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Not all knowledge is useful.

True knowledge allows us to distinguish between virtue and sin, right and wrong.

It provides intellectual strength and moral integrity, enabling us to navigate life's complexities with grace and wisdom.

It is like a compass guiding us to align our actions with our spiritual values amidst life's challenges.

We must strive not just to ‘know’ but to ‘become’.

Strive for knowledge that deepens your connection with the Creator, clarifies your purpose in life, refines your character, and improves your interactions with the world.

A deep understanding of Islamic commands, prohibitions, morals, and ethics comes from implementation, effort, and deep reflection.

However, not all knowledge leads to growth; as the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught, we should seek beneficial knowledge and pray for accepted actions.

Here are signs to help us discern if the knowledge we pursue is guiding us correctly:

Reverence for Allah and Islam: The most crucial sign of beneficial knowledge is that it instills a deep respect for Allah, His divine names, His attributes, the distinction between halal and haram, and the path of the Prophet (SAW).

This reverence influences our actions, prompting us to evaluate our investments, use of our time, and emotions.

Application: Beneficial knowledge demands implementation.

We must first apply it to ourselves before teaching it to others.

The purpose of acquiring knowledge is personal transformation.

Umar (RA) spent 12 years studying Surah Al-Baqara, understanding and living each verse before proceeding.

Humility: True knowledge fosters genuine humility, guiding us to choose the safer options, avoid questionable matters, and acknowledge our limits.

This humility drives us to seek more knowledge, facilitating further spiritual growth.

Connection with the Creator: Beneficial knowledge increases our longing for a connection with our Creator, helping us prioritize eternal goals and act intentionally.

Even worldly knowledge can be utilized to create a deeper appreciation of our creator. We can learn to see the beauty of Allah in the structure and design that He has made our universe with.

Remember, with the correct intention in our pursuit of knowledge, we can make any study a path toward our Creator.

These indicators help ensure that our pursuit of knowledge is not just an intellectual exercise but a journey that enriches our spiritual life and strengthens our bond with Allah.