The Merit of the Science of the Ancients, by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

Science in Islam is of undeniable importance and has many merits. Not all science is created equal. True knowledge is profitable science, that which goes hand in hand with its interest. This science is advocated by the Ancients and is praised by Allah in the Koran. This science is the knowledge of God and His injunctions. Profitable knowledge is the path that leads to humility of hearts, to the fear of God and to the wisdom of minds. It is good to undertake the study of science, but satisfying one's scientific curiosity should not come at the expense of one's own faith.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalî celebrates all the merit due to the Ancients. He bases himself on the divine and prophetic word to erect profitable science as a bulwark against error: "We seek protection from Allah against a science that is not profitable, against a heart that is not humble, against a soul insatiable, and against an invocation that is not answered! »