Kashf al-Maḥjūb (Persian Critical Edition)

...all of them were advocates for the seeking of knowledge for the disciples and urged them toward perseverance, and they were never followers of play and folly, nor did they traverse the path of the absurd. This is after many of the Masters of gnosis and their scholars have composed books on these meanings, and with subtle expressions have shown proofs from Lordly inspirations. And with God is help and success, and God is sufficient for us, and what an excellent Companion.

Chapter: The Proof of Knowledge

God the Almighty says in the description of the scholars: "Only those among His servants who have knowledge fear God" Quran 35:25. And the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said: "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." He also said: "Seek knowledge, even if it be in China." Know that knowledge is vast, while life is short, and learning all sciences is not an obligation upon people, such as the science of astronomy, medicine, mathematics, and wondrous arts, and what resembles these. Aside from these sciences, each is only to the extent that it relates to the Sharia: astronomy for the recognition of times in the night; medicine for the protection of health; mathematics for the laws of inheritance and the duration of menstruation; and what resembles these. Thus, the obligations of knowledge are only as much as is required to make one's practice correct. God, the Mighty and Majestic, censured those who learn sciences without benefit, according to His saying: "And they learn what harms them and does not benefit them" Quran 2:96. And the Messenger—peace and blessings be upon him—sought protection and said: "I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit." Know, therefore, that from little knowledge, much practice can be obtained. It is necessary for knowledge to be accompanied by action, as he—peace be upon him—said: "The worshipper without jurisprudence fiqh understanding of religious law is like the donkey at the mill." He likened the worshipper without jurisprudence to the mill-donkey that, however much it turns, remains on the track...