Ayatollah Nouri-Hamadani: Tarbiyyah takes precedence over pursuit of knowledge

Rasa - Ayatollah Nouri-Hamadani speaks to seminarians about the importance of "tarbiyyah," an Arabic word meaning "development of potential" or training.

News ID: 797

Date: 15 April 2014 - 20:17

Rasa News Agency reports - Ayatollah Hosein Nouri-Hamedani, speaking to a gathering of students from the Islamic seminary, emphasised the importance of tarbiyyah. His eminence stated: “Tarbiyyah means growth and development of potentials and turning them into actuality. It is from this viewpoint, that in Islamic teachings, tarbiyyah always takes precedence over teaching. The Quran states ‘and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom.'”

The highly respected scholar spoke about the negative results of pursuing knowledge without tarbiyyah. Narrating a tradition from Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A): “The Commander of the Faithful [Imam Ali] (A) stated that 'the mistake of a scholar is like the breaking of a ship, not only does it drown him but it would also drown all those that are on board.' Even if one percent of your numbers is not capable then just this small amount is enough to waste you.”

Highlighting the importance of pursuing knowledge with tarbiyyah within universities, Ayatollah Nouri-Hamedani concluded by impressing the importance of maintaining and making use of the new found relationship between Islamic seminaries and universities.

“Before the Islamic Revolution there was no relation between the Islamic seminary and the universities. However, due to the blessings of the Revolution, the basis for it were created. Therefore, we must make the most of this opportunity and make use of it correctly, he advised.

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