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Allah, the All-knowing in his noble book behooves us to “to seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave”.

Indeed, that advice still holds true today. Without knowledge, one’s life could be quite powerless and almost pathetic. Hence, we are encouraged both divinely and secularly to seek knowledge, no matter our age — from very young to very old, never ceasing the pursuit of knowledge until we die.

Secular knowledge will sustain you in this world, where spiritual knowledge will sustain you both in this world and the hereafter.

Knowledge is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “(i) expertise, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject; (ii) what is known in a particular field or in total; facts and information; or (iii) awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation.”

Plato defines knowledge as being a “justified true belief”. The acquisition of knowledge involves complex cognitive processes: perception, learning, communication, association and reasoning. The term knowledge is also used to mean the confident understanding of a subject with the ability to use it for a specific purpose if appropriate. I think it can be confidently agreed that the acquiring of knowledge is a good thing.

Over the past month I have attended so many graduation ceremonies here in Bermuda and if funds would have allowed, I could have attended equally as many abroad.

The graduates ranged from the littlest of children to quite mature adults — how wonderful, knowledge is being pursued by all — just as Allah has advised.  

To witness people from all walks of life in the pursuit of knowledge has indeed been inspiring and amicable. Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., former U.S. Vice President and intellect says, “If we value the pursuit of knowledge, we must be free to follow wherever that search may lead us.” It is no easy feat to undertake a course of study. Study requires discipline and tenacity — it is not for the faint of heart.  

History records Muslims were fascinated with seeking knowledge ranging from astronomy, philosophy, mathematics, and science. 

The Messenger of Islam, Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), encouraged his followers to seek knowledge even if it took them as far as China. First, a Muslim should seek knowledge and apply it to the benefit of the human race, as we are taught that our knowledge must be a benefit, not just to ourselves, but also to others. 

Second, one should seek knowledge from all the four corners of the Earth and even if a trek to China is required, one should take it. 

The trek to China is not a trek at all these days, as we jump on a jet and off we go, but imagine 15 centuries ago the only mode of transportation were caravans of camels or horses.

China must have appeared to be the farthest land with respect to the Arabian Peninsula and by taking a treacherous adventure to China, one had to withstand the elements and the dangers associated with this journey. 

Many Muslims took on this challenge of seeking knowledge, no matter where it led them, an undertaking they took on and accomplished without complaining or whining. 

The Arabs established teaching centres and excelled in every topic and subject known to the human race at that time. 

It is a well-known fact that some of the finest and oldest learning institutes in the world were established by Muslims — even in Timbuktu. 

The Muslims are responsible for the translation of many ancient books; advanced science, astronomy, and literature. 

They also invented new methods in science and math. Students in large flocks from all over the known world sought this knowledge desiring to learn new concepts of knowledge. 

Tiffany, of whom I have appointed myself as godma to her and her sister, both having just graduated from universities in New York and Canada, told me of one of her fellow students who had not been home in six years because her family were so poor she could not afford interval trips home.

She came on a two-way ticket, and could not leave until her studies were done. 

What sacrifice! We Bermudians fly in and out at every break, sometimes it seems like every six weeks! 

Imagine the ecstatic state her family must have been in when their child finally return home; safe, happy and educated — mission accomplished. 

May God have special mercy on families such as these, as their sacrifice is unimaginable to us here in Bermuda.

To Bermuda’s graduates:  congratulations. Bermuda let’s ponder on these words “By knowledge you are saved; by ignorance, lost — Imam Ali (r.a). 

Always remembering, this applies to both worlds — here and the hereafter. Ameen. n

Allah, the All-knowing in his noble book behooves us to “to seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave”.

Indeed, that advice still holds true today. Without knowledge, one’s life could be quite powerless and almost pathetic. Hence, we are encouraged both divinely and secularly to seek knowledge, no matter our age — from very young to very old, never ceasing the pursuit of knowledge until we die.

Secular knowledge will sustain you in this world, where spiritual knowledge will sustain you both in this world and the hereafter.

Knowledge is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “(i) expertise, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject; (ii) what is known in a particular field or in total; facts and information; or (iii) awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation.”

Plato defines knowledge as being a “justified true belief”. The acquisition of knowledge involves complex cognitive processes: perception, learning, communication, association and reasoning. The term knowledge is also used to mean the confident understanding of a subject with the ability to use it for a specific purpose if appropriate. I think it can be confidently agreed that the acquiring of knowledge is a good thing.

Over the past month I have attended so many graduation ceremonies here in Bermuda and if funds would have allowed, I could have attended equally as many abroad.

The graduates ranged from the littlest of children to quite mature adults — how wonderful, knowledge is being pursued by all — just as Allah has advised.  

To witness people from all walks of life in the pursuit of knowledge has indeed been inspiring and amicable. Adlai E. Stevenson Jr., former U.S. Vice President and intellect says, “If we value the pursuit of knowledge, we must be free to follow wherever that search may lead us.” It is no easy feat to undertake a course of study. Study requires discipline and tenacity — it is not for the faint of heart.  

History records Muslims were fascinated with seeking knowledge ranging from astronomy, philosophy, mathematics, and science. 

The Messenger of Islam, Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), encouraged his followers to seek knowledge even if it took them as far as China. First, a Muslim should seek knowledge and apply it to the benefit of the human race, as we are taught that our knowledge must be a benefit, not just to ourselves, but also to others. 

Second, one should seek knowledge from all the four corners of the Earth and even if a trek to China is required, one should take it. 

The trek to China is not a trek at all these days, as we jump on a jet and off we go, but imagine 15 centuries ago the only mode of transportation were caravans of camels or horses.

China must have appeared to be the farthest land with respect to the Arabian Peninsula and by taking a treacherous adventure to China, one had to withstand the elements and the dangers associated with this journey. 

Many Muslims took on this challenge of seeking knowledge, no matter where it led them, an undertaking they took on and accomplished without complaining or whining. 

The Arabs established teaching centres and excelled in every topic and subject known to the human race at that time. 

It is a well-known fact that some of the finest and oldest learning institutes in the world were established by Muslims — even in Timbuktu. 

The Muslims are responsible for the translation of many ancient books; advanced science, astronomy, and literature. 

They also invented new methods in science and math. Students in large flocks from all over the known world sought this knowledge desiring to learn new concepts of knowledge. 

Tiffany, of whom I have appointed myself as godma to her and her sister, both having just graduated from universities in New York and Canada, told me of one of her fellow students who had not been home in six years because her family were so poor she could not afford interval trips home.

She came on a two-way ticket, and could not leave until her studies were done. 

What sacrifice! We Bermudians fly in and out at every break, sometimes it seems like every six weeks! 

Imagine the ecstatic state her family must have been in when their child finally return home; safe, happy and educated — mission accomplished. 

May God have special mercy on families such as these, as their sacrifice is unimaginable to us here in Bermuda.

To Bermuda’s graduates:  congratulations. Bermuda let’s ponder on these words “By knowledge you are saved; by ignorance, lost — Imam Ali (r.a). 

Always remembering, this applies to both worlds — here and the hereafter. Ameen.

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