The Types of Knowledge

Every seeker of knowledge should try to acquire learning that is of perpetual and eternal value. His knowledge should be to please his Lord, Allah. One should remember that every type of knowledge does not have the approval of the Creator. If a person seeks knowledge about astrology or sorcery, he will definitely invite the wrath of Allah. Such persons will be judged as those who have strayed from the right path.
The Prophet of Islam (S) has said, There are only three types of knowledge: Learning the apparent meanings of the Holy Qur’an.
Learning about the mandatory practices that Allah, in His Justice, has prescribed for the humankind.
(1) The orders of the Sunna, the Holy Prophet (S)’s Religious Rites Ordained by him.
All else is futile.

The Symbols of a Scholar
Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (as) says that Luqman (as) said to his son that there are three symbols by which a scholar is identified: The first symbol is that a scholar has knowledge of Allah, the Almighty.
The second symbol is that his actions are commensurate with what Allah expects of him.
The third symbol is that he is totally aware of the actions that are against the wish of Allah and abstains from them.
One person came to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (as) and said, “O Imam (as)! My son wishes to know from you about matters Halal (lawful) and Haram (prohibited). He will not pose to you any questions that are not beneficial to him.” The Imam (as) said, “Do any people ask anything that is better than the information about Halal and Haram?”
The most beneficial is the knowledge that has the approval of Allah and the Deliverance of the person will depend on putting it into practice. That type of knowledge reaches us through the medium of the Qur’an, the Hadith and the Immaculate Imams of the Prophet (S)’s Family. It is also essential to acquire knowledge that will give us the understanding of the Qur’an, Hadith and the Traditions of the Prophet (S) and His Holy Family.
Therefore it is essential to strive to acquire only this knowledge, as a religious and moral duty. This will be a vehicle for Deliverance in the Hereafter.
Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (as)said that Luqman (as) told to his son that there are three characteristics of a scholar, by which he is recognized: The scholar has an understanding of Allah, the Creator.
The scholar knows about the things that have the Pleasure of Allah.
The scholar is also aware of what displeases Allah.
The Imam (as) also said that the types of learning that are of benefit are: Understanding Allah.
Understanding Allah’s Bounties.
Understanding the need to abide by Allah’s Wish.
Understanding the taboo things, the things that create a schism between the man and his Faith.