Unmodern Aspects of Islam (39): Knowledge without Action

 

Did you know the world produces more university graduates today than at any point in history—yet injustice, corruption, and moral decay keep rising? We celebrate diplomas, but often forget the purpose of knowledge itself.

In Islam, knowledge is not an ornament to display—it is a responsibility to live by. 

The Qur’an warns of those who “say what they do not do”.

"Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do." (Quran 61:3). 

Knowledge without action is like a tree without fruit: impressive from afar, but empty when you approach it.

The Prophet ﷺ taught that the best among us are those whose deeds match their words, whose learning transforms into worship, honesty, service, and humility. Real ‘ilm is not measured by certificates, but by how it shapes character and benefits others.

So ask yourself: is what I know changing how I pray, how I treat people, how I spend my time? Because on the Day of Judgment, it’s not our diplomas that will testify for us—but our deeds.

In a modern world, the Sunnah is our way back to what truly matters.