In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Awwaluddin Ma’rifatullah
The beginning of faith is knowing Allah
- Purpose of Life: Why Do I Exist?: Preface
- How to Worship & Know Allah: The Journey of Experiential Knowledge
- The Beginning of Deen is Knowing Allah
- Part 1/8: Acquired & Bestowed Knowledge
I. Introduction
A. Continuation from Previous Posts
In our ongoing exploration of life’s divine purpose, we have journeyed from understanding why we exist to examining how we worship.
Now, we dive deeper into a fundamental principle that serves as the cornerstone of our faith – the Knowledge of Allah (Ma’rifatullah).
Our previous article established that our creation’s purpose extends beyond mere ritual worship. As highlighted in the Quran:
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ ٱلْجِنَّ وَٱلْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ
“I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.”
Quran 51:56 (Surah Adh-Dhariyat)
This verse, as we learned, encompasses both worship (ibadah) and recognition (ma’rifah), revealing the immersive depth of our life’s purpose.
B. The Foundational Statement
أَوَّلُ الدِّينِ مَعْرِفَةُ اللَّـهِ
“The beginning of Deen is the knowledge of Allah“
Sayyidina Ali RA
This statement establishes an important principle: before we can properly worship Allah, we must first know Him. This knowledge is not merely a intellectual understanding but encompasses a deeper, experiential recognition of our Creator, in fact, to know is to worship.
Knowledge is the Highest Form of Worship
The question naturally arises: How can one truly worship what they don’t know? How can we appreciate Allah’s attributes without studying them? How can we fulfil our purpose without understanding our Creator?
II. Conceptual Framework
A. Understanding Ma’rifatullah
The Knowledge of Allah encompasses two distinct yet complementary forms of understanding, each playing a vital role in our spiritual development:
Ilmu Kasbi (Acquired Knowledge)
Ilmu Kasbi, or acquired knowledge, constitutes the foundation of a believer’s understanding and practice of Islam.
This form of knowledge is gained through deliberate effort, disciplined study, and engagement with scholarly tradition.
It encompasses the religious sciences, including the study of the Quran, the sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the comprehensive understanding of divine laws that govern every aspect of a Muslim’s life.
Through Ilmu Kasbi, one learns how to fulfil religious obligations, discern between right and wrong, and implement Islamic teachings within daily life.
The role of Ilmu Kasbi is fundamental, as it provides both the structure and the guidance necessary for sound worship, ethical behaviour, and spiritual growth.
By seeking out this knowledge, whether through formal study circles, attendance at religious lectures, or self-driven learning, believers lay a strong intellectual foundation for their faith.
This foundation not only safeguards against error and misguidance but also enables one to appreciate and approach more deeper spiritual dimensions—such as those realised through divine gifts like Ilmu Ladunni.
In this way, Ilmu Kasbi ensures that religious practice is informed, conscientious, and aligned with the timeless teachings of Islam.
Ilmu Ladunni (Bestowed Knowledge)
Ilmu Ladunni, or bestowed knowledge, occupies a special place in the Islamic tradition as a form of divine knowledge bestowed directly by Allah upon sincere seekers.
Unlike conventional learning, which is acquired through reading books, attending lectures, or intellectual study, Ilmu Ladunni is imparted to the heart and soul of those whom Allah chooses.
This knowledge cannot be obtained by human effort alone; rather, it is a sacred gift granted to those who yearn for closeness to the Divine, demonstrate sincerity, and strive to purify their hearts.
What sets Ilmu Ladunni apart is its depth and transformative power. It is not merely information or theory, but a deep spiritual insight that penetrates beyond the intellect, illuminating the inner realities of existence.
Those who receive this knowledge often undergo deeper spiritual transformation, as their hearts are awakened to divine truths that words or academic study cannot convey.
The experience of Ilmu Ladunni enriches one’s consciousness and fosters a living relationship with Allah—one that is marked by an intimate awareness of His presence and attributes.
In this way, Ilmu Ladunni transcends the realm of intellect and enters that of the soul, serving as a testament to the extraordinary mercy and grace of Allah toward His servants.
HOW CAN ONE TRULY WORSHIP WHAT THEY DON’T KNOW? HOW CAN WE APPRECIATE ALLAH’S ATTRIBUTES WITHOUT STUDYING THEM? HOW CAN WE FULFIL OUR PURPOSE WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING OUR CREATOR? IN FACT, TO KNOW IS TO WORSHIP.
The Relationship Between Both Ilmu Kasbi & Ilmu Ladunni
The relationship between Ilmu Kasbi (acquired knowledge) and Ilmu Ladunni (bestowed knowledge) is deeply complementary within the Islamic tradition.
Ilmu Kasbi serves as the essential framework, equipping believers with the foundational knowledge necessary for correct worship, ethical living, and understanding the tenets of faith. It acquires its strength from structured study and engagement with the Quran, ensuring that religious practice is grounded and authentic.
On the other hand, Ilmu Ladunni enriches and deepens this foundation by opening the heart to deeper spiritual insights and divine realities that the intellect alone cannot reach.
Where Ilmu Kasbi provides the map, Ilmu Ladunni offers the lived experience and the ability to truly internalise and embody what is learned.
Islam encourages its followers to seek both forms of knowledge, as each one invigorates, validates, and completes the other. The pursuit of balance between them ensures comprehensive spiritual growth, allowing one to navigate both the outer and inner dimensions of faith with wisdom, depth, and sincerity.
It is through harmonising these two types of knowledge that a believer attains a holistic and deep-rooted understanding of Allah.
Key Takeaways
Ilmu Kasbi (Acquired Knowledge)
- Definition: Knowledge gained through effort, study, and learning
- Components:
- Religious sciences
- Quranic studies
- Prophetic traditions
- Understanding of divine laws
- Role: Forms the foundation for proper religious practice and understanding
Ilmu Ladunni (Bestowed Knowledge)
- Definition: Divine or inner knowledge bestowed directly by Allah SWT
- Nature: Not acquired through conventional means like books or lectures
- Characteristics:
- Comes as a gift from Allah to sincere seekers
- Associated with deep spiritual insight
- Transforms the heart and soul
- Goes beyond intellectual comprehension
The Relationship Between Both Types
- Complementary Nature:
- Ilmu Kasbi provides the necessary framework
- Ilmu Ladunni offers deeper spiritual insights
- Both types work together for complete understanding
- Balance:
- Muslims are encouraged to seek both forms
- Each type reinforces and validates the other
- Together they lead to comprehensive spiritual growth
