Hadith #2938

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 pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

If the veils were removed, my certitude would not increase.

This profound statement highlights the depth of Imam Ali's knowledge and certainty in the divine truth. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ghitaa) "غِطَاء" in Arabic refers to a veil or a covering that conceals something. In this context, it symbolizes the barriers that prevent humans from fully perceiving the divine reality. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is expressing that even if these veils were lifted, his certitude and knowledge of the truth would not increase. This demonstrates the profound level of his understanding and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the concept of veils or barriers that hinder humans from fully comprehending the divine truth. In Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 29:50-51)

And they say, 'Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord?' Say, 'The signs are only with Allah, and I am only a clear warner.' And is it not sufficient for them that We revealed to you the Book which is recited to them? Indeed in that is a mercy and reminder for a people who believe

This verse emphasizes that the signs and knowledge of the unseen are in the hands of Allah alone. Prophets and Imams, including Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), are merely conveyers of the divine message. Their role is to guide and warn people, but they do not possess the ability to reveal signs or increase their own knowledge beyond what Allah has granted them.

Another verse that supports the concept of veils is found in Surah Al-An'am, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 11:7-8)

And they say, 'Why is a sign not sent down to him from his Lord?' Say, 'Indeed, Allah is Able to send down a sign, but most of them do not know.' And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has complete knowledge and control over all things. He knows the provisions and destinies of all creatures. It highlights the limited understanding of human beings and their inability to comprehend the divine wisdom behind every event. This further emphasizes the idea that even if the veils were removed, our knowledge and certitude would not increase beyond what Allah has ordained.

Imam Ali's statement in the Hadith reflects his profound understanding of the limitations of human knowledge. Despite his immense wisdom and closeness to Allah, he acknowledges that there are inherent barriers that prevent humans from fully grasping the divine reality. This humility and recognition of the vastness of Allah's knowledge is a testament to the depth of Imam Ali's faith and his unwavering commitment to the truth.

The consequences of this understanding are significant. It reminds us to approach matters of faith and knowledge with humility and to recognize the limits of our understanding. It encourages us to seek knowledge and strive for a deeper understanding of the divine truth, while also acknowledging that our comprehension will always be limited. This realization should inspire us to rely on Allah's guidance and to constantly seek His mercy and forgiveness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of recognizing the veils that hinder our understanding of the divine truth. It emphasizes the limits of human knowledge and the need for humility in our pursuit of knowledge. By acknowledging our limitations and relying on Allah's guidance, we can strive to deepen our faith and seek a closer connection with the divine. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand His truth and the humility to recognize our own limitations.