Hadith #3260

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of knowledge and its role in shaping our character. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, emphasizes that true knowledge lies in the ability to distinguish between different character traits and to manifest the praiseworthy ones while suppressing the blameworthy ones.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (tamiz) "تَميزُ" refers to the act of distinguishing or differentiating. It implies the ability to discern and separate between various qualities or traits. (al-akhlaq) "الأخْلاقِ" refers to character traits or moral qualities that define a person's behavior and actions. (izhar) "إظْهارِ" means to manifest or display, while (mahmudih) "مَحْمُودِها" refers to the praiseworthy traits. On the other hand, (qam') "قَمْعِ" means to suppress or subdue, and (madhmumih) "مَذْمُومِها" refers to the blameworthy traits.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding one another. It highlights that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety. Therefore, the pinnacle of knowledge, as mentioned in the Hadith, is not merely acquiring information, but rather using that knowledge to distinguish between different character traits and to manifest the praiseworthy ones.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. It is through His divine wisdom and knowledge that we are able to distinguish between right and wrong, praiseworthy and blameworthy traits. Therefore, the pinnacle of knowledge, as highlighted by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), is not limited to intellectual pursuits but encompasses the guidance and wisdom bestowed upon us by Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true knowledge is not measured by the amount of information we possess, but rather by our ability to apply that knowledge in our daily lives. It is about recognizing the virtues and qualities that are praiseworthy and striving to manifest them in our actions and interactions. Similarly, it involves identifying the blameworthy traits within ourselves and suppressing them, striving for self-improvement and moral growth.

For instance, knowledge of the Quran and the Sunnah should lead us to adopt the noble qualities of patience, kindness, and forgiveness, while rejecting arrogance, envy, and dishonesty. By distinguishing between these character traits and actively manifesting the praiseworthy ones, we can strive towards becoming better individuals and contributing positively to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that true knowledge lies in the ability to distinguish between different character traits, manifesting the praiseworthy ones, and suppressing the blameworthy ones. It is not merely about acquiring information, but rather about applying that knowledge in our daily lives and striving for moral growth. By doing so, we can strive to become better Muslims and fulfill our purpose of worshiping Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Ahl al-Bayt.