An authoritative Tradition states: “As for him who is one of
the learned: [Ulamá, from the Arabic alima, to know, may be translated learned
men, scientists, religious authorities] he must guard himself, defend his
faith, oppose his passions and obey the commandments of his Lord. It is then
the duty of the people to pattern themselves after him.” Since these
illustrious and holy words embody all the conditions of learning, a brief
commentary on their meaning is appropriate. Whoever is lacking in these divine
qualifications and does not demonstrate these inescapable requirements in his
own life, should not be referred to as learned and is not worthy to serve as a
model for the believers.
The first of these requirements is to guard one’s own self.
It is obvious that this does not refer to protecting oneself from calamities
and material tests, for the Prophets and saints were,
each and every one, subjected to the bitterest afflictions that the world has
to offer, and were targets for all the cruelties and aggressions of mankind.
They sacrificed their lives for the welfare of the people, and with all their hearts
they hastened to the place of their martyrdom; and with their inward and
outward perfections they arrayed humanity in new garments of excellent
qualities, both acquired and inborn. The primary meaning of this guarding of
oneself is to acquire the attributes of spiritual and material perfection. (‘Abdu’l-Baha,
‘The Secret of Divine Civilization’)
