Essence of Islam, Vol. 4, p. 307]

I consider Maulavis who are opposed to the acquisition of modern knowledge to be in error. They, in fact, do so to cover up their own errors and weakness. They have convinced themselves that research into modern sciences leads to error and alienates a person from Islam. They seem to hold that reason and science are totally inconsistent with Islam. As they have not the capacity to expose the weaknesses of philosophy, they seek to cover up their own shortcomings by propounding that it is not permissible to acquire modern education. Their souls tremble before philosophy and prostrate themselves before new research. They have not been bestowed the true philosophy which is born of Divine revelation and of which the Holy Qur’an is full to the brim. This philosophy is bestowed only upon those who prostrate themselves at the threshold of God Almighty with extreme humility and self-negation, whose minds and hearts exclude all putridity of pride and who, confessing their weaknesses, implore and affirm humbly that they are the true servants of the Divine. For the service of the faith and for upholding the Word of Allah, it is essential that you study the modern sciences, and study them diligently. I must, however, warn that it is within my experience that those who pursued this study one-sidedly and were so taken up by it that they had no opportunity of keeping company with anyone who loved God and remembered Him, and who did not themselves possess inner divine light, such people have generally stumbled and Propagation, Establishment of a Holy Jama‘at, and Instructions turned away from Islam. Instead of subordinating their learning to Islam, they embarked upon a vain effort to subordinate Islam to modern sciences and, in their own estimation, acquired the monopoly of religious and national service. Remember, however, that he alone is capable of performing religious service who is guided by heavenly light.
[Malfuzat, vol. 1, pp. 68-69]
[Essence of Islam, Vol. 4, p. 307]

I wish to admonish the members of my Jama‘at that they should learn Arabic, for without it they cannot appreciate the Holy Qur’an. In order to understand the Qur’an, it is necessary and proper that they should make some effort to learn Arabic. In these days, many easy methods have become available for learning Arabic. It is the duty of every Muslim to study the Holy Qur’an. It does not therefore become a person to pay no attention to the learning of Arabic, while his whole life is devoted to the learning of English and other languages.
[Malfuzat, vol. 1, p. 297]
[Essence of Islam, Vol. 4, p. 309]

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Introduction