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AlGhazalisIhya-Book_of_knowledge, page : 31
illegally, or looked at a woman whom he could not legally marry. In such a case,
he should be warned. On the other hand, whatever does not resemble these
things and is, therefore, not confusing but to which one may be exposed through
contact – such as food and drink – instruction concerning it is obligatory. Hence if
an individual happens to be in a town where it is customary to drink wine and eat
pork, it is imperative that he be instructed of their prohibition and warned against
using them. Moreover, of all things in which instruction is obligatory, acquiring a
knowledge of them is also obligatory.
In respect of belief and actions of the heart, knowledge of them is obligatory
according to the state of the mind. Accordingly, if one should feel any passing
thought (khatir) as to the meaning of the two phrases of the testimony of faith
mean, it would be obligatory to acquire the knowledge of whatever would remove
that doubt. If, on the other hand, there was no such passing thought but the
person died before he/she believed that the word of Allah – the Koran – is
eternal, visible and not a substratum for originated properties, as well as other
often repeated articles of faith, he/she would have died a professing Muslim.
he should be warned. On the other hand, whatever does not resemble these
things and is, therefore, not confusing but to which one may be exposed through
contact – such as food and drink – instruction concerning it is obligatory. Hence if
an individual happens to be in a town where it is customary to drink wine and eat
pork, it is imperative that he be instructed of their prohibition and warned against
using them. Moreover, of all things in which instruction is obligatory, acquiring a
knowledge of them is also obligatory.
In respect of belief and actions of the heart, knowledge of them is obligatory
according to the state of the mind. Accordingly, if one should feel any passing
thought (khatir) as to the meaning of the two phrases of the testimony of faith
mean, it would be obligatory to acquire the knowledge of whatever would remove
that doubt. If, on the other hand, there was no such passing thought but the
person died before he/she believed that the word of Allah – the Koran – is
eternal, visible and not a substratum for originated properties, as well as other
often repeated articles of faith, he/she would have died a professing Muslim.