We will explain the
subcategories of the four main habits in this section. The characters which
spring up from the four main habits are so numerous that it is almost
impossible to tally them, let alone explain them. We will mention only some of
the well-known ones which are covered by Islamic scholars who are specialists
in the study of ethics.
Seven virtues spring up from
wisdom (hikmat).
1– The first is intellect. It is
a faculty, a habit (malaka). Through the help of this, one deduces unknown
things from the known ones. One can pool together the proofs and then reach a
conclusion about the researched topic. Developing this faculty requires
studying the subject which teaches how to arrive at a conclusion about unknown
facts by analogy from the known ones, in addition to an ability to solve
problems of mathematics and geometry.
Human beings possess varying degrees of
intelligence. The highest degree of intelligence is called genius. Intelligence
is measured by testing. One of the famous psychiatrists of the twentieth
century, American Terman [Terman was still alive in 1380 Hijrî, 1960 A.D. while
this book was being written] says that historically the measurement of
intelligence through tests
was
first performed by Ottoman Turks. Ottoman armies were moving through Europe,
conquering one country after another. They were at the doorsteps of Vienna.
They knew that if they conquered Vienna, it would be easy to conquer the rest
of Europe. The Ottomans were bringing Islamic civilization to Europe. Lights of
knowledge, learning, and ethics were illuminating the countries that had been
darkened by Christianity, and were spreading vitality, humanity, peace, and
happiness. For centuries, Europeans had been enslaved by dictators,
capitalists, and clergy and had become barbarians. With the introduction of
Islamic justice, knowledge, and ethics, Europeans were being liberated and
enjoying human rights. But, the dictators and especially the Christian clergy
were putting their last efforts against the Ottoman armies. One night, Great
Britain’s chancellor in Istanbul sent his historic letter to London. In his
letter he wrote: Eureka!...Eureka!..! I have discovered the reason for the
success of the Ottoman armies. I have found the way to stop the advancement of
their armies. He also wrote as follows:
“Ottomans in conquered lands, without regard
to nationality or religion, are testing the intelligence of the chosen children
and selecting those possessing high IQs and educating them at schools
[madrasas] in accordance with the Islamic ethics. They are further selecting
the brightest among the students of these schools [madrasas] and educating them
in the highest sciences and arts of their times at the “ANDARUN” college, which
is a special school at the residence of the sultan. Military leaders are all
graduates of this special school and all possess high intelligence. Those
bright and successful prime-ministers, Sokullus and Koprulus have been educated
in this manner. The only way to stop the advancement of the Ottoman armies and
to save Christianity is to undermine and degenerate the quality of education at
these special schools by working secretly behind the scenes.” After this letter
the British established a new Ministry of State for the Colonial Department.
The spies which were trained in this department and Christian missionaries and
freemasons concentrated their efforts to suborn some personnel by lies, deceit,
and promises of a prosperous life in the Ottoman State. They used their
influences on higher authorities so that these mercenaries be appointed to
effective and key administrative positions. Through these
wretched
puppets they tried to abolish and remove some of the most critical and
important courses like sciences, ethics and advanced religious knowledge in
these schools so that the graduates of these schools would lack the necessary
knowledge to manage government administration successfully. They accomplished
their purpose after the political reforms effected in 1839. As a result, the
Islamic state was destroyed and the lights of happiness and peace radiated by
Islam were extinguished.
2– Quick-wittedness
(sur’at-i-fehm, which is also called sur’at-i-intiqâl): Quickness in thinking and promptness in action in an emergency,
in response to a challenge in a conversation or debate. This faculty helps to
understand how to respond in the best and quickest manner whenever the
situation requires. When the person endowed with this faculty hears something,
he quickly grasps its opposite also. Intelligence is related to thinking and
scrutiny. It examines known matter minutely and derives some unknown results
from it. Quick wittedness refers to things other than thinking and scrutiny,
e.g., quickness of grasping relativity of things to the situation at hand.
3– Clariy of mind (safâ-adh-dhihn): Quick comprehension of desired results and obtaining them.
4– Ease of learning (suhûlat al-ta’allum): Determined concentration of thought despite distractions.
5– Observing limits (husn al-ta’aqqul): Staying within the bounds and limits while learning necessary
things; not overdoing things. The person gifted with this faculty will not
leave out necessary things, will not occupy himself with unnecessary things,
either, nor will he squander his time.
6– Retention (tahaffuz): Not forgetting things. The soul does not forget things it
comprehends and understands.
7– Recall (tadhakkur): Volitional ability to remember things stored in memory.