[During his recent visit to Malaysia, Javed Ahmad Ghamidi paid a visit to the
International Islamic University and had an interactive session with students. During the session, Javed Ahmad Ghamidi responded to questions from the audience regarding education, research, and social issues. The participants asked the learned scholar to share his advice for students to which Ghamidi pointed out three basic points every student must be familiar with while accomplishing his studies. Here is a summary of the pieces of advice for students willing to know.]
The first point is that whether one is an ordinary person, a scholar, or a student, everyone should strive to maintain a spirit to seek knowledge. Both the commoner and the scholar should tread the same path. The moment an individual starts believing he has gained sufficient knowledge he practically closes the door of
When we learn to embrace differences, it is crucial to understand that embracing doesn’t imply unconditional acceptance; acceptance is an entirely separate matter.
Let’s welcome disagreement because it signifies that someone is critiquing what I am saying. This indicates that a new truth may become apparent to me.
Our teacher, Mawlānā Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, used to articulate a profound phrase. He would say: When I open the Quran in the morning and encounter a verse of extreme difficulty, I tell myself, ‘Today is the day!’ It implies that the verse holds the promise of
The third and last thing to consider is that when we talk to others, we should use the language of knowledge. Many times, we rely on emotional language, which can quickly ignite a person’s emotions, leading to diversion from reality and rational argumentation. So, it’s crucial to communicate in the language of knowledge.
Unlike emotional language, the language of knowledge doesn’t label individuals; it holds its own sanctity. As someone starts using the language of knowledge, they naturally adopt it. It’s unclear why emotions get involved in the conversation.
Lowering the gaze, as instructed by Allah, is not just about women; it encompasses everything and prohibits indulging in useless things. The Quran expresses this by
Therefore, we should set aside trivial matters and concentrate on understanding the
The second key point is that we should develop a strong commitment to truth within ourselves. Patriotism, enthusiasm, bigotry, and honor are considered integral to our national and emotional identity. Upholding truth and righteousness requires instilling a sense of commitment within. Being committed to truth means standing firm even if the entire world opposes you. Pursuing truth should not involve harming others.
Instead, we should value truth so that when it becomes apparent, we fulfill its rights.
This commitment should be present in all aspects of life. The Quran emphasizes that faith demands standing up for justice. In Surah al-Nisā’ (4) and Al-Mā’idah (5), the
Quran instructs us to be unwavering in justice in various situations, including dealings with parents, enemies, and others. This is a form of testimony. While people typically associate testimony with after death, the Quran asserts that testimony
Therefore, we should integrate these principles into our daily lives, living by the values of justice. The truth should be so important to us that even if others disbelieve, reject, or ignore it, and even if they cause harm, we remain unaffected, trusting the fact that life and death are in the hands of God.