Part 12
By Khyber Jalal
12. Moderation in Seeking Knowledge and Putting It into Practice
One of the manifestations of moderation and balance in Islam is maintaining a balance between seeking knowledge and putting that knowledge into practice. Islam is a sacred religion that encourages its followers to acquire knowledge, think, reflect, and understand the truth. At the same time, it does not want knowledge to remain limited to information or become separated from action. Just as neglecting knowledge and learning is harmful and unacceptable, relying on knowledge alone without putting it into practice is also unacceptable in Islam.
When Allah Almighty revealed the first verses to the Prophet ( PBUH), He commanded him to read and learn:
﴿اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ﴾ [العلق: ۱]
This divine command shows the high position of knowledge and learning in Islam. Yet the Holy Quran repeatedly condemns those who do not act upon what they have learned.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ كَبُرَ مَقْتًا عِندَ اللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُوا مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ﴾ [الصف: ۲-۳]
“O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do.”
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also sought refuge in Allah from knowledge that brings no benefit. He said:
«اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ» [مسلم]
This blessed supplication makes clear that the true value of knowledge appears when it brings a positive change in a person’s character, conduct, and life. A true scholar is not simply someone who possesses a great deal of information. Rather, he is someone whose knowledge leads to piety, good character, and service to others.
Islam does not accept action without knowledge either. Many mistakes and deviations arise when a person acts without knowledge and insight. That is why Islam has always regarded knowledge and action as closely connected. Knowledge should illuminate the path of truth, while action should turn that knowledge into a practical reality.
In this regard, moderation means that a Muslim should always strive to gain knowledge while also putting it into practice in both personal and social life. The more a person’s knowledge increases, the stronger their sense of responsibility, humility, and commitment to Islamic values should become.
For this reason, Islam has established an inseparable relationship between knowledge and action. A society in which knowledge goes hand in hand with action, and learning is accompanied by good character, will move toward growth, progress, and prosperity. This is one of the beautiful manifestations of moderation and balance in the sacred religion of Islam.
