while they think that they are doing good works.” 1 A person may likewise acquire provision and wealth, believing it to be wholesome and beneficial, when in reality it is foul and harmful. There is no way for a person to distinguish the beneficial from the harmful or the wholesome from the foul except through beneficial knowledge. For this reason, the texts of the Book and the Sunnah abound, and the evidence is overwhelming, in urging people to seek knowledge, encouraging them to acquire it, and explaining the virtue of those who follow its path: “Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only people of understanding take heed.” 2.

The Prophet’s words (peace and blessings be upon him) in the hadith, “beneficial knowledge,” indicate that knowledge is of two kinds: beneficial knowledge and knowledge that is not beneficial. The greatest beneficial knowledge is that through which a Muslim draws near to his Lord, learns about his religion, and gains clear insight into the path of truth that he should follow. In this regard, reflect upon the words of Allah Most High: “There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book, through which Allah guides those who seek His pleasure to the ways of peace, brings them out of darkness into light by His permission, and guides them to a straight path.” 3 It therefore behoves a Muslim each day to devote attention to the Noble Quran by reviewing and studying it, and to attend to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), which clarifies the Quran and explains its meanings and purposes.

His words in the hadith, “and wholesome provision,” indicate that provision is of two kinds: wholesome and foul. Allah Most High is pure and accepts only what is pure. He commanded the believers to do what He commanded the messengers, saying: “O messengers, eat of the wholesome things and perform righteous deeds.” 4,