Slow but Sure | Ali Reza Panahian

Slow but Sure

Which is more important, knowledge or actions?

The problem with behavior is that we don’t quickly see its effect. But, its advantage is that it will definitely have an effect. The reason why actions may often be considered to be lower than knowledge is that it takes time for an action to show its effect. An exact example of this is exercising. A person who has just started exercising shouldn’t measure his muscles every day to see how many centimeters they have changed. He should start exercising for now.
If we had all valued action the way we should have, we would have come to this belief that in general, everything takes time. In general, everything in this world happens gradually. Don’t expect behavior to have an immediate effect.
It is in the traditions. Imam Sadiq (‘a) related from Imam Baqir (‘a) that he used to say, «إنّی اُحِبُّ أن أدُومَ عَلَى العَمَلِ إذا عَوَّدْتُهُ نَفسی» “I like to continue doing an action that I’m doing.”«و إن فاتَنی فی اللَّیل قَضَیتُهُ بِالنَّهارِ و إن فاتَنی بِالنَّهارِ قَضَیتُهُ بِاللَّیلِ» “If I was going to do something last night but didn’t, I’ll do it during the day (and conversely).”
People asked Ayatollah Bahjat, “What can we do to find continuity in praying the Midnight Prayer?” He replied, “Whenever you didn’t pray it one night, compensate for it the next day.”
The tradition continues, «و إنَّ أحَبَّ الأعمالِ إلَى اللّه ِ ما دِیمَ عَلَیها» “The most beloved deeds to God are the ones, which are done continuously.” The Imam then talks about if you want to do a deed. «فإذا عَوَّدتَ نَفسَکَ عَمَلاً فَدُم علیهِ سَنَةً» “If you want an action to become a habit, continue doing it for one year.”
Some say, “Don’t you want to talk about the value of knowledge at all? Knowledge is valuable too. You only talk about actions.” I answer, “Ok, I haven’t reduced the value of knowledge. But, it has less power in comparison to action. What can I do?!” You yourself know that the effect of science and knowledge is not certain. A person knows something, but he doesn’t do it. But, my dear ones, the effect of actions is certain. It takes time, but they are definitely effective. What is the value of knowledge? Knowledge is very valuable. Can anyone turn on a car without an ignition?! Yes?!
In fact, wisdom is not gained from a teacher. It must come from within a person. This amount of information that is given to people doesn’t help the advance of science. Knowledge is valuable, even in spiritual matters. Why? Because, when you don’t have a program, you should learn a program.
Someone says, “You say knowledge should serve action!” I say, “What can I do?! Should I put knowledge to serve just anyone? I must put it to serve action.” “What if knowledge doesn’t result in actions?” In that case, I have to talk about Hell! A tradition relates that God said, «إنّ أدنی ما أنَا صانِعٌ بِعَبدٍ غَیرِ عامِلٍ بِعِلمِهِ مِن سَبعینَ عُقوبَهةً باطِنِیَّهً أن اُخرِجَ مِن قَلبِهِ حَلاوَهَ ذِکری» “The least punishment from among 70 spiritual punishments that I give to a knowledgeable person who doesn’t do the actions, is that I take out the sweetness of remembering Me from his heart.” Knowledge without action destroys a person!
Don’t expect your behavior to have an immediate effect. An exact example of this is exercising. A person who has just started exercising shouldn’t measure his muscles every day to see how many centimeters they have changed. He should start exercising for now.

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