Hadith #1019

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Do not embark on any matter until you have knowledge of it.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before engaging in any action or decision-making.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "لا تقدمن" translates to "do not embark" or "do not proceed." It implies refraining from taking any action or making any decision hastily or without proper consideration. The word "على أمر" refers to any matter, task, or affair that one may encounter in life. It encompasses both personal and communal matters, encompassing various aspects of our lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to refrain from proceeding until we have knowledge of the matter at hand. This knowledge refers to understanding, awareness, and comprehension. It implies acquiring the necessary information, analyzing it, and evaluating its implications before taking any action. This Hadith encourages us to seek knowledge and wisdom in all aspects of our lives, be it religious, social, or personal.

The importance of seeking knowledge is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11),

O you who have believed, when you are told, 'Space yourselves' in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you. And when you are told, 'Arise,' then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the significance of knowledge and its correlation with faith. Those who possess knowledge are elevated in the sight of Allah. It is through knowledge that we can make informed decisions, contribute positively to society, and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 emphasizes the importance of verifying information and seeking knowledge before passing judgment or taking action. It warns against acting based on hearsay or incomplete knowledge, as it can lead to harm and regret. It encourages Muslims to be critical thinkers, to seek the truth, and to base their actions on sound knowledge.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and thoughtful in their decision-making processes. It encourages us to seek knowledge, consult experts, and consider the consequences of our actions before proceeding. By doing so, we can avoid making hasty or ill-informed decisions that may have negative repercussions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified the importance of knowledge through his vast understanding and wisdom. He was known for his profound knowledge in various fields, including jurisprudence, theology, and ethics. His teachings and guidance continue to inspire and enlighten Muslims to this day.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Do not embark on any matter until you have knowledge of it

emphasizes the significance of seeking knowledge and understanding before taking any action. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which stress the importance of knowledge, critical thinking, and informed decision-making. As Muslims, we should strive to acquire knowledge, consult experts, and consider the consequences of our actions in order to make wise and beneficial choices in all aspects of our lives.