Hadith #2102

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Not everyone who seeks, finds and not everyone who turns away, loses.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encapsulates a fundamental truth about the nature of seeking knowledge and guidance in Islam.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (talaba) "طَلَبَ" means to seek or search for something. It implies an active effort to acquire knowledge, guidance, or any other form of beneficial understanding. On the other hand, the word (wajada) "وَجَدَ" means to find or discover. It signifies the successful attainment of what one has been seeking.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that not everyone who seeks will necessarily find what they are looking for. This is a reminder to Muslims that the mere act of seeking knowledge or guidance does not guarantee its acquisition. It requires sincerity, effort, and divine guidance to truly find what one is seeking.

To support this exegesis, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Ankabut, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes that those who strive and make sincere efforts to seek Allah's guidance will be guided by Him. It implies that not everyone who seeks will find unless they strive with sincerity and righteousness.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

This verse highlights the importance of supplication and seeking Allah's help in our quest for knowledge and guidance. It reminds us that true seekers are those who turn to Allah and seek His assistance in their pursuit.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also addresses the consequences of turning away from seeking knowledge or guidance. The word (adalla) "أضَلَّ" means to turn away or deviate from the right path. It signifies a loss or deprivation of guidance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that those who turn away from seeking knowledge or guidance will indeed lose out on the blessings and benefits that come with it.

To further illustrate this point, we can refer to Surah Al-Jumu'ah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (62:11)

And when they saw a transaction or a diversion, [O Muhammad], they rushed to it and left you standing. Say, 'What is with Allah is better than diversion and than a than a transaction, and Allah is the best of providers.'

This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing seeking knowledge and guidance over worldly distractions. It reminds us that turning away from seeking knowledge and indulging in worldly pursuits will result in a loss of spiritual growth and enlightenment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It emphasizes that not everyone who seeks will find, and not everyone who turns away will lose. It highlights the importance of sincere effort, divine guidance, and supplication in our quest for knowledge and guidance. It also warns against the consequences of turning away from seeking knowledge, reminding us of the loss and deprivation that comes with it. May we all be among those who sincerely seek and find the true knowledge and guidance that leads us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).