Foreword

The Prophet of Islam once observed: Every Muslim, man and woman, is duty-bound to acquire knowledge. (Sunan ibn Majah, Hadith No. 224) This tradition of the Prophet shows the importance of gaining knowledge in Islam. This is necessary for the realization of God, maarifah. Being essential for religious and spiritual development, it is a duty for all. It increases one’s consciousness. It develops deep thinking in a person. It enables one to understand the deeper realities and to elevate one’s intellectual level.

An important source of gaining knowledge are the traditions of the Prophet of Islam. Prophet Muhammad once observed: “Wisdom is the lost property of a believer. Wherever he finds it, he should take it (for it belongs to him).” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2687) The Prophet’s entire life was filled with examples of wisdom. He adopted the way of wisdom on all occasions and at all stages while discharging his responsibilities.