The Quran about those who have knowledge

In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful

Knowledge, as a phenomenon, plays a special role in the near life. Knowledge is able to exalt its owner by degrees, change the course of history, and influence the destinies of people. The first such precedent was the story of the exaltation of Adam:

And He taught Adam all the names. Then He showed them to the maintainers and said, “Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful!”

They said, “Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.”

He said, “O Adam! Inform their names!” And when he had called their names, He said, “Did I not tell you that I know the hidden of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed.” (2:31-33)

 

Direct knowledge acquisition from the Creator allowed Adam to rise above the maintainers. Knowledge enabled Adam to understand the meaning of all reality, which by default is more perfect than the narrow-minded knowledge that the maintainers possessed. I would like to note that Adam is not named, neither a prophet, nor a messenger. Thus, we see a precedent of obtaining knowledge direct from God, without the status of a prophet or a messenger. In the following, we find another precedent when God imparts knowledge – to Moses’s companion, whom he does not name, neither a prophet nor a messenger:

And they found a servant from among Our servants to whom We had given mercy from us and had taught him from Our knowledge! (18:65)

 

Moses’ companion is endowed with knowledge of future events, with the authority to prepare for their execution. This knowledge is more related to the sacred, which is not observed in Adam, but I want to notice that knowledge can influence the course of the history.

Knowledge of reality, its laws and abilities makes it possible to produce something that causes amazement to those who do not know about all this:

Said one who had knowledge from the book, “I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.”

And when Solomon saw it placed before him, he said, “This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or closed. And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is closed – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous!” (27:40)

 

Even Solomon was astounded, who did not begin to speculate, but praised the Lord. This behaviour is peculiar to those convinced of the greatness of God. Conviction is built on knowledge of God, which also causes fear before the Almighty:

And among people and moving creatures and grazing livestock are various colors similarly. Only those fear God, from among His servants, who have knowledge. Indeed, God is Exalted in Might and Forgiving! (35:28)

 

The knowledge about God is mainly taken from the Prescriptions sent down. However, analytical knowledge makes it possible to more clearly distinguish the truth. Such knowledge was possessed by the scholars from children of Israel:

And has it not been a sign to them that it is recognized by the scholars of the children of Israel? (26:197)

 

Depending on the sincerity of the faith, those who are given the knowledge of the Prescription, when meeting with the truth, accept it without hesitation:

Say, “Believe in it or do not believe!”

Indeed, those who were given knowledge before it – when it is recited to them, they fall upon their faces in prostration, And they say, “Exalted is our Lord! Indeed, the promise of our Lord has been fulfilled!”(17:107-108)

And so those who were given knowledge may know that it is the truth from your Lord and believe in it, and their hearts humbly submit to it. And indeed, God guides those who have believed to a straight path! (22:54)

Rather, it is distinct signs within thoughts of those who have been given knowledge. And none reject Our signs except the obscurantists! (29:49)

And those who have been given knowledge see that what is revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, and it guides to the path of the Exalted in Might, the Praiseworthy! (34:6)

 

This quality will also manifest itself on the Day of Debt:

Then on the day of standing before God, He will disgrace them and say, “Where are My ‘partners’ for whom you used to oppose [the believers]?”

Those who were given knowledge will say, “Indeed disgrace, this day, and evil are upon the closed ones!” (16:27)

But those who had been given knowledge said, “Woe to you! The reward of God is better for he who believed and corrected himself. And none are granted it except the patient.” (28:80)

But those who were given knowledge and faith will say, “You remained the extent of God’s decree until the day of resurrection, and this is the day of resurrection, but you did not used to know!” (30:56)

 

The desire to comprehend is different in everyone. Those who know have a greater desire than others. Those who do not make efforts independently turn to the knowledgeable for help:

And among them are those who listen to you, until when they depart from you, they say to those who were given knowledge, “What has he said just now?” Those are the ones of whom God has sealed over their hearts and who have followed their [own] passions! (47:16)

 

However, whoever they appeal, if there is no desire their condition does not change. Therefore, those to whom knowledge is given are assessed by God higher than those who simply believed in God:

O you who have believed! When you are told, “Space yourselves” in assemblies, then make space; God will make space for you.

And when you are told, “Arise,” then arise; God will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And God is Acquainted with what you do! (58:11)

 

A higher assessment of those who have knowledge does not mean their exclusivity, but gives an advantage on the Day of Debt. Those who believe in God and those who have knowledge hold on to the truth and declare it:

God witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and the maintainers and those of knowledge – persistent in balance. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise! (3:18)

 

Possession of knowledge based on faith and conviction gives a special firmness – firmness in knowledge:

It is He who has sent down to you the Prescription. In it are precise signs – they are the foundation of the Prescription – and others similar. As for those in whose hearts is deviation, they follow that of it which is similar, seeking to charm and seeking to interpret it. And no one knows its interpretation except God! But those firm in knowledge say, “We believe in it. All is from our Lord.” And no one will be reminded except those of understanding. (3:7)

 

Those who are firm in knowledge are not only superior before the believers to the Lord, but are also examples of the fulfilment of the prescriptions of God:

But those firm in knowledge among them and the believers, believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you, establish prayer and give purifying expenditure and believe God and the last day – those We will give a great reward! (4:162)