In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

Allaah stated regarding the distinguishing characteristics of the ulama- the great difference between them and the people of ignorance and misguidance:

أَمَّنۡ هُوَ قَـٰنِتٌ ءَانَآءَ ٱلَّيۡلِ سَاجِدً۬ا وَقَآٮِٕمً۬ا يَحۡذَرُ ٱلۡأَخِرَةَ وَيَرۡجُواْ رَحۡمَةَ رَبِّهِۦ‌ۗ قُلۡ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوِى ٱلَّذِينَ يَعۡلَمُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ‌ۗ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡأَلۡبَـٰبِ

Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: “Are those who know equal to those who know not?” It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allah’s Signs and Verses). [Surah Az-Zumar’ Aayah 9]

Firstly, before mentioning knowledge, Allaah mentioned deeds, [belief in His Aayaat, fulfilment of His commands], fear of the afterlife and hoping for His reward, which includes both deeds of the heart and the limbs. Then Allaah mentioned that the reason behind this effort of theirs- this enthusiasm that is connected to lofty manners in their worship of Allaah- is not due to ignorance and desires, rather its basis is their knowledge of who Allaah is. Allaah said:

قُلۡ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوِى ٱلَّذِينَ يَعۡلَمُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ‌ۗ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡأَلۡبَـٰبِ

Say: “Are those who know equal to those who know not?” It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allah’s Signs and Verses). [Surah Az-Zumar’ Aayah 9]

Sound knowledge and deeds is not possessed except by those with sound intellect and understanding- never can it be acquired through thoughtlessness and ignorance. Therefore, O brothers! Pursue knowledge. Thereafter, the aim behind knowledge is to act, for indeed Allaah severely dispraised those who have knowledge but do not act.

Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 159-160. abridged & slightly paraphrased