Hadith #7309

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of knowledge and renunciation of worldly pleasures in guiding us towards fulfilling the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (knowledge) "عِلْمُ". Knowledge is a fundamental aspect of Islam, as it enables us to understand and implement the commandments of Allah. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of seeking knowledge, such as in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), where Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge and the guidance it provides.

The second word is (renunciation of worldly pleasures) "زُّهْدُ". It refers to detachment from the materialistic aspects of this world and prioritizing the spiritual realm. The Quran encourages believers to adopt a balanced approach towards worldly possessions, as stated in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children...

This verse reminds us that worldly pleasures are temporary and should not distract us from our ultimate purpose.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that knowledge guides us towards fulfilling the commandments of Allah. This guidance can be seen in various Quranic verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah says,

He grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been granted wisdom has certainly been given much good.

This verse highlights that knowledge is a gift from Allah and serves as a means of attaining goodness in this world and the hereafter.

Furthermore, knowledge enables us to understand the purpose behind Allah's commandments. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:43), Allah says,

And Allah is most knowing of your enemies; and sufficient is Allah as an ally, and sufficient is Allah as a helper.

This verse reminds us that Allah's commandments are based on His perfect knowledge and understanding of our circumstances. Therefore, seeking knowledge helps us comprehend the wisdom behind His guidance and enables us to apply it effectively.

The second part of the Hadith emphasizes that renunciation of worldly pleasures makes the path to fulfilling Allah's commandments easier. This renunciation allows us to detach ourselves from the distractions and temptations of this world, enabling us to focus on our spiritual growth. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that true success lies in prioritizing the eternal rewards of the hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world.

Renunciation of worldly pleasures also helps us develop a mindset of contentment and gratitude. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152), Allah says,

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse highlights the importance of being grateful to Allah for His blessings and not becoming attached to worldly possessions. By practicing renunciation, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude and focus on the spiritual aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the vital role of knowledge and renunciation of worldly pleasures in guiding us towards fulfilling the commandments of Allah. Knowledge enables us to understand and implement His guidance effectively, while renunciation allows us to detach ourselves from worldly distractions and focus on our spiritual growth. By seeking knowledge and practicing renunciation, we can navigate the path of righteousness and attain closeness to Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and the strength to renounce worldly pleasures for His sake.