*The Importance of Reflection and Contemplation*
By: Muaz Haider
3rd Ramadan 1447 AH
Mental exercise and intellectual effort increase quick understanding, enhance brainpower, and matters processed through this stage are often remembered. The *"deductive efforts"* of *Islamic Jurists* are the result of contemplation on principles. In the academic world, *"reflection"* has been given the status of an independent process. *Hazrat Al-Ustaz Bahrul Uloom Maulana Nematullah Azmi Sahib -Damat Barkatuhum-* has repeatedly emphasized this.
After reaching a certain stage, meanings and concepts begin to become apparent simply through contemplation on the texts themselves. Practicing this in the initial stages yields countless benefits. In the past, it was customary to develop the habit of reading books without marginal notes under the supervision of a teacher.
*Hazrat Sheikh Al-Hadith Maulana Zakariya Sahib Kandhlawi -Rahimahullah-* wrote about the teaching method of *his esteemed father; Maulana Yahya Sahib -Noor Allah Marqaduhu-*:
"He (his father) was against teaching annotated books in literature. The "Maqamat" that I read... had neither annotations nor vowel markings. He wrote and taught the "Sab'a Mu'allaqat" with his own blessed hand because the existing "Sab'a Mu'allaqat" were all annotated. Similarly, his handwritten copy of "Mutanabbi" is still fully available."
(Autobiography: 1/74)
This approach is a means of developing intelligence. Avoiding contemplation for solving expressions and developing a habit of relying on commentaries or even lower-level resources is extremely detrimental to "intelligence."
A problem can be solved with the help of related materials without contemplating the text itself; however, it is not lasting.
*Hazrat Al-Ustaz Mufti Nazir Sahib Qasmi -Damat Barkatuhum-* often said: "Things that are easily obtained are easily forgotten."