My recent reads…

Another tale from Imam al-Ghazali where he divides knowledge into three types:

This already reframes learning. As a man who now chases learning in different forms, this has given me a whole different insight into what we actually choose to learn and how it should be used.

Knowledge isn’t automatically virtuous.
Its value depends on:

That’s powerful in an age obsessed with consuming more. That’s why I now scroll to be a researcher instead of a consumer. I know there’s always something I can apply my existing knowledge and insight to.

Let me break it down so you don’t have to.

Examples:

If knowledge corrupts belief, harms others, or distorts reliance on Allah, it’s destructive, even if it appears sophisticated.

It’s something that I’ve discussed before but this isn’t just about ancient practices.

It’s about:

Not everything that expands your mind strengthens your soul. I’ve seen people with the highest of intellect use their knowledge for underlying intentions.

In my journey, I’ve learned to filter inputs, whether in fitness, content, or language learning. Same principle when seeking Islamic knowledge where it takes a level of understanding to identify what learning is beneficial for my development.

But Ghazali adds something crucial:

It requires:

Sacred knowledge shouldn’t be just something you acquire to look smart, it needs to be a means of making transformations through appropriate usage.

This is where I differentiate why I’m reading this book. I’m not reading Ihya to “collect Islamic quotes” or flex my learning.

I’m trying to:

Fitness builds discipline.
Work builds structure.
Languages expand communication.

But the biggest key to it all is knowing that Allah anchors all of it. My success and growth in all these areas comes from being aware that only Allah is control of everything.

My success, my development and how I use my learning to showcase to others that balancing all of these is achievable.

This is subtle and powerful.

Some knowledge is good, until it becomes:

This is especially relevant today.

Endless podcasts.
Courses.
Books.
Threads.

Learning becomes a performance to showcase for others when it provides no benefit in your own journey. I learned this the hard way when I saw others advocate a lifestyle they didn’t live.

As someone multi-passionate, this is critical.

Depth > novelty.
Foundation > aesthetics.
Self-correction > intellectual display.

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While there’s a lot to take from acquiring knowledge, I’ve been able to apply this section by understanding the term “Be careful of correcting others before you correct yourself.”

There is no one free from:

Therefore true knowledge without self-audit becomes arrogance. The way you use it matters and that all starts with inner correction.

For me it took a lot of refining to understanding what I was doing to learn better and how I could use it to showcase my journey and the changes made.

This ties directly into how I display:

In fitness, I track the reps.
In work, I review my performance.
In faith, I examine my heart.

All a means of putting learning to the test, applying discipline, and showcasing my knowledge through the positive changes.

Feel free to reach out on Instagram or Threads @liftlangleon.

Till next time, peace.