ILM

Ilm signifies knowledge. Nonetheless, the knowledge or Ilm that the Qur’an-e-Kareem and the Hadith of our Nabi (Sallallaahu A'laihi Wasallam) has encouraged us to acquire, is the Ilm (knowledge) of Deen. 

Deen is mainly based on two sources: The Qur’an-e-Kareem and the Hadith. Therefore, according to the Shari'ah, Ilm is the knowledge of the Qur’an-e-Kareem and the Hadith.

A’LIM

Anyone who can do some calculations or can calculate few accounts haphazardly, is not called an accountant as an accountant follows some regulations and principles in order to perform a task which an ordinary person is not aware of. Similarly, a person who knows the translation of few verses of the Qur’an-e-Kareem or the translation of few Hadith haphazardly is not called an A'lim as an A'lim is the one who has the ability and capacity to understand the Qur’an-e-Kareem and the Hadith. Normally, the ability or the competence of understanding the Qur'an-e-Kareem and the Hadith depend on knowing the regulations and the principles. Therefore, an Aalim signifies a person who has developed the aptitude and the competence to study the Qur’an-e-Kareem and the Hadith on the whole with its principles and regulations. 

Nowadays, when we call a person an Aalim, it does not necessarily signify that he knows many things. However, by this, we mean a person who has followed instruction which allows him to study, analyse and understand the Qur'an-e-Kareem and the Hadith, by applying the established principles and regulations. It is like a person who does not know many places but has a driving license which permits him to go anywhere and apply the techniques that he has learned for driving a vehicle.

REAL  ILM

True knowledge (‘Ilm Haqeeqi) is a knowledge that penetrates the heart and compels one to act. It is not a knowledge that remains confined to the limits of knowledge only. This is because the non-Muslims also have this kind of knowledge. On the contrary, many of the non-Muslims have more information regarding Islam than the Muslims. Therefore, “Ilm Haqeeqi” (real Ilm) is a knowledge that goes beyond the theoretical form to reach the stage of conviction that cannot remain without being manifested in the behaviour and the practice of a person. That is, it is a knowledge that does not remain merely on the tongue, but it penetrates the heart. Eventually, the person cannot remain without putting into practice what he knows.

A TRUE ‘ALIM

A true ‘Alim is a person who is not satisfied by merely knowing Deen. But he is a person who has the fear of Allah Ta’ala that forces him to act according to his knowledge.

"... it is only the learned ones who fear Him ... " (35:28)

A true ‘Alim is someone who is convinced by his knowledge that does not allow him to act against his knowledge. Such a person has these three signs:

1. Disinterest in this world of deception.

2. Total inclination towards the eternal world and

3. Preparing for death before its arrival.

‘ILM-UL-GHAIB

No one knows where he will die. Similarly, no one knows when he will die. This is knowledge that Allah Ta’ala has concealed which no one is aware of, besides Allah Ta’ala alone.

"... and neither does it know in which land it will die ..." (31:34)

Such knowledge is known as Ilm-ul-ghaib or the knowledge of the unseen. Only Allah Ta’ala knows such knowledge.

"... The knowledge of the unseen is only with Allah..." (10:20)

"Verily Allah has knowledge of the unseen things of the heaven and the earth ..." (35:38)

"Say, “I do not say to you that I possess the treasures of Allah nor do I have knowledge of the unseen ..." (6:50)

‘AALIM-UL-GHAIB

The One who knows Ghaib by himself without anyone teaching Him is called ‘Aalim-ul-Ghaib. Only Allah Ta’ala knows everything which is hidden and everything which is apparent by Himself without going through anyone. Therefore, only Allah Ta’ala is ‘Aalim-ul-Ghaib.

"He is Allah, there is no Ilaah but He. He is the knower of the unseen and the seen." (59:22)

NABA-UL-GHAIB

Wherever it is necessary, Allah Ta’ala informs His Nabi (Alaihis Salaam) of certain knowledge of Ghaib through Wahi (revelation).

"He is the knower of the unseen and He has informed no one about His unseen knowledge except His selected Rasool ..." (72:26-27)

"... Allah does not inform you of the unseen, but Allah chooses whom He pleases from His Rusul ..." (3:179)

The Qur’an-e-Kareem calls these accounts as “Ambaa-ul-Ghaib” (unseen information). Ambaa is the plural of “Naba” which means account.

"This story is from the accounts of the unseen that We inspire you with. You and your people were unlikely to have knowledge about this before ..." (11:49)

Similarly, all information and details concerning Jannah, Jahannam, punishment in the grave and also the events that will take place in the future, are Ambaa-ul-Ghaib and there is no means of knowing it without the will of Allah Ta’ala. 

Allah Ta’ala informed His Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) these things through Wahi (revelation) and Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) conveyed it to the entire Ummah.

IMAAN IN THE UNSEEN

Ghaib is something that cannot be detected or known by our means. This is something which no device or machine can detect. It is something whose knowledge depends entirely on Wahi (revelation). 

For example, details concerning Jannah, Jahannam, Arsh (throne), Meezaan (balance) and Qabr, etc. are details that cannot be known without Allah Ta’ala informing us through Wahi. The Ummah learned this through Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). Believing in these things solely on the trust of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) is called Imaan-Bil-Ghaib.

"Alif-Laam-Meem. There is no doubt in this Book. In it is guidance for those with Taqwa. Those who have Imaan in the unseen ..." (2:1-3)

[English version of "Ilm" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.7]