Hadith #1945

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, and his noble companions.

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

The correctness of an ignorant person is like the mistake of a learned person.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the stark contrast between the knowledge of an ignorant person and that of a learned individual. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word "jāhil" refers to an ignorant person, someone lacking knowledge or understanding. The word "zallat" means mistake or error, and "ʿālim" refers to a learned person, someone possessing knowledge and understanding.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding in numerous verses. 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 distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who are ignorant. It emphasizes that the correctness and understanding of a knowledgeable person far surpasses that of an ignorant individual.

Furthermore, 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 highlights the elevated status of those who possess knowledge and emphasizes that they are raised in ranks by Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that the correctness of an ignorant person is rare and should not be equated with the understanding of a learned individual. It is important to recognize the value of knowledge and the efforts required to attain it. A learned person, through their knowledge and understanding, is able to make informed decisions and avoid mistakes.

For example, imagine a situation where a person lacking knowledge attempts to solve a complex mathematical problem. Their chances of arriving at the correct solution are minimal, as they lack the necessary understanding and skills. On the other hand, a learned mathematician, with their knowledge and expertise, is more likely to arrive at the correct solution. This analogy illustrates the significance of knowledge in achieving correctness.

The consequences of equating the correctness of an ignorant person with that of a learned person can be detrimental. It can lead to the spread of misinformation, misunderstandings, and misguided actions. In matters of religion, it is crucial to seek knowledge from reliable sources and consult those who possess deep understanding, such as scholars and experts.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding in all aspects of our lives. It encourages us to strive for excellence in our pursuit of knowledge and to value the guidance of those who possess wisdom and expertise.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the stark contrast between the correctness of an ignorant person and the mistakes of a learned person. It highlights the significance of knowledge and understanding in attaining correctness and making informed decisions. As Muslims, we should strive to seek knowledge, consult experts, and avoid equating the correctness of an ignorant person with that of a learned individual. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to distinguish between knowledge and ignorance.