Hadith #157

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

قَدْ أَضَاءَ الصُّبْحُ لِذِي عَيْنَيْنِ۔

This can be translated into English as,

For the man who has eyes the dawn has already appeared.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep spiritual and intellectual significance.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (subh) "صُّبْحُ" refers to the dawn, the time just before sunrise when the first light of day emerges. It symbolizes the beginning of a new day, a time of awakening and enlightenment. The word (dhi) "ذِي" means "possessor" or "one who has." And (aynayn) "عَيْنَيْنِ" means "two eyes."

Now, let us explore the Quranic verses that shed light on the connotation of this Hadith. In Surah Al-An'am (6:50), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'I do not tell you that I possess the treasures of Allah, nor that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me.' Say, 'Are the blind and the seeing alike? Do you not then reflect?'

This verse emphasizes the distinction between those who possess spiritual insight and those who are spiritually blind. The one who possesses "eyes" in the metaphorical sense, meaning the ability to perceive and understand the truth, has already witnessed the dawn of enlightenment. They have been blessed with divine knowledge and guidance, enabling them to navigate through the darkness of ignorance and falsehood.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:104), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

There has come to you enlightenment from your Lord. So whoever will see does so for [the benefit of] his soul, and whoever is blind [does harm] against it. And [say], 'I am not a guardian over you.'

This verse highlights the role of divine enlightenment in guiding individuals towards the truth. Those who possess the ability to "see" and comprehend the signs of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are responsible for their own souls and have the opportunity to benefit from this enlightenment. On the other hand, those who are spiritually blind and fail to recognize the signs of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) cause harm to their own souls.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. The dawn symbolizes knowledge, awareness, and guidance. It represents the awakening of the intellect and the illumination of the heart. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that for those who possess the capacity to perceive and understand the truth, the dawn of enlightenment has already arrived.

This statement serves as a call to action for Muslims to seek knowledge, to open their hearts and minds to the divine guidance found in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It urges us to strive for spiritual growth and intellectual development, so that we may be among those who possess the "eyes" to witness the dawn of enlightenment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the truth. He is reminding us that true enlightenment comes from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and is accessible to those who actively seek it. By possessing the "eyes" to perceive the truth, we can navigate through the challenges of life with clarity and purpose.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge, open their hearts and minds to divine guidance, and actively strive for spiritual and intellectual growth. By possessing the "eyes" to perceive the truth, we can witness the dawn of enlightenment and experience the blessings and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to comprehend His signs and guide us on the path of truth and righteousness.