UNITY

Socrates taught, “Know thyself!” and similar teachings are found in the Old and New Testaments, and undoubtedly in other faith traditions.  The Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is reported to have taught, “Whoever knows himself knows his Lord.”  The following analyses of this hadith by Imam Ibn Taymiyyah of Syria (d. 728 H) and Imam Suyuti of Egypt (d. 911 H) would suggest that although the hadith is questionable in its authenticity, its meaning is undoubtedly correct for it is implied in the Koran.  Furthermore, the early Salaf and Sufis were in no doubt that it is a central teaching of Islam.

Know Thyself