Hadith #1884

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الجَهْلُ يُزِلُّ القَدَمَ" which translates to

Ignorance makes one stumble.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to seek knowledge and understanding in order to avoid the pitfalls of ignorance.

The word (jahlu) "جَهْلُ" refers to ignorance or lack of knowledge. It is a state of being uninformed or unaware of something. Ignorance can manifest in various forms, such as ignorance of religious teachings, lack of awareness about the world around us, or a deficiency in understanding the consequences of our actions.

The word (yuzillu) "يُزِلُّ" means to stumble or falter. It implies a loss of balance or stability, leading to a misstep or error. When applied to the context of ignorance, it signifies the negative consequences that arise from lacking knowledge and understanding.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge and warn against the perils of ignorance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse highlights the need to verify information and not act impulsively based on incomplete or false knowledge, as it can lead to harm and regret.

In Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse cautions against blindly following or engaging in matters without proper understanding. It reminds Muslims to seek knowledge and make informed decisions, as they will be held accountable for their actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of ignorance. When we lack knowledge, we are more prone to making mistakes, both in our religious and worldly affairs. Ignorance can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and harmful actions that negatively impact ourselves and those around us.

For instance, in matters of faith, ignorance can lead to misinterpretation of religious teachings, resulting in deviant beliefs or practices. It can also lead to intolerance and prejudice towards others who hold different beliefs or belong to different sects within Islam. By seeking knowledge and understanding, we can avoid such pitfalls and foster unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

In worldly matters, ignorance can hinder personal growth and success. It can prevent us from making informed decisions regarding our education, careers, and relationships. Without knowledge, we may fall into financial difficulties, make poor choices, or miss out on opportunities for personal and professional development.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying urges Muslims to actively seek knowledge and strive for intellectual growth. It encourages us to engage in continuous learning, both in religious and secular fields, in order to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and understanding. By doing so, we can avoid the stumbling blocks of ignorance and lead a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to seek knowledge, and may He protect us from the perils of ignorance. Ameen.