Period of Jahiliyya

Shia theology places profound importance on knowledge as a vehicle for enlightenment and spiritual awakening. Knowledge, in this context, is not merely academic but encompasses spiritual and ethical wisdom. The teachings of the Imams advocate that acquiring knowledge is an essential duty for every individual, serving as an antidote to the ignorance characteristic of the Jahiliyya period.

Imam Ali, the first Shia Imam, often reiterated that knowledge is the foundation upon which justice and morality are built. His interactions with the populace reflected a commitment to disseminating wisdom and confronting ignorance. By fostering a culture of learning, Shia teachings assert that individuals can navigate through societal complexities, thereby preventing a recurrence of Jahiliyya-like ethics in contemporary times.

5. Jahiliyya in Contemporary Context