ʿILM (علم‎)

ʿILM (علم‎)

Definition and Etymology

ʿILM (علم‎) - The Arabic term ʿIlm (علم‎) literally translates to “to know” or “knowledge.” In Islamic theology, ʿIlm is primarily used to denote religious knowledge, distinguishing it from secular forms of knowledge. The word is significant among Muslims and represents the ideal of acquiring knowledge that aligns with the tenets of Islam.

Types of ʿILM

In Islamic tradition, ʿIlm is categorized into various types:

1. ʿILMU ʾL-MABĀDĪ: Elementary knowledge concerning the words and sentences of the Qurʾān and Ḥadīth (the recorded sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad).
2. ʿILMU ʾL-MAQĀṢĪD: Also known as perfected knowledge, it pertains to understanding faith and actions as prescribed in the Qurʾān and Ḥadīth.
3. ʿILMU ʾL-MUKĀSHAFAH: Revealed or esoteric knowledge that illuminates the heart of the devout Muslim. This is a mystical form of knowledge, sometimes referred to as ʿIlmu ʾl-Ḥaqīqah (knowledge of the truth).

The Prophetic Tradition

According to a hadith (recorded tradition) from the collection Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ:

• The Prophet Muhammad noted that ʿIlm is of three essential kinds:
  1. ĀYĀTU ʾL-MUḤKAM: Established verses of the Qurʾān.
  2. SUNNATU ʾL-QĀʾIM: Authentic traditions (Aḥādīth).
  3. FARĪẒATU ʾL-ʿADIL: Lawful interpretations of the Qurʾān and Ḥadīth.

These reflect the structured approach to acquiring and comprehending knowledge in Islam and the emphasis on correctness and authenticity.

The Importance and Virtue of ʿILM

Knowledge acquisition is highly esteemed in Islam. Some sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad emphasize this:

• “The desire for knowledge is a divine commandment for every Muslim.”
• “Instructing the unworthy in knowledge is akin to adorning swine with pearls, jewels, and gold.”
• “Concealing knowledge when asked about it will be punished with a bridle of fire on the Day of Resurrection.”
• “A learned man’s superiority over a worshipper is like that of the full moon over the stars.”

Books for Further Studies

• Al-Ghazali’s “Iḥyā’ ʿUlūm al-Dīn”
• Farīd ad-Dīn ʿAṭṭār’s “Tadhkirat al-Awliyā”
• Ibn Hazm’s “Ṭawq al-Ḥamāma (The Ring of the Dove)”
• Qurʾān (various translations and tafsirs)

Takeaways and Conclusion

In summary, ʿIlm is a cornerstone of Islamic intellectual and spiritual life. It not only encompasses the understanding of sacred texts like the Qurʾān and Ḥadīth but also entails the pursuit and dissemination of truthful and divinely inspired knowledge. The importance of ʿIlm in Islam underscores the faith’s focus on learning and enlightenment, guiding believers toward a life of piety and wisdom.

This exploration into ʿIlm serves as a reminder of the continuous journey of knowledge in a Muslim’s life and the ultimate goal of using that knowledge to achieve spiritual and ethical excellence.

This format organizes information about ʿIlm comprehensively, making it suitable for a detailed dictionary entry.