Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi: Lost knowledge cannot be replaced

Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi, the director of the Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute, referred the value of knowledge and its lofty position in the narrations of the Infallible Imams, saying that Imam Hasan al-Askari has narrated from Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq that the scholars are the hosts of the religion [of Islam] and a bulwark against attacks and distortions by its enemies.

His Eminence stated that Islam also emphasizes honesty and truth but also emphasized the necessity of the often misunderstood concept of taqiyyah (dissimulation) by saying: “Of course, telling the truth is forbidden in some cases, such as where the believer’s life is in danger and to save his life, he has no choice but to lie.”

The renowned scholar also described the necessity for seminarians to pay attention to gaining as well as teaching the knowledge which they have gained and stressed that that education and gaining knowledge is based on one’s intentions.

“Seminarians must also pay attention to the issue of religious propagation although they must recognize that during the school year, gaining knowledge [and attending their classes] is their first priority. This is because lost knowledge cannot be replaced,” he explained.

Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi spoke of the importance of being cautious when speaking and warned the believers by referring to a narration from Imam as-Sadiq by saying: “If someone’s speech leads someone toward guidance, anyone who hears his words and uses them, that speaker will be given great rewards until the Day of Judgement but if someone’s speech leads someone astray, even one person, every sin that person makes will be written on behalf of the speaker until the Day of Judgement.”

Referring to scholars who are attracted to the world and its temporary pleasures, Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi stated that narrations refer to such scholars as thieves and bandits. “God Almighty says that if one of His servants are goes near a scholar is attracted to the [charms of] this world and starts a [close] relationship with that scholar. He remains on the path of the love of God but the scholar is considered a thief which has prevented the servant of God from seeking the path of God.”

The revered source of emulation concluded by stating that the consequences of those who maintain a relationship with a scholar who has been attracted to the charms of this world is that the sweetness and pleasures of worship will be taken from him.