Sources of Knowledge

1 Senses

For example life is a reality and life cannot be perceived through our sense. We
can observe the things which prove the existence of life but a life of other one
cannot be felt directly.

It is a fact that despite all the functions these senses are limited. We can only
perceive those things which are present and can be felt, but everything which is
present cannot be felt.

Senses make us to feel the material bodies and their characteristics but they does
not help us solve the very basic problems of life and metaphysical objects e.g.
life is a thing whose start or end is out of our sight and hearing.

Senses mean five forces which are called vision, smell, taste, touch and hear.

These senses are a definite source of knowledge whatever is the type of knowledge
in the world there is only one basis that is sense.

2 Wisdom

But human beings were tried for their best to find out answers these questions. Any
such attempt is called philosophy. Philosophy whether it is against religion or in
favour of religion has ways been common in reference to its basis and reality.

But wisdom cannot present answers to the basic questions of life. The reason is
that alone wisdom is not enough to acquire knowledge. Wisdom has to make other
smaller things share with it in search of knowledge.

Sequence and relation present in knowledge is due to wisdom.

Wisdom again depends on knowledge acquired through senses which are faulty in
nature.

Wisdom distinguishes between human being and animal.

3 Intuition

A man can have some hidden powers through which man can get information which are
otherwise impossible to attain through senses. But these powers are uncommon and
are limited.

Believers in intuition think that sensitive observation and rationale are harmful
for existence of intuition. They consider purification of mind is necessary to find
truth and, moreover, purification of mind is forsaking the world, self-abnegation,
meditation.

In fact the wisdom and spiritual powers are not beyond human senses and external
effect. Man’s surrounding, ideologies and edicts which are considered truth in his
society also affect man’s observations.

Intuition or Ishraq means a kind of supposition based on truth which gives the
knowledge of the worlds which are generally beyond common perception without the
help of sense and wisdom.

The mystics tell that a new world is revealed. But these new faces and new colour
do not solve the intricate problems of life nor God’s characteristics became open,
nor is the relation between man and universe explained.

This fact can be proved that mystics of different methodology and religions draw a
picture which is different from each other in their design. So, if senses are
unmistaken and absolute, this row would not have take place.

4 Revelation (Wahi)

(a) The knowledge which is obtained through revelation is about the things which
are usually beyond human perception.

(b) Revelation is different from other sources of knowledge. It is not based on

some rationale or sensitivity. It is the information which is revealed to a Prophet
from the Master of this universe.

(c) Revelation is never meaningless and unsocial like mysticism but it is for the
guidance and reformation. So it becomes a source of practical life system.

All other people get this knowledge via narration. So, there are three certain
characteristics of prophetic knowledge which are under:–

Revelation is that kind of knowledge which God gives only to His pious and esteemed
chosen people (prophets) for the sake of mankind welfare and guidance.

The Master of this universe knows solution of all the problems of this universe and
the man living in it. To run this universe and the man in it, God sent laws and
regulations through His messengers (prophets).

There is a certain group which claims to have answered the basic questions of life.
This group is called Prophets, and they have only one source of their knowledge
that is Wahi (revelation).

When God created human beings, He made it clear to them that His guidance would be
transmitted to them on earth.