Where does knowledge ultimately come from?

We live in a time when human beings can access vast amounts of information instantly—and artificial intelligence can generate answers, explanations, images, and even seemingly original ideas in seconds. But the rise of AI makes an older and more fundamental question even more important:

What is the source of knowledge?

In Episode 2 of TAWHIDtalk, Dr. Mohammed Saleem explores this foundational question through the lens of Tawḥīd—the Oneness of Allah.

We acquire knowledge through our senses, reason, observation, research, experience, teachers, and books. But from an Islamic worldview, these are means through which we acquire knowledge—not independent sources of knowledge. Allah (swt) is Al-ʿAlīm—the All-Knowing—and all knowledge ultimately belongs to Him.

The Qur'an begins humanity's story of knowledge with Allah teaching Adam (as):

وَعَلَّمَ ءَادَمَ ٱلْأَسْمَآءَ كُلَّهَا

“And He taught Adam the names—all of them.” — Qur'an 2:31

This understanding has profound implications for how we think about education, teaching, learning, research, technology, and our own pursuit of knowledge.

What You'll Learn

[00:00] Introduction

A continuation from Episode 1: if Tawḥīd shapes how we understand reality, then where does knowledge fit within that worldview?

[02:01] What is the source of knowledge?

How we acquire knowledge through our senses, reason, observation, research, experience, and other means—and why an Islamic worldview begins with Allah as the ultimate source of all knowledge.

[02:47] Knowledge, Tawḥīd, and Shirk

Why recognizing created things as independent sources of knowledge raises a fundamental issue of Tawḥīd and the distinction between the means of acquiring knowledge and its ultimate source.

[03:02] Allah's Names and Attributes Related to Knowledge

An introduction to the beautiful Names of Allah that reveal His perfect and comprehensive knowledge, including Al-ʿAlīm (The All-Knowing), ʿAllām al-Ghuyūb (The Knower of the Unseen), Al-Khabīr (The All-Aware), Al-Ḥakīm (The All-Wise), Al-Baṣīr (The All-Seeing), As-Samīʿ (The All-Hearing), and others.

[05:31] Allah is the first teacher of humanity.

What Qur'an 2:31 teaches us about the beginning of humanity's journey with knowledge: Allah taught Adam the names of all things.

[06:28] Knowing Allah Through His Attributes of Knowledge

Why knowing Allah through His Names and Attributes related to knowledge is crucial for everyone involved in teaching and learning—and how this understanding should shape our thoughts, intentions, actions, and pursuit of knowledge.

Why This Matters

Every time we learn something, we are engaging with knowledge.

We may discover it through observation. We may uncover it through research. We may receive it from a teacher, a book, or increasingly, from an artificial intelligence system.

But an Islamic worldview asks us to go deeper:

Who gave us the ability to know?

Who knows what we do not know?

And who ultimately possesses all knowledge?

Recognizing Allah as Al-ʿAlīm—the All-Knowing changes our relationship with knowledge. It reminds us that our intellect, senses, experiences, teachers, technologies, and other means of learning are gifts and means—not independent sources of knowledge.

This perspective is particularly important in an age of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence. As AI increasingly influences how we search, learn, teach, and access information, Muslims must ask not only “Can this technology give me an answer?” but also “What is knowledge, where does it come from, and how should I relate to it?”

Understanding Allah as the ultimate source of knowledge provides the foundation for answering these questions.

References

• Surah Al-Baqarah 2:31 — Allah taught Adam (as) the names of all things.
• Surah Al-Mā'idah 5:109 — Allah's knowledge of the unseen.
• Surah At-Tawbah 9:78 — Allah knows the unseen and what is hidden.
• Surah Al-ʿAlaq 96:4–5 — Allah teaches humanity by the pen and teaches what we did not know.

Resources & Mentioned Links

Visit TAWHIDtalk.com for a full list of references and resources used in addition to Core Takeaways and Themes

Continue the Conversation

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Website: TAWHIDtalk.com

Host: Dr. Mohammed Saleem

TAWHIDtalk — Where tawḥīd shapes thoughts and actions.