Islam and knowledge: Imam Ali (as) - Part 2

Knowledge is of two types: the intuitive and the learnt; the intuitive knowledge is of no benefit if there is no learnt knowledge [accompanying it].

Know then speak.

Seek knowledge and you will increase in knowledge.

Acquire knowledge, for indeed if you are wealthy it will adorn you and if you are poor it will provide for you.

Acquire knowledge and you will be rightly guided.

Acquire knowledge and it will earn you life.

Draw water from the clear spring which has been cleansed of all impurity.

Seek knowledge and you will be known for it, act upon it and you will become from those who are worthy of [possessing] it.

Indeed, the one who does not know should never be ashamed to learn, for the value of every person is [measured by] what he knows.

Indeed, the one who is asked about that which he does not know should never consider it demeaning to say 'I don't know".

Indeed, the one who is asked about that which he does not know should never consider it demeaning to say "I don't know".

The most useful knowledge is that which is acted upon.

The best knowledge is that which is accompanied by action.

The most honourable knowledge is that which is manifested in the organs and limbs.

The lowliest knowledge is that which stops at the tongue [andis not acted upon].

The most important knowledge for you is that without which [your good] action is not accepted.

The most obligatory knowledge for you [to acquire] is that which you are responsible for acting upon.

The most necessary knowledge for you is that which guides you to rectitude of your religion and separates you from its corruption.

The knowledge with the most praiseworthy end is that which increases your [good] actions in this world and draws your nearer [to the mercy of Allah] in the Hereafter.

Verily the best of knowledge is [that which leads to] tranquility and forbearance.

Indeed fire is not diminished by what is taken from it but is extinguished when it does not find firewood; similarly, knowledge is not depleted by being acquired but the miserliness of those who possess it is the cause of its absence.

Verily Allah, the glorified, bestows wealth to the one whom He loves and the one whom He hates, but He does not grant knowledge except to the one whom he loves.

Verily knowledge guides, directs and saves while ignorance misguides, misdirects and destroys.

Knowledge rescues.

Knowledge is through understanding.

Knowledge is a treasure.

Knowledge is honour, obedience is [a] refuge.

Knowledge is a guide.