Excerpt for Ghazali’s Revival of the Sciences
Know, O seeker of truth, that knowledge is the root of all states and actions, and that the excellence of man lies in knowledge. Yet knowledge without action is vanity, and action without knowledge is insanity. The learned who act not upon their knowledge are like a lamp that gives light to others while burning itself away. The true scholar is he who first rectifies his own soul, then guides others by the light of his practice. For the world is a bridge, and you should pass over it, not build upon it. The wise traveler does not busy himself with decorating the bridge, but hastens to reach his destination. Likewise, the believer should not be deceived by the adornments of this world, but should prepare provisions for the journey to the Hereafter.
The heart is the king of the body, and the limbs are its soldiers. If the king is righteous, the soldiers will be righteous; if the king is corrupt, the soldiers will be corrupt. Thus, purify your heart with remembrance of God, for it is the vessel of knowledge and the seat of faith. Beware of pride in knowledge, for pride veils the heart from truth. Many are destroyed by their reliance upon mere words, while neglecting the reality of deeds.
Therefore, strive to combine knowledge with humility, and action with sincerity. Let your learning be a ladder to ascend toward God, not a net to ensnare you in worldly ambition. For the end of all knowledge is to know God, and the end of all action is to serve Him. Whoever attains this union has found eternal felicity, and whoever turns away has squandered both knowledge and life.”
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