One Hundred And Fifty Lessons For Life
Lesson one: Thinking, reflection, meditation
Imam Ali (a.s) said:
"أَلا لا خَيْرَ فى عِلم لَيْسَ فيهِ تَفَهُّمٌ، ألا لا خَيْرَ فى قرائة لَيْسَ فيها تَدَبُّرٌ، ألا لاَ خَيْرَ فى عِبادَة لَيْسَ فيها تَفَكُّرٌ"
Translation
Be aware! Knowledge without thinking has no profit![^1]
Be aware! Recitation of the Qur’an without reflection is of little use!
Be aware! Worship lacking reflection has no effect!
Brief Description
Filling the brain with scientific formulas, logical rules and philosophical principles and other knowledge has little effect if it is not based on proper reflection, a clear world-view and familiarity with fundamentals of man’s life.
Reciting holy verses of the Holy Qur’an has little effect when it is not accompanied by reflection and thinking about them. Similarly, other forms of worship devoid of the light of thinking and wisdom are like a spiritless body and unable to impart their high educational value.
[^1]: Al-Kafi, Volume One, Page 36 and Tuhaful Uqul, Maani Al-Akhbar, page 226; Bihar Al-Anwar Volume 2, page 48-49, Aalamu Addeen, page 100, Mishkat Al-Anwar 137-138, Muniat Almureed 162.