Title: The Importance of Acquiring Knowledge Question: Is it important for a human being to get maximum knowledge of Islam or is it more important to follow and practice what ever he knows because I have seen people who know a lot about Islam but there is no practical implementation of that in there life because I asked a maulvi [1] sometime ago he said you would not be questioned in the hereafter about your knowledge but about your deeds "the practical demonstration". Please write in detail about this. Thanks Anonymous Pakistan Answer: The question regarding the relative importance of knowledge and deeds is a completely misplaced one. This question actually assumes the independence of knowledge and deeds, whereas actually, correctness of deeds is completely dependent upon the knowledge as to what correct deeds are. It is obvious that if one does not have sufficient knowledge about the message of the Qur'an, for instance, then there is hardly a chance of one's performing deeds that are in coherence with the teachings of the Qur'an. Therefore, knowledge must precede performing deeds. However, if knowledge does not prompt a person to perform correct deeds then this knowledge is like a tree that produces neither fruit nor shadow. As I see it, both knowledge and deeds are of utmost importance. The only difference, however, is that knowledge must precede actions. Actions that are not based on knowledge may ultimately prove to be harmful rather than beneficial; while knowledge that does not produce actions is completely useless. Keeping the foregoing explanation in perspective, my answer to your question is in the affirmative: Yes, every person must try to get the maximum level of knowledge about his religion that his particular circumstances, abilities and opportunities permit. Subsequently, his actions should be based on this Knowledge. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad April 15, 2003 [1] i.e. a cleric.