Title: The Ink of the Scholar... Question: Consider the following quote from the Koran: "The ink of the scholar is more important than the blood of a martyr" How is this passage consistent with Islam, past and present? How is it inconsistent with Islam? If you could give me some insight as to what you think it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Answer: The first thing that needs to be clarified is that the quoted saying is not in the Qur'an. It is generally held to be a saying ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh). As far as the implication of the saying is concerned, it signifies the importance of the work of sincere, devoted and true scholars of Islam. The work of an effective scholar is not only a defense of the Islamic ideology (as is the efforts of a person who lays down his life in defending Islam or Muslims), but may also result in convincing others of the truthfulness of the Islamic faith. Thus, the results of a true scholar may be much more far reaching than a person who gives his life fighting for the cause of Islam. The Prophet (pbuh) seems to have made this comparison in the quoted saying, provided it is correctly ascribed to him. 13 th December 1999