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I complained to Waki' about the weakness of my memorisation, _x000D_ _x000D_ So he instructed me to abandon disobedience;_x000D_ _x000D_ He informed me that knowledge is a light,_x000D_ _x000D_ And the light of Allah is not given to a sinner.
Al-Shafii
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Abandoning disobedience is essential for gaining knowledge and wisdom.

This quote highlights the relationship between morality and knowledge, suggesting that in order to truly understand and absorb wisdom, one must live a life that aligns with ethical principles and obedience to a higher moral authority. It asserts that true knowledge acts as a guiding light, which cannot be attained by those who engage in wrongful actions, as they distance themselves from the divine.

Themes

KnowledgeWisdomObedienceLightMorality

In practice

Example use cases

During a lecture on ethics, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of living a moral life in order to gain true knowledge.

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To admonish your brother in private is to advise him and improve him. But to admonish him publicly is to disgrace and shame him.
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Whoever is not made glorified by taqwa can find no glory.
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