The pursuit of knowledge is not merely an intellectual exercise in Islam; it is a sacred duty and an act of worship. The very first word revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was “Iqra” — meaning “Read”. This divine command established learning as the foundation of faith, a call that resonates through every generation. The Quran elevates the status of those who seek knowledge. Allah says, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (39:9). This rhetorical question leaves no doubt about the value of knowledge in the eyes of the Creator. It is not a privilege for the few; it is an obligation for every Muslim, regardless of age, gender, or social status. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) declared, “Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim.” Teaching is equally revered. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” This beautiful tradition places educators in the highest rank, for they are not merely transmitting information but shaping souls and building civilisations. A teacher is a torchbearer of divine guidance, continuing the mission of the prophets (Peace Be Upon Them). In a world drowning in information but starved of wisdom, the Islamic emphasis on learning with purpose becomes ever more urgent. Knowledge without ethics is dangerous, and ethics without knowledge is hollow. The Prophet’s (Peace Be Upon Him) prayer, “O Allah, grant me beneficial knowledge,” reminds us that true learning must lead to action and bring us closer to our Creator. Parents, teachers, and communities bear a collective responsibility. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you is responsible for his flock.” This includes nurturing the intellect and character of the young. A society that neglects learning starves its soul and abandons its future. The act of seeking knowledge is a path to paradise. As the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said, “Whoever follows a path to seek knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to paradise.” May we embrace this noble calling and strive to be both earnest students and compassionate teachers.
Jammu and Kashmir's economic future will not be built by any single actor. Not by the government alone, not by industry alone, and certainly not by academia working in isolation. The region's...
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