100 Principles for Purposeful Living

development, which sets in in man in the form of serious contemplation, and continues until the end of life. 15. Humility in Learning Abdullah ibn Masud, one of the companions of the Prophet of Islam, said, “When you do not know anything, say that God knows best.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 4822) This principle can be called “humility in learning”, which is essential for intellectual progress. There is a proverb in Arabic: (la adri nisf ul ilm), “I don’t know is half-knowledge.” To say, “I don't know” is not a simple matter. It is to be aware of your ignorance. In such a person a spirit of inquiry awakens which eventually leads him to knowledge. When a man does not know something, he must admit this fact. The confession of not knowing is also as important as knowing. Without this attitude, no man can progress intellectually. 16. Education and Training A companion of the Prophet of Islam said that even if a bird was seen flying in the air, the Prophet would remind us of a piece of knowledge. (Sahih ibn Hibban, Hadith No. 65) This tradition gives us an extended concept of education and training. This shows that the process of acquiring knowledge continues not only in the form of formal education but also outside of school premises. The fact is that there is some kind of knowledge hidden in every big and small event in the world of nature. If the teacher has an alert mind, he can make the world outside of the school a source of education and training for his students. In the same way, a leader can equip his