The Impact of Knowledge and Faith on the Self
The levels of religion and faith serve as fundamental support for the human soul, while fields of knowledge across various disciplines shape human psychology, molding it into the Islamic identity that Allah Almighty intended. What are the significant influences of faith and knowledge on the self? These influences can be categorized into two main groups, under which the key factors can be further delineated:
Faith-Based Factors
It is essential for a Muslim to understand the profound impact of faith on personal development, enabling them to identify these effects in their behavior and emotions. The key effects can be summarized as follows:
- The influence of faith on tranquility of the heart and inner peace: Regardless of one’s status or achievements, no individual can deny that the motivations generated by faith inspire acts of righteousness, serving as a source of comfort and inner peace. Knowledge of Allah’s names and attributes deepens various forms of servitude within the heart. This realization instills certainty that leads to genuine happiness and tranquility, as one acknowledges Allah as the Creator, Provider, Sovereign, and Planner, who holds the keys to the heavens and the earth. This understanding alleviates worries and sorrows, reinforcing the belief that whatever befalls an individual is ultimately from Allah.
- The influence of faith on purification and spiritual cleansing: Faith in Allah represents one of the most powerful means of purifying the soul from the impurities of polytheism and its associations. Polytheism, being the antithesis of faith, wounds the heart and renders a person materialistic, blinding them to the realities of servitude. Faith cleanses the heart from all vices that lead to misery and distress. Consequently, nurturing a belief system dedicated solely to Allah elevates the self gradually, enabling one to develop a profound aversion to wrongdoing, both in hearing and in action. This transformation is attainable only through profound spiritual cleansing, whereby faith reaches its pinnacle in the heart.
- The influence of faith on psychological balance, particularly in times of adversity: Faith instills guidance towards goodness when calamity strikes. In the face of trials, individuals often act impulsively, lacking wisdom in their responses, which may lead to their own downfall. However, belief in Allah enables the faithful to confront hardships with acceptance and reassurance, refraining from complaint or resistance, thus attaining greater stature before Allah. As stated in the Quran: {No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves, but it is in a Book before We bring it into being; indeed, this for Allah is easy. And whoever believes in Allah – He will guide his heart. And Allah is Knowing of all things.}
Scientific Factors
- The impact of knowledge on self-discipline: Human intellect and sound nature can steer the soul towards paths of righteousness. When one’s primary concern is self-improvement, they will strive earnestly to rectify and discipline themselves by yielding to obedience. Indeed, when an individual utilizes beneficial knowledge toward the important task of self-discipline, they grasp the true essence and purpose of knowledge, empowering them to confront their inner struggles and ailments. As highlighted in the Quran: {And by the soul and He who proportioned it. And inspired it with regard to its wickedness and its righteousness. Successful is he who purifies it, and failed is he who instills it [with corruption].}
- The impact of knowledge on heart purity and spiritual cleansing: Since knowledge about the righteousness of the soul is among the most important and beneficial types of knowledge, one must nurture themselves by lifting them above anything that tarnishes or dishonors them. Consequently, it becomes essential to discern what nurtures the soul versus what corrupts it. Beneficial knowledge serves as a significant catalyst for the purification and elevation of one’s spiritual state. The purification of the self is perhaps the most profound gift that beneficial knowledge can bestow, as the soul is naturally inclined towards vice, with no means of liberation other than through beneficial knowledge. Thus, the struggle against one’s ego through knowledge becomes paramount, as the Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – stated: {The real hero is the one who overcomes his ego.}
In conclusion, there are many positive aspects that faith and knowledge foster within the model of human nature. The truly successful individual is one who diligently strives to cleanse their soul from impurities and seek paths toward certainty and behavioral equilibrium, achievable solely through the combination of knowledge and faith.