In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
"Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do."
Quran 58:11 (Surah Al-Mujadila)
The Four Categories of Knowledge: An Islamic Perspective
In Islamic thought, understanding one's relationship with knowledge is fundamental to spiritual and intellectual growth. The great scholars of Islam have identified four distinct categories of people in their relationship with knowledge, each representing different stages of awareness and understanding.
Those Who Know That They Know
This group consists of individuals who have a deep understanding of their faith. They are knowledgeable, having studied, researched, and experienced their beliefs thoroughly. They possess confidence in their understanding and can articulate their knowledge effectively. These individuals serve as guides and leaders within the community, sharing their insights and helping others on their spiritual journeys.
"Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding."
Quran 39:9 (Surah Az-Zumar)
Imagine a seasoned captain navigating his ship across vast oceans. He understands the stars, reads the winds, and knows precisely how to reach his destination.
Similarly, in this category are those blessed with both knowledge and certainty. These are our scholars, our teachers, those who have dedicated their lives to understanding Islam's depths.
Like Imam Al-Ghazali, who after years of spiritual and intellectual pursuit, achieved such clarity that he could confidently guide others. They carry the weighty responsibility of enlightening others, much like how our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ illuminated the path for his companions.
Those Who Don't Know That They Know
This category encompasses those who have acquired substantial Islamic knowledge through consistent practice and exposure but lack confidence in their understanding. They possess valuable insights and wisdom but often underestimate their capabilities. These individuals have internalised Islamic teachings through years of practice and learning, yet they hesitate to acknowledge their own expertise.
Imagine a skilled craftsman who has spent decades perfecting his art. His hands move with precision, creating masterpieces, yet when asked to teach others, he hesitates, doubting his expertise.
Like many practicing Muslims who have lived the teachings of Islam daily, understanding its nuances through experience rather than formal study.
They are like the companion Abu Hurairah (RA), who initially doubted his ability to preserve and transmit hadith, yet went on to become one of the most prolific narrators of our Prophet's ﷺ teachings.
Those Who Know That They Don't Know
These individuals possess a important quality in Islamic scholarship: self-awareness of their knowledge gaps. They actively acknowledge their limitations and maintain a humble approach to learning. Their recognition of what they don't know drives them to seek knowledge continuously, making them earnest students of the faith.
Without a guide, one risks falling into the dangerous territory of misinterpretation or, worse, innovation in religious matters.
Imagine a young seeker of knowledge entering the grand mosque of Damascus for the first time. Overwhelmed by the vastness of Islamic scholarship before them, they feel both humbled and inspired.
"And We sent not before you, [O Muḥammad], except men to whom We revealed [the message], so ask the people of the message [i.e., former scriptures] if you do not know."
Quran 21:7 (Surah Al-Anbiya)
This category embodies the spirit of Imam Malik, who would often respond to questions with "I do not know," despite his profound scholarship. Their humility opens doors to learning, following the example of Musa (AS) who, despite being a prophet, journeyed to learn from Khidr, acknowledging there was knowledge he did not possess.
Those Who Don't Know That They Don't Know
This final category represents those in a state of compound ignorance – unaware of their own lack of knowledge. They may hold misconceptions about Islam yet remain closed to correction or learning. Their situation is particularly challenging because they lack the self-awareness necessary to recognise their need for knowledge.
"And do not pursue1 that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned."
Quran 17:36 (Surah Al-Isra) [1] i.e., do not assume and do not say.
The chain of transmission, known as ‘Sa’nad’, safeguards against misunderstanding and innovation in our religion. A qualified teacher not only imparts knowledge but also helps cultivate wisdom, nurtures spiritual growth, and prevents common misconceptions that often arise from self-study.
Imagine a person walking confidently in the pitch darkness, unaware of the cliff's edge before them. They reject offers of light from others, convinced they can see perfectly well.
This mirrors those who speak about Islam without proper knowledge, like a person who has memorised a few verses of the Quran and suddenly considers themselves a mufti, issuing fatwas (verdicts) without proper knowledge.
Our Prophet ﷺ warned us about such people, saying that one of the signs of the Hour is when knowledge is sought from the unqualified, who lead others astray while believing themselves to be guided.
Find a Teacher with a SANAD
As we navigate our path to understanding, let us remember the words of Imam Shafi'i: "The more knowledge I gain, the more I realise how much I don't know."
The significance of finding a qualified teacher cannot be overstated. Just as the stars guided travelers through ancient deserts, a knowledgeable mentor illuminates the path of understanding for the seeking Muslim.
Our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself was sent as a teacher to humanity, and this tradition of direct transmission of knowledge - from heart to heart, mind to mind - continues to be the most authentic and effective way of learning our faith.
Consider how the great scholars of our tradition all studied under capable teachers: Imam Abu Hanifa had Hammad ibn Abi Sulayman, Imam Malik learned from Rabi'ah al-Ra'i, and even they continued seeking knowledge throughout their lives.
This chain of transmission, known as ‘Sa’nad’, safeguards against misunderstanding and innovation in our religion. A qualified teacher not only imparts knowledge but also helps cultivate wisdom, nurtures spiritual growth, and prevents common misconceptions that often arise from self-study.
Without a guide, one risks falling into the dangerous territory of misinterpretation or, worse, innovation in religious matters.
The Quran itself emphasises this principle when Allah instructs us to
"And We sent not before you, [O Muḥammad], except men to whom We revealed [the message], so ask the people of the message [i.e., former scriptures] if you do not know."
Quran 21:7 (Surah Al-Anbiya)
In our age of instant information and Sheikh Google, it becomes even more important to have a reliable mentor who can contextualise knowledge, address personal challenges, and provide authentic guidance rooted in traditional scholarship.
Therefore, for every Muslim eager to deepen their understanding of Islam, finding a qualified teacher should be among their highest priorities.
As the saying goes, "Whoever takes themselves as their own sheikh (teacher), has taken Shaytan as their sheikh."
Take this first step in your journey of knowledge - seek out a knowledgeable guide, and watch as the doors of understanding begin to open, insha'Allah.
May Allah guide us all to beneficial knowledge and grant us the wisdom to recognise our place in this journey of learning.
Ameen.
