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As-Salaam alaikum, The first, opening chapter/Surah of the Holy Qur'an (Fatiha) encompasses four kinds of Sciences, which are the very anchor of the religion of Islam. These are:-- (1) The science of the foundations, beliefs and knowledge of Allah and His Attributes. This is indicated by His words in the Fatiha: 'All praises are are due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, the Beneficent, the Merciful'. Knowledge of Prophet-hood and this is what is intended by Allah's words: 'Those You have favored'; Knowledge of the contract to the Final End, indicated by His words: 'The King of the Day of Judgement'. (2) The science of the religion and its cognomen is worship, and it is what is meant by His words: 'It is You that we worship'. (3) The science which brings about perfection of character. Its root is arrival at the Eternal Presence, encountering the focal point of Divine Uniqueness, traveling its path and being upright in it. This is indicated by Allah's words: '...and it is You we seek help. Guide us on the straight path.' (4) The science of narrated stories and transmitted news about foregone religious communities, the blessed among them and the wretched, as well as what they achieved from the promises of the spiritually excellent and threats of the evil among them. This is what is intended by His words: 'Those You have favored, and not those who have incurred your anger, nor those who have gone astray.'
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