Hadith #2742

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Sit in the company of the wise and your intelligence will be improved, you will ennoble yourself and your ignorance will be removed from you.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and surrounding oneself with knowledgeable individuals.

Let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith. The word (hukama) "حُكَماءَ" refers to the wise individuals who possess deep understanding and knowledge. These are the people who have acquired wisdom through their experiences, contemplation, and adherence to the teachings of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). Their wisdom is not limited to worldly matters, but also encompasses spiritual and moral guidance.

The word (aqluka) "عَقْلُكَ" refers to one's intellect or intelligence. It is the faculty of reasoning and understanding that distinguishes humans from other creations. By sitting in the company of the wise, one's intellect is nurtured and developed. The wise impart their knowledge and insights, enabling individuals to think critically, analyze situations, and make informed decisions.

The phrase (tashruf nafsaka) "تَشْرُفْ نَفْسَكَ" means to ennoble oneself. When we associate with the wise, we elevate our character and refine our manners. The company of the wise inspires us to adopt noble qualities such as humility, patience, and kindness. Through their guidance, we learn to conduct ourselves in a manner that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to society.

The phrase (yantafi 'anka jahluka) "يَنْتَفِ عَنْكَ جَهْلُكَ" signifies the removal of ignorance. Ignorance is a state of unawareness or lack of knowledge. By sitting with the wise, we are exposed to their wisdom and knowledge, which helps dispel our ignorance. We gain insights into various subjects, broaden our perspectives, and acquire a deeper understanding of the world around us.

The importance of seeking knowledge and associating with the wise is emphasized in numerous verses of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9),

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant. By seeking knowledge and sitting in the company of the wise, we strive to be among those who know and are thus elevated in the sight of Allah.

In Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.

This verse emphasizes that knowledge is a means of elevation in the sight of Allah. By seeking knowledge and associating with the wise, we not only improve our intelligence but also increase our spiritual rank.

The consequences of sitting in the company of the wise are profound. By nurturing our intellect, we become better equipped to navigate the challenges of life. We develop the ability to discern between right and wrong, make sound judgments, and find solutions to complex problems. Moreover, by ennobling ourselves, we become a source of inspiration and guidance for others. Our actions and words reflect the wisdom we have acquired, and we become a positive influence on those around us.

Conversely, neglecting to seek knowledge and surrounding ourselves with ignorant individuals can have detrimental effects. Ignorance breeds misunderstandings, biases, and harmful practices. It hinders personal growth and limits one's potential. By distancing ourselves from the company of the wise, we miss out on the opportunity to expand our horizons and develop a deeper understanding of the world and our purpose in it.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and sitting in the company of the wise. By doing so, we improve our intelligence, ennoble ourselves, and remove ignorance from our lives. The Quranic verses further emphasize the significance of knowledge and its role in elevating individuals in the sight of Allah. As Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to seek knowledge, benefit from the wisdom of the wise, and strive to be among those who possess knowledge and understanding. May Allah grant us the ability to seek knowledge and surround ourselves with the wise.