Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S.) on Knowledge

"The learned man understands the ignorant for he was once ignorant for he was once ignorant himself."

"There is no knowledge and science like pondering and thought; and there is no prosperity and advancement like knowledge and science."

"To whatever extent a person's knowledge increases, his attention will be turned more towards his soul."

"If matters get mixed up then scrutinize the cause and you will know what the effects will be."

"If you understand Allah's Majesty, then you will not attach any importance to the creatures."

"One who imagines himself to be all-knowing will surely suffer on account of his ignorance."

"Associating with the wise and the knowledgeable people adds to the prestige of a person."

"Understanding the knowledge and wisdom of the Qur'an is by far, higher than memorizing."

"There are three signs of a knowledgeable person: knowledge, forbearance and silence."

"The most complete gift of God is a life based on knowledge."

"An alert and learned man will take advice from any event."

"The innumerable fools have made the learned very scarce."

"To teach is to learn."

"Knowledge gives life to the soul."

"To respect the learned is to respect God."

"Humility is the product of knowledge."

"Practice makes knowledge perfect."

"Knowledge creates fear of God."

"Submission to Allah's Will is the best companion; wisdom is the noblest heritage; theoretical and practical knowledge are the best signs of distinction; deep thinking will present the clearest picture of every problem."

"Allah, the Exalted, gave the angels intellect without desires, He gave the animals desires without intellect, and He gave both to the sons of Adam. So a man whose intellect prevails over his desires is better than the angels, whilst a man whose desire prevails over his intellect is worse than the animals."

"Whenever a tradition of the Holy Prophet is related to you, scrutinize it, do not be satisfied with mere verbatim repetition of the same because there are many people who repeat the words containing knowledge but only few ponder over them and try to fully grasp the meaning they convey."

"When a dead person is placed in his grave, four kinds of fire will cover him, but then the prayer will come and put one of them out, and the fast will come and put another one of them out, and then charity will come and put another one out, and knowledge will come and put the forth one out, and it will say : ' If I had come sooner, I would a have put all of them out, and given you delight for I am with you now, and you'll not see anything else distressing."

"Do not share the knowledge with which you have been blessed with everyone in general, as you do with some people in particular; and know that there are some men in whom Allah, may He he glorified, has placed hidden secrets, which they are forbidden to reveal. Remember the reply of the righteous slave to Moses when he said to him: 'May I follow you so that you can teach me what you know about what is right?' He replied: 'Surely you will not be able to be patient with me. How can you be patient about something which you do not understand?'."