لطفا منتظر باشید ...
Compilation
Committee
Al-Balagh
Foundation
In the Nameof Allah
Knowledge
and Life
How much difference is between a
person who sees and a person who doesn't see? And how much difference is
between darkness and light?
We all know these differences as we know the difference between a
learned person and an illiterate one, as well as, between ignorance and
knowledge. We also know that ignorance is darkness and blindness while
knowledge is light and foresight. Who among us doesn't want to be a
knowledgeable person, who lives in the world of light?
Indeed, many centuries ago man lived with nature. He used to farm and
rear animals, or engage in simple and local industries; like manufacturing
clothes, utensilsetc. Nobody knew how to read or write, except a few people in
every clan and town. Many were left behind without knowing how to read or
write.
Knowledge lacked a basic role in man's productive and constructive life
in the past century except in a very limited proportion.
And none of the sciences like medicine, agronomy, physics, chemistry,
engineering, astronomy, aeronautics and others existed at that time but in
their primary stages.
Indeed, human
minds had developed rapidly, and man was able to discover natural laws and
likewise reach a high degree of knowledge and awareness, as well as, using such
knowledge in different fields of industry.
Try and look at
what surrounds you in the house, or in the market, or when you visit a factory
or a hospital. Surely everything in our life is produced by scientists,
engineers, workers, artists and experts who are versed in different kinds of
knowledge and sciences.
Indeed, you see
cars, planes, trains, printers, medicines, television, computers, fax machines,
telephone, fridges, air conditioners, electrical clippers, machines for making
clothes, glass and house utensils and machines for lifting heavy building
materials.
All these
materials and tools, which made human life easier, are all products of science
and scientists and experts. As we also witness other products which endangered
man's security and peace; like nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, bombs,
missiles and war tanks, anti-aircrafts and war planes and others.
All these are the products of knowledge and the works of experts in
such fields and nearly most of these great scientific develop- ments occurred
in less than a century. Indeed, these developments turn man's life into
competition between people, clans and individuals under the supervision of the
experts. Man's position or of his community depends on the level of his or
their knowledge and the number of scholars and experts they possess.
An ignorant
man, or a man whose level of knowledge is low, can never create a way for his
life; to play an active role for the development of his community or himself
the way a knowledgeable person, like a doctor, an engineer and administrator,
agriculturist or an expert in physics and chemistry, a journalist, writer,
economist, etc, can participate.
All great writers, intellectuals, authors and experts, were students
before, but they were able to learn how to read and write and gain other
primary knowledge. They all learned in primary and secondary schools, as well
as, universities.
But later on, they became great people and offered great services to the
humanity. They invented electricity, planes, computers, satellit- es, and
medical appliances. They also manufactured different machines that produce
different products for us. They wrote different books in different fields.
No doubt these great men had faced a lot of problems and difficulties
while they were students, such as: Poverty, life problems, difficulties of
studies, failure in their lessons and other problems.
Life contains failure and success. Whoever fails in front of failure,
can never achieve his goals in life because success is the partner of the
patient and persistent. A word of wisdom says:
"Whoever strives hard will get what he wants, whoever sows
cultivates and whoever insists on knocking will open the doer."
How do we
Develop Out Talents?
Talent is the natural ability of man and he was brought to
this world with it. He has nothing to do with in its existence such as
intelligence, memorization, technical ability, like the power of drawing and
writing, or the talent of poetry, writing and speeches, or the ability of
invention, learning things, etc...
Indeed, all these talents and abilities are gifts and
blessings from the Almighty, Allah and it is these elevated talents which make
their possessor and owners well known to others and who cause great changes in
man's intellectual, political, scientific, and economic- al, as well as, social
life.
Every man is given a particular talent; he was blessed with
abilities, but at different levels. It starts from the genius level and moves
slowly to other levels. All these talents and capabilities are gifts and blessings from the Almighty Allah.
Every one of us possess a kind of talent and ability, but
most of us are not able to discover these talents and abilities. It is a
treasure, which is hiding in man's self as gold and diamonds are hiding in the
earths' surface. And as long as these mines are not discovered by scientists
and experts, it is not possible to make use of these precious materials.
All our intellectual, technical and bodily talents and
power are trusts in our hands. It is obligatory for us to discover these talents, as experts discover a
certain valuable matter.
A student studies mathematics, engineer- ing, physics and
chemistry, poetry, history, jurisprudence, Qur'anic sciences, economy, drawing
and others, while at the same time he will feel that he is more inclined to a
particular subject. Through this, he will be able to discover his primary
power.
If you see your power in calligraphy and that your handwriting
is good and nice, try to develop this talent through imitating calligra-phers,
as well as, studying the principles and rules of calligraphy and, also,
participating in the school's handwriting exhibitions.
And when you see your technical power in drawing and
designing and others, try to develop such talents through drawing and
designing, as well as, using the experiences of the experts, drawers and
artists in these fields.
When you find yourself inclined to mathematics or
engineering or physics or chemistry and you have the talent to learn it more
than that of history or languages, try to put more effort in learning
mathematics or physics or chemistry or engineering, in accordance with your
inclination and intellec-tual power.
And when you want to choose your future course, choose a
course that you are familiar with and you are inclined to. Because if you
choose a course which is not suitable for your intellectual power, and you are
not inclined to it, it is possible that you will fail in the future, thereby
wasting your talents. You can never be successful in such a subject.
You may possess a power of introducing certain tools and
their uses, early in your life. Try to practice and develop this power through
collecting certain elements of such products. For example, buying them from the
market, or getting them through old ones. Start the process of its production
or repairing with what is at your possession or you are inclined to its repair.
Because this is the beginning of the discovery of your talents and its
develop-ment.
When you face a certain problem in the process, try to seek
expert advice in this field. Do not leave this talent to run out of your hand,
because it may benefit you in the future and be a sense of pride for you.
When you find the power of memorizing the Holy Qur'an in
your self, try and arrange a certain programme of Qur'anic memorization,
through listening to the cassette of a known Qur'anic reciter.
When you find in yourself the power of poetry, try to read
more poems and their memorization, or read books and magazines in this field,
so as to be acquainted with it and develop your poetic talent. Try to arrange
poems, as well as, present them to the experts. Do not leave this talent to run
out of your hand.
It is possible that you may possess the talent of writing
articles through reading books and magazines. Try to develop this talent
through increasing your reading periods. Try to summarize small books you have
read, or writing your memo, then go straight to the writing of articles after
outlining the basic topic of the article in the form of points. Then, continue
with the writing of short stories, and after that, show it to someone who is
well-versed in writing and publishing books. No doubt, if you abide by these,
you will become a writer, a composer or a journalist in the future.
Indeed, the Almighty Allah has blessed each and every one
of us with a talent. When he discovers this talent, as well as, develops it; he
will benefit from it and, likewise, his community and the human race in
general. He may be one of the successful men in his life.
Wisdom
Behind the Differencein
Talents
People have different talents and capabil-ities; some have
the talents of invention and production, while others have talent in political
affairs. Some have talents in jurisprudence, ideology and philosophy, while
others on writing and compilation. Some are blessed with the talent of
invention and discovery of scientific laws and formulas, while others in
business matters. Some have the talent and power of work needed by man, and so
on, etc.
Indeed, that is Allah's wisdom. He divided such
capabilities and talents among His servants; so that man's life will be perfect
and the division of the benefits and interests can be achieved. And likewise,
for man to feel that he is in need of his other fellows, so as to live in a
society full of love and mutual interests.
The Holy Qur'an has outlined the wisdom behind this, saying:
"We exalt some of them
above others in rank, that some of them may take others in service." Holy
Qur'an (43: 32)
Indeed, the Holy Qur'an shows for us that the Almighty
Allah has created men with different levels of capabilities, so as to take each
other as supporters and use each other's talents and abilities. And, likewise,
to share their benefits and interests, and also for the perfection of a human's
life and the organiza- tion of social life. Not that others should be above
others and continue to oppress them.
Talents and Morals
Talent is Allah's blessing, which He bestowed on mankind;
thus, each talent must be followed by giving thanks and good usage. Whoever
Allah blesses with intelligence or bodily power or the power of acquiring
knowledge or the talents of poetry or writing, or becomes a successful person
in his studies or in the society through the talent bestowed on him by the
Almighty Allah, must thank Him, as well as, help others.
Some people become arrogant and feel pride over others,
when they saw that they are above others. Indeed, pride and arrogance shows a
state of psychological deviation and immorality. When pride and arrogance
overpowers a person who is above others, he will be morally deteriorating; he
will only concentrate on the side of his superiority.
It is possible that the owner of a talent may be selfish,
prevents others from benefiting from what he is bestowed with by the Almighty
Allah. Indeed a sound person is he who develops the sense of sacrifice in his
self, as well as, gives much time to others, and renders his help to them. The
Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "The best of mankind is he who benefits them."
Indeed, morality is the best talent and blessing. A person
who is blessed with good morals is the possessor of the best talent, he is
above others. Thus, the Almighty Allah praised His Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.)
for his superiority in morals. He said:
"And surely you have
sublime morals."
Holy Qur'an (68: 4)
A true Muslim who is blessed with a talent and superiority
capability should glorify and thank Allah for what he blessed him with. He
should continue to repeat the saying of the Almighty Allah:
"My Lord, grant me that I
may give thanks for Your favour, which You have bestowed on me and on my
parents, and that I may do good which pleases You; and be good to me in respect
of my offspring. Truly I turn to You."
Holy Qur'an (46: 15)
This kind of giving thanks increases one's humbleness
toward Allah and seeking for the increase of the blessing. Indeed, by doing so,
the blessing will continue and increase:
"If you are grateful, I
will give you more."
Holy Qur'an (14: 7)
And also he will feel inferior in front of the Almighty
Allah, the Granter of bounties. It is because of this that the Almighty Allah
addresses His Holy Prophet (s.a.w.), saying:
"And say: My Lord, increase
me in knowledge."
Holy Qur'an (20: 114)
A learned person, as well as, an intelligent person,
whenever his knowledge or intellig-ence increases, his humbleness also
increases:
"And of knowledge you are
given but little."
Holy Qur'an (17: 85)
Prophet Moses (a.s.) looks at what he possessed with the
eye of humbleness, saying:
"My Lord, I stand in need
of whatever good you may send to me."
Holy Qur'an (28: 24)
As the disease of pride and arrogance can overpower some
people, likewise, jealousy overpowers others when they see that his fellow
being is superior over him.
Many times, such people will resort to retaliation over
those who are above them. They conspire against them so as to blackmail them
and downgrade their personality. This situation shows the state of deviation
and disease of those people. As it also shows the weakness of their belief on
the justice of Allah and His wisdom. Because, it is the Almighty Allah Who
divides these talents among His servants with His justice and wisdom, and in a
situation that will benefit the society and social life, and man will feel the
sense of mutual cooperation.
It is possible that those who were blessed with such
talents, especially army commanders and politicians, may become arrogant and
tyrannical, that oppress the human race; as a result of their deviation and
arrogance. The Holy Qur'an discusses the saying of Prophet Dawud (a.s.) when he
saw Allah's blessings bestowed upon him:
"That He may try me whether
I am grateful or ungrateful." Holy
Qur'an (27: 40)
There are some people who are overpowered by pride due to
the talent they possess, thereby they forgot its value and turn it into a
calamity for himself and humanity; such as Hitler, Musilini, Hajjaj, Saddam and
others, while there are some people who not only thank Allah for His blessings
to them, but also, turn it to be a benefit both to themselves and their
society; like doctors, physicians, farmers, engineers and etc.
Talents
and Responsibility
When we look at the people around us, we will find them
as the Holy Qur'an outlined with different levels of talents and
capabilities. Some of them were blessed with mind and bodily power. They are
able to occupy high positions in the society. They became teachers or successful
doctors or engineers or writers or political and military leaders.
And there are those who were not blessed with such talents
and blessings, which were bestowed on other people.
Indeed, the Almighty Allah assigned responsibilities to
people according to the power and ability bestowed on him. The Holy Qur'an
outlines this reality, saying:
"Allah lays not on any soul
a burden beyond that which He has given it." Holy
Qur'an (65: 7)
"So keep your duty to Allah
as much as you can." Holy
Qur'an (64: 16)
On the other hand, it is
an ethical duty and responsibility for a person blessed with talents to help
others who lack such talents bestowed on him by the Almighty Allah.
It is the
duty of writers, artists, poets, and journalist, who are blessed with the power
of writing and art to put their efforts in guiding people and their society
toward good, happiness and sound morals.
It is
their duty to give more effort on the problems of the oppressed and deprived
people, as well as, defending on their rights through their thoughts and pens.
And they should fight against oppression and tyranny.
It is the
duty of a political leader, who is able to attend leadership of the society
through his talents, to use his position for the benefit and betterment of the
society, his nation, and the principles upon which the Almighty Allah ordered
him to act.
And it is
the duty of a person who was blessed with the power of invention by the
Almighty Allah, to think that he is a human being, whose responsibility is to
offer services to the human race. He must use his mind and intellect for the
service of humanity.
Surely
those who used their talents for the invention of papers, printers,
electricity, medicine, trains, cars, agricultural appliances and etc., no doubt
had benefited the humanity. They had guaranteed rest, health and food for the
society at a cheaper rate. But, those who invented nuclear, biological and
chemical weapons, had infringed on human's right, portraying it toward danger and
destruction. The saying of the Almighty Allah had manifested itself in them:
"And when he holds authority, he makes effort
in the land to cause mischief in it and destroy tilth and offspring." Holy Qur'an (2:205)
A Swedish
scientist (Nobel) manufactured dynamite so as to use it for peaceful means, but
there after it was used in wars and for man's destruction. And when he realized
his mistake and felt its harmful effects on the human race, he presented a huge
amount of money he got from manufacturing such a destructive element, as a
prize for those who render great services toward human peaceful co-existence,
as well as, in the field of sciences and knowledge. Indeed, this is the history
of the Nobel Prize.
Failure
and Despair
Life is
success and failure, therefore, it is not good for someone who if once fails in
his life, whether in his studies or his business, occupation or in his social
or political engagements, to feel frustrated or despair. Instead, he should
take his failure as a lesson in his life, as well as, identify his mistakes so
as not to repeat them again. Indeed through patience and hard working, man can
be able to overcome failure in his life, be it in his studies, profession or
social relations, etc.
Indeed,
history tells us this fact that some of the great people and leaders had
experienced a stage of failure in their life. They have lived in a difficult
situation, but they were able to overpower all these difficulties and failures,
consequently, they become successful in their life. History has told us that
many great personalities were left behind in their studies and were
unsuccessful, but with patience and hard work, they overcame their difficulties
and again became great personalities.
Aynishtain,
a great well-known scholar of mathematics and physics. He was among the renown
scholars of this century, but in the past, he was a dull student who was
unsuccessful in his studies. But later on, he became one of the great scholars
of our present era. He invented the theory of relativism, which forms a great
change in the physics world.
Another
example of failure in studies as well as overcoming it, is a Swedish botanist (Sharil
Roliniyah), who lived in the beginning of 1700's.
Indeed,
this great scholar was an unsuccessful and weak student, to the extent that his
teachers advised his parents to remove him from school so as to learn another
profession. But his parent, who were very poor and could not take on the responsibility of their dull
child except with the help of their relatives, insisted on the continuation of
his studies. So, they sent him to learn medicine. While in his lessons, he came
across a research work, of one of the great scholars, on plants. He was really
impressed by the write up after reading it, because he had liked plants since
childhood. Thus, he turned his attention to the study of plants in addition to
his medical studies. Later, he got a doctorate degree on medicine, as he also
became a renowned botanist, who invented various scientific theories in botany.
Another
example of failure in studies is the case of one of the renowned jurisprudent,
who started his lessons in difficulties and lack of understanding his lessons
and at last he became frustrated.
But, one
day while he was walking in one of the gardens near him, he saw a horse tied
with a rope and bucket for fetching water from a well. He saw that the rope,
which the horse is dragging, passed through a rock.
This
student saw that the rope had made an effect on the rock because of too much
dragging and movement of the rope. Then, he said to himself: This rope has made
an impact due to too much repetition. Why should I become desperate from the
impact on my mind if I continue to read my lesson frequently.
Then, his
desperation turned into hope and optimism, his failure into success. He
continued his lessons, and later became one of the renowned scholars.
Poverty
and Misusing Talents
The Almighty Allah has
blessed most people with power, intellectualism, profession-alism and
leadership qualities, but they have lost them due to poverty and need, because
they were not been able to continue their studies or develop their talents due
to poverty and lack of material support.
However, many of such people
who were poor and orphans were able to overcome this poverty and needs, they
became legends in history. They became renowned scholars, military and
political leaders, writers and intellectuals or they became rich men. And all
these are due to hard work and determination.
It is man who makes life for
himself, and through his will and determination, he overcomes his problems and
obstacles. But once, he bends down in front of his problems, he fails and loses
his role in life.
Indeed, many people are able
to overpower poverty and continue their studies due to their hard work and
determination. They work in the daytime and study at night or they study in the
daytime and work at night, until they are able to overpower their problems.
