The Double Dummy
Abu Talib al-Makki* writes, Sahl, may Allah the Almighty have mercy on him, used to say:
“ما عُصى الله تعالى بمعصية أعظم من الجهل.”
“There is no greater disobedience to Allah Almighty than ignorance.”
It was said: “O Aba Muhammad, do you know of anything more severe than ignorance?” He said: “Yes.” It was asked: “What is it?” He said: “Ignorance of one’s ignorance.”
This means to be ignorant and not know that one is ignorant, or to consider oneself knowledgeable out of ignorance, thus remaining silent about one’s ignorance and being content with it, hence not learning. This leads to the loss of the most fundamental duty, which is the pursuit of knowledge. Perhaps one might issue religious verdicts out of ignorance, or speak about doubts thinking it to be knowledge; this is greater sin than his silence.”
*Abu Talib al-Makki, a distinguished Islamic scholar of the 10th century, played a pivotal role in elucidating the concept of Ihsan, or excellence in worship and moral integrity, within Islam. Born in 931 and departing this world in 996, his era was marked by the Islamic golden age, a time of profound intellectual and spiritual exploration.
His masterwork, “Qut al-Qulub” (The Nourishment of Hearts), is a seminal text dedicated to the principles of Ihsan. It delves into the purification of the heart, the significance of intention in one’s actions, and the pursuit of a state where one worships Allah with both outward obedience and inner sincerity, as if seeing Him. Through his writings, al-Makki emphasizes that achieving Ihsan means reaching the highest standard of worship and conduct, as defined by the Prophet Muhammad: to worship Allah as if you see Him, for if you do not see Him, He sees you.
Al-Makki’s work is not just an academic or theological treatise but a practical guide for Muslims seeking to embody the highest virtues of their faith in every aspect of life. He stresses the importance of a conscious, deliberate effort to cultivate an intimate, sincere relationship with Allah, guided by a constant awareness of His presence.
The impact of Abu Talib al-Makki’s teachings on Ihsan has resonated through centuries, influencing not only his contemporaries but also shaping the thoughts of subsequent generations, including renowned scholars like Al-Ghazali. Through “Qut al-Qulub” and his broader oeuvre, al-Makki has contributed enduringly to the Islamic tradition, offering insights and guidance on the path to achieving spiritual excellence and closeness to Allah.
*Sahl ibn Abdullah al-Tustari, often simply referred to as Sahl al-Tustari, was a prominent early Islamic scholar and ihsan scholar from the 9th century. Born in 818 in Tustar, a city in Persia (modern-day Iran), and passing away in 896, al-Tustari is known for his contributions to the development of ihsanic thought, especially in the areas of Quranic exegesis, tazkiyya, and the inner dimensions of Islamic practice.