Why Imam Al-Ghazali Says Knowledge Is More Important Than Worship Without Knowledge
Knowledge and worship are inseparable in the life of a Muslim. In Minhajul Abidin, Imam Al-Ghazali compares knowledge to the trunk of a tree and worship to its fruit. A believer needs both for life to have value and for worship to accord with Islamic law.
The book explains the importance of knowledge, which it considers nobler than worship undertaken without it. Knowledge is like the tree’s trunk, while worship is its fruit.
Knowledge is more valuable than worship without knowledge. However, alongside learning and acquiring knowledge, a believer must also worship. Knowledge has no meaning if it is not followed by the practice of worship.
Knowledge is like the trunk of a tree, while worship is like its fruit. A tree without fruit is of no benefit. The tree itself has its own nobility, because it is the source of the fruit, but we benefit from it by enjoying that fruit. A believer must therefore have both knowledge and worship.
Imam Hasan al-Basri once said: “Seek knowledge without neglecting worship, and worship obediently without forgetting to seek knowledge.”
It is clear, then, that a believer must have knowledge and be diligent in worship. Knowledge takes precedence because it is the source of actions and provides guidance to those who worship.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Knowledge is the leader of deeds, and deeds are its followers.”
There are two reasons why knowledge should come before worship. First, it enables worship to be performed correctly. A worshipper must have sufficient knowledge of the Being they are obliged to worship before worshipping Him.
What would happen if someone worshipped a being whose name and attributes they did not know—what is obligatory for Him, what is impossible for Him, and what His attributes are? This is important to understand, since a person might otherwise believe something inappropriate about Him. If that happens, their worship would be in vain.
A worshipper must know the commands and prohibitions established by Islamic law. God’s commands must be obeyed, and His prohibitions must be avoided completely. Without knowing them, how can someone worship properly and correctly?
It is therefore obligatory to know about acts of worship prescribed by Islamic law, including purification, prayer, fasting and zakat, among others.
The second reason knowledge should take precedence is that beneficial knowledge gives rise to a feeling of awe and reverence for Allah, the Exalted.
Allah, Glorified and Exalted, says:
“Among people, animals that move and livestock are likewise of various colours. Only those of His servants who have knowledge truly stand in awe of Allah. Allah is Almighty, All-Forgiving.” (Surah Fatir, verse 28)
Surah Fatir, verse 28, explains that those who do not truly know Allah will not hold Him in reverence or awe. Through knowledge, a believer comes to know and recognise Him, exalt Him and revere Him. With God’s guidance, knowledge leads to complete obedience and prevents all wrongdoing.
A believer should therefore seek knowledge, and may Allah, the Exalted, guide them. Seek knowledge before other matters occupy you. Allah grants His servants guidance, generosity and mercy.