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On May 2, 2024, the Islamic State (ISIS) released issue 441 of its weekly newsletter, Al-Naba'.[1] The issue's feature article, titled "Between Guidance and Knowledge," discussed the virtues of knowledge and its proper applications.
The editorial stressed the importance of seeking knowledge, as evidenced by the myriad injunctions to learn, which are found in the Qur'an and Hadith. Indeed, knowledge distinguishes the believers from the unbelievers, it noted; the virtues of knowledge are apparent and true knowledge is a blessing from Allah.
However, knowledge is not an end in itself, the article asserted. Instead, knowledge is a "means of guidance to the straight path of Allah." As such, it contrasted forms of knowledge which guide one to truth with other forms of knowledge which lead one astray from the path of Allah.
It warned: "Knowledge – like other blessings of Allah for his servants such as money, prestige, power, etc. – can be a test for the servant and a case against him if it does not lead him to the true religion of Allah."
In this respect, many seemingly learned men have failed, the article said, noting that "the past and present is filled with" scholars who have excelled in their studies but worked in the service of tyrants, and so they became like "imbeciles carrying books which do not benefit them, but only tire them."
Therefore, "the virtue of knowledge is dependent on guidance and deficient without it," the editorial asserted. True knowledge, then, guides one to righteousness and jihad for the sake of Allah, it closed.
[1] Telegram, May 2, 2024.
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