ELM

Placed on knowledge in Islam and Acting according to it, which is called AMAL عمل. Knowledge can be sought thru sincere search for the truth, thru reading, researching,thinking, and contemplating.However the most complete and comprehensive knowledge is a gift from Allah to whom he wills to gift.

Quran:

يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ ۚ

 He knows what is before them, and what is behind them; and they cannot grasp any of His knowledge, except as He wills.(2:255)

Hadith: Imam Sadiq said, Knowledge is not about studying much; rather it is a*** light***, placed within the intellect(AQL) of someone whom Allah (SWT) wills to guide.

For those who believe in Allah and whose love is greater, would obviously seek to get closer to Allah, and the way to get closer to your Creator is to get to know your creator more, thru seeking knowledge about him, thru his attributes,his magnificent works in existence and obeying and respecting his commands so we may prosper.

Quran: 

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَشَدُّ حُبًّا لِّلَّهِ ۗ

But those who believe have greater love for God. (2:165)

قُلْ إِنَّمَا الْعِلْمُ عِندَ اللَّهِ 

Say, “ Knowledge is with God "(67:26)

Hadiths

-"The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim. Let it be known that Allah loves those who seek knowledge." (H 35, Ch. 1, h 1 Al-Kafi)

-I heard Amir Al-Mu’minin Ali (a.s.) say : ‘O people, you must know that religion becomes complete through Seeking knowledge and Acting accordingly. You must know that seeking knowledge is much more urgent for you than seeking wealth. In wealth every one’s share is guaranteed. A just person has already divided the wealth among you. He and my sword guarantee you to receive your share. Knowledge, however, is stored with those who possess it. You are commanded to seek knowledge from its sources (those who possess it). You must seek knowledge.’" (H 38, Ch. 1, h 4 Al-Kafi)

-Imam Hassan ibn Ali (a.s) has said: "If you would ask for help do so from a proper source." He was asked, "O grandson of the holy Prophet, ‘Who are the proper sources?" He replied, "They are those about whom Allah has spoken in His book saying, "Only those who have understanding will take heed and they are the people of intelligence."

"O Hisham, a man of intelligence does not speak to one who is feared to call him a liar. He does not ask those that he fears may deny him. He does not count on what is not within his abilities. He does not maintain any hope in that which may involve severity and harshness. He does not take any steps towards which he fears may not be achieved due to his inability." (H 12, Ch. 1, h 12 Al-Kafi)

-Imam Sadiq: At the door of this knowledge (knowledge of religion) is a lock, and the key to it, is to Ask. - (H 84, Ch. 9, h 3 Al- Kafi)

And what is Elm (Knowledge) from an Islamic perspective?

-Imam Sadiq (a.s.) who said, ‘I have found all the knowledge of people in four categories: 

1-The knowledge that would teach you about your Lord. 

2-The knowledge that would teach you what the Lord has done for you. 

3-The knowledge that would teach you what the Lord wants from you. 

4-The knowledge that would teach you what destroys your religion.’" ( H 134, Ch. 16, h 11 Al-Kafi)

Guide Lines for acquiring knowledge :

Imam Baqir explains the deeper meaning of the below aya:

فَلْيَنظُرِ الْإِنسَانُ إِلَىٰ طَعَامِهِ ﴿عبس: ٢٤﴾

Let man consider his food. (80: 24)

The term /ta'am/  طَعَامِ 'food', here, means 'knowledge', the sustenance of Man's soul,

then, one should be careful and 'look' at Whom he has taken it from. 

-Among these is a narration from Imam Mohammad Baqir (P.B.U.H.) for the commentary of the above verse which says: Be careful from where and from whom you get your information.

-Zayd al-Shahham asks Imam (A.S.) what “man’s food” stands for in the verse above. The Imam (A.S.) responds saying: “It refers to the knowledge that he acquires, and its source.” - al-Kulayni in al-Kafi (v.1, p.39, tr.8 )

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