The Importance of Education and Knowledge: Guidance from the Holy Quran and the Virtue of Thirukkural

بِسْمِ ٱللّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

🌟 Introduction: Education – The Light of Life

Education is not merely the process of gaining information — it is the light that dispels ignorance, builds moral strength, and paves the way for human progress. Both the Holy Quran and the Thirukkural uphold knowledge as the foundation for a righteous and successful life.

In a world where skill development defines progress, learning is no longer optional — it’s a divine responsibility. The Quran and Thirukkural together teach us that true education refines the intellect, purifies the soul, and empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.

This article explores how both scriptures — one divine and one universal — guide us in understanding the importance of education, early learning, and practical wisdom in daily life.

📖 The Divine Command: The Greatness of Knowledge in the Quran

🕋 2.1 'Iqra' (Read): The Knowledge Path Starting with Reading

The first command revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was not about prayer or charity — it was “Read!” (Iqra).

Qur’an (96:1–5)
اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ
“Read in the name of your Lord who created.”

This revelation marks the beginning of a spiritual revolution — one built on knowledge, reflection, and understanding. Islam elevates learning to an act of worship. Every Muslim, regardless of age or gender, is commanded to seek knowledge.

To read Quran consistently is to engage with divine wisdom that refines character and directs human purpose. Knowledge, in Islam, is not for pride — it is for service and enlightenment.

🌙 2.2 The Learned and the Ignorant are Not Equal

Qur’an (39:9)
“Say, are those who know equal to those who do not know?”

Knowledge distinguishes individuals, elevates societies, and earns divine honor. The Qur’an praises scholars and seekers of truth as those closest to Allah.

Qur’an (58:11)
“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees.”

In essence, learning is the ladder to both worldly achievement and eternal success.

📜 Thirukkural, The Universal Scripture: The Chapter on Education

🧠 3.1 Wealth of Wealth: Education Chapter – Porutpaal, Arasiyal

கல்வி குறள் பால்: பொருட்பால். குறள் இயல்: அரசியல். அதிகாரம்: கல்வி.
குறள் வரிசை: 391 – 400

Thiruvalluvar places education as the most powerful and eternal form of wealth.

குறள் 391:
"கற்க கசடறக் கற்பவை கற்றபின் நிற்க அதற்குத் தக."
“Learn thoroughly what should be learned and then act accordingly.”

Education, according to Thiruvalluvar, shapes intellect, speech, and conduct — making it the wealth that cannot be stolen or lost.

குறள் 393:
“அழுக்காற்றின்அல்லவை நீக்கி வழுக்காது நற்பண்பு சேர்த்தல் கல்வி.”
“Education refines one’s character and keeps one from evil.”

Reading Thirukkural regularly builds discipline, moral vision, and an appreciation for virtue — essential traits for students and leaders alike.

✨ 3.2 'Learn Flawlessly What Needs to Be Learned...' (Karka Kasadara)

The word “Karka Kasadara” — learn without impurity — is more than poetic. It’s practical wisdom: one must learn clearly, free of confusion or prejudice, and apply that learning in life.

Education isn’t complete without implementation. The Thirukkural emphasizes that the real test of knowledge is action. True learners not only acquire knowledge but transform it into moral and social contribution.

🎓 Dual Focus: Knowledge and Skill Development in Early Life

🌱 4.1 Why Start Learning Early?

Early education builds the foundation for lifelong success.
Just as the saying goes, “Learning in youth is like carving in stone.”

Qur’an (20:114)
“My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”

Both the Qur’an and the Thirukkural stress the importance of acquiring knowledge from an early age. Early learning molds moral values, strengthens intellect, and lays the groundwork for skill development.

Education without ethics creates arrogance; education with virtue creates greatness.

💼 4.2 Ways to Turn Knowledge into Wealth

Knowledge is a seed — when cultivated with action, it becomes wealth.

Use your education to create solutions that serve humanity.
Upgrade your skills continuously.
Learn from the Qur’an and Thirukkural how to balance intellect with humility.
Teach others — for the more knowledge is shared, the richer society becomes.

Qur’an (2:269)
“He grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been granted wisdom has certainly been given much good.”

💻 Accessing Knowledge in the Digital Age

🌐 5.1 Digital Tools for Spiritual Knowledge

Today, anyone can access divine wisdom instantly.
Through Qur’an Multilingual, you can read, understand, and reflect on the Qur’an in your native language — overcoming linguistic barriers that once limited understanding.

The download Qur’an feature ensures you can study even when offline — while traveling, studying, or during quiet reflection.
It’s a bridge between timeless scripture and the modern learner.

💻 5.2 Easy Access: Quran Application & Desktop

To make continuous learning effortless, use digital platforms like:

📱 Qur’an Application (Mobile) – for daily verse reflections and study reminders.
💻 Qur’an Desktop Version – for deeper, focused study sessions with translation comparisons.

Access them easily:

Android: Google Play Store
iOS/macOS: App Store
Desktop: GitHub Releases

Even without an audio feature, the app’s clarity, simplicity, and multilingual accessibility make it ideal for modern learners across the world.

🌺 Conclusion: The Call for a Life Guided by Knowledge

Education is the soul of a civilization — it defines its values, progress, and purpose. Both the Holy Quran and the Thirukkural declare that true learning refines the mind and elevates the soul.

Knowledge brings dignity. Skill brings strength. Together, they create a life of meaning and service.

Qur’an (58:11)
“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.”

🌟 Final Call to Action

Are you ready to start your pursuit of knowledge?
Begin today — read Quran Multilingual for divine inspiration, and read Thirukkural for moral direction.

📘 Download Qur’an Multilingual now:

Let your learning be pure like ‘Karka Kasadara’ — flawless, practical, and lifelong.