Hadith #5370

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking clarity and certainty in matters that are doubtful or ambiguous. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to be cautious and diligent in their inquiries, ensuring that they reach a firm conclusion rather than remaining in a state of confusion.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (taharrika) "تَحَرّيكَ" refers to the act of investigating or inquiring into something. It implies a thorough examination and scrutiny of doubtful matters. The word (shubahaat) "شُّبَهاتِ" refers to matters that are uncertain or ambiguous, which can lead to confusion and doubt. The word (irtabaka) "اِرْتَبَكَ" means to become confounded or perplexed.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, clarity, and certainty in various verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah says,

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 encourages Muslims to verify the information they receive before acting upon it. It highlights the potential harm that can arise from acting based on incomplete or false knowledge. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:170), Allah warns against blindly following the footsteps of others, saying,

And when it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.' Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?

This verse reminds us that blindly adhering to traditions or customs without seeking knowledge and understanding can lead to confusion and misguided actions. It emphasizes the importance of independent thinking and seeking clarity in matters of faith.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in the Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. By urging Muslims to be conclusive in their inquiries into doubtful matters, he emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and clarity. When one fails to do so and falls into ambiguous situations, they become confounded and unsure of the correct course of action.

For example, consider a situation where a person receives conflicting information about the permissibility of a certain act. If they do not thoroughly investigate and seek clarity, they may end up acting in a manner that is not in accordance with Islamic teachings. This can lead to confusion, doubt, and regret.

Furthermore, failing to seek clarity in doubtful matters can have wider consequences for the individual and the community. It can lead to the spread of misinformation, the perpetuation of false beliefs, and the erosion of trust within the Muslim community. Therefore, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to be diligent and conscientious in their pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking clarity and certainty in matters that are doubtful or ambiguous. By urging Muslims to be conclusive in their inquiries, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the potential consequences of falling into ambiguous situations. This advice aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge, understanding, and independent thinking. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to seek clarity in all aspects of our lives.