The other source of knowledge is
that which is perfect in the highest degree and makes a man realize the certainty of the
existence of God. This consists of the adversities and hardships which the prophets and
the righteous are made to suffer at the hands of their enemies or by a heavenly decree.
Sufferings make a man realize the full force of the legal injunctions which are thus
illustrated in his practical life. Religious dogmas are mere theories and their perfection
can be tested only through practice. A person who undergoes sufferings has an occasion to
apply the treasure of knowledge accumulated in his heart to the actual circumstances of
life, and by their right application he becomes, as it were, a perfect embodiment of
Divine guidance.The moral qualities, of whose knowledge the brain and the heart
are the sole repositories at first, are displayed through actual practice in all the
external and internal faculties; and forgiveness, revenge, patience, mercy, etc., are not
mere names to such a person, but become realities which he has felt and seen, which thus
make an impression upon his external and internal nature. On this point, the Supreme Being
says:
"And We shall certainly try you with something of fear and hunger and loss of
property and lives and fruits. And give good news to the patient, who, when a misfortune
befalls them say 'Surely we are Allah's, and to Him we shall return.' Those are they on
whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord; and those are the followers of the right
course" - 2: 155-157.
Here we are told that there is no great excellence in mere knowledge which is treasured
in the heart or brain, but that the knowledge to be valued is that which, on account of
its application to the practical course of life, gives a coloring to a man's life. To
improve and strengthen one's knowledge, the best means is its application in practice so
that its impression is left not only upon the mind but upon every faculty and limb. In
fact, every sort of knowledge, however low its comparative value, is defective so long as
it is untested by practice. It is to this that the Lord calls our attention in the above
verses. We are told that our morals are not finally developed unless they are proved by
sufferings and trials which stand to them in the relation of practice to knowledge:
"You will certainly be tried in your property and your persons. And you will
certainly hear fron those who have been given the Book before you and from the idolaters
much abuse. And if you are patient and keep your duty, surely this is an affair of great
resolution" 3 : 185.
These verses show conclusively that knowledge is not perfect and fruitful without
practical application. Knowledge which is at its best in practice is a source of
blessings, but that which never passes into the domain of the practical has no value.