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Lesson 8: The Descent Of Knowledge Upon The Hearts

Tradition

"يا بُنَىَّ إنَّ اللّه يُحْيِى الْقُلُوبَ بِنُورِ الْحِكْمَةِ كَما يُحْيِى الأرضَ بِوابِلِ السّماءِ"

Luqman, the famous sage, is reported to have said: “Oh my son, God enlivens the hearts of the people through the light of knowledge and understanding, just like the dead earth is brought to life with the rains that descend from the skies.”1

Brief Commentary

The heart is much like a fertile orchard which has various trees and plants growing within it. It possesses different herbs, fruit bearing trees, and flowers. If these plants are watered and taken care of in the proper way, then all of the plants will reach their full potential and beauty. The means through which this orchard is watered is through the rain of knowledge and understanding. It is for this same reason that the hearts of those without knowledge are completely barren and dead, unable to give fruit or anything else of value. In all situations, we must strive to enliven ourselves with the light of knowledge and understanding.

  • 1. From the book Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 1.