Sin Blocks Knowledge and Sustenance

Knowledge is not merely information stored in the mind, according to this Islamic teaching. It is a light that God places in a believer’s heart, and sin can extinguish that light.

The article cites Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya’s work Ad-Da’ wa ad-Dawa and recounts an exchange between Imam Malik and Imam al-Shafi‘i. After hearing al-Shafi‘i recite something that impressed him, Imam Malik praised his intelligence, understanding and ability to learn quickly. He then told him, “I see that God has placed a light in your heart. Do not extinguish that light with the darkness of sin.”

Al-Shafi‘i is said to have replied that he had complained to Waki about poor memorization. Waki advised him to abandon sin, saying, “Know that knowledge is a gift, and God’s gift is not given to one who commits sin.”

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I see that God has placed a light in your heart. Do not extinguish that light with the darkness of sin.

The teaching also links piety with provision and blessing. It says that a person does not receive sustenance because of sins committed, while abandoning piety brings poverty and hardship. Those who fear God find ease in their affairs, whereas those who lack piety face difficulty.

The article ends by describing the puzzlement of a believer who sees the doors of goodness and benefit closing without recognizing where the problem began.

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Know that knowledge is a gift, and God’s gift is not given to one who commits sin.