Sacred Knowledge is like food...

We love to compare food with Sacred Knowledge and see how we can understand the intake of Sacred Knowledge better:

Food has to be taken in the right proportions from the hands of the right people (cooks).
Sacred Knowledge has to be taken in the right proportions from the hands of the right people (scholars).

Overeating of food can harm one if one does not have the capacity at the time one eats it.
Over-intake of Sacred Knowledge can harm one if one does not have the capacity at the time one learns it.

The best food is the healthy food which your body can use in the most useful way.
The most suitable Sacred Knowledge is that which you can use in the most useful way (i..e. apply it).

Different methods of cooking foods may have the same base ingredients but the skill of the teacher is in combining these sources in a way that it becomes easy to eat.
Different methods of teaching Islamic Sciences may have the same base sources but the skill of the teacher is in combining these sources in a way that it becomes easy to learn.


If you were eating food, you need to know what you are eating to know the the real blessing it is.
If you were learning Sacred Knowledge, you need to know (the value of) what you are learning to know the the real blessing it is.

There is a right time for everything. Desert always comes after the main dish.
There is a right time for everything. Complicated sciences are learnt after one's foundations


Best food is that which you can actually digest not one that you just stare at.
Best Sacred Knowledge is that which you can apply not one that you just "awe" at.

Food needs enzymes.
Sacred Knowledge needs Scholars.

Some food can harm you if you don't eat it properly
Some Sacred Knowledge can harm you if you don't learn it properly.

Parents worry about your food.
Teachers ( your spiritual parents) worry about your Sacred Knowledge.

Put your money where your mouth is. You have to make spend to get good food.
Put your heart where your akhira is. You have to expend yourself to learn Sacred Knowledge.

You have too love and revere the cooks who cook for you.
You have to love and revere the teachers who teach you.

Be thankful to Allah for access to food. There are many who don't have it.
Be thankful to Allah for access to Sacred Knowledge. There are many who don't have it.

Actions are by their intentions. Intend highly when you eat ( i.e. for the sake of Allah).
Actions are by their intentions. Intend highly when you learn (i.e. for the sake of Allah).

(Roti)