What is Ilm Naafi' (Beneficial Knowledge)?

Answer

Ilm-e-Naafi' (Beneficial Knowledge) is Knowledge which induces in a person the fikr (concern) for the Hereafter. It impels a person to implement the Shariah in practical life and to make the world subservient to the Deen. It creates life in Beliefs. It induces in man the perpetual fear and concern for Maut, the Qabr and Qiyaamah.

Ilm-e-Naafi' is in reality the Noor of the textual knowledge of the Deen. It is the Knowledge which expands the breast of the Mu'min with the anwaar of Nubuwwat, and it transforms the spiritual heart (Qalb) into a receptacle for the anwaar which perpetually cascade from the Arsh of Allah Ta'ala, descending to earth searching for abodes in which to settle. And, the abodes for these celestial anwaar are the purified hearts of the Mu'mineen adorned with the blossoms of Ilm-e-Naafi'.

Ilm-e-Naafi' as defined by Imaam Waki (rahmatullah alayh), the Ustaadh of Imaam Shaafi' (rahmatullah alayh), is "A Noor in the Qalb of the Mu'min, and this Noor is not given to a sinner."

If the knowledge does not produce these results in a man, then such knowledge will be a calamity for him in the Aakhirah. Regarding Ilm-e-Naafi', the Qur'aan Majeed states: "Verily, of the servants of Allah, only the Ulama fear Him."

From this it should be understood that if knowledge does not embed fear of Allah in the heart, it will be a calamity. And, there is no need to wait for Qiyaamah to see the consequences of destructive 'knowledge'. The thorns of knowledge which is a Wabaal (Calamity) are the droves of ulama-e-soo' which pollute the earth in this era.