From Cradle to Grave

It is incumbent upon us to seek knowledge from cradle to grave. Unfortunately, many have heard this phrase ever so often that it becomes largely tautological, possibly verbose or worse lip service. The prevailing worldview presupposes acquiring knowledge as the necessary effort and passage towards success in education, career, and thus becoming a productive and respectable citizen of the nation. Being virtuous individuals in the sight of God, religion, and utmost concern about life after death is not of much importance, if any. Many do not quite understand what is truly meant by ‘knowledge’; how knowing happens, what are sources and classification of knowledge, as well as the degree of priorities towards knowing and knowledge. Also, many are largely confused with the true meaning and purpose of seeking knowledge. The first prophet, Adam pbuh, was deemed more honorable than Malaikat and Syaitan due to the gift of divine knowledge. The last prophet, Muhammad pbuh, received the first revelation to seek knowledge. Thus, how and where we seek knowledge that may eventually introduce to us hidayah, barakah, and karamah, in the different types and experiences of existences; how all these will eventually define and determine our dream and destiny.