Hadith #1980

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إعْصِ الجاهِلَ تَسْلَمْ۔" This can be translated as,

Disobey the ignorant and you will be safe.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (i'si) "إعْصِ" means to disobey or disregard. It implies refraining from following the ignorant. The word (al-jahil) "الجاهِلَ" refers to the ignorant or the one lacking knowledge and understanding. And finally, the word (taslam) "تَسْلَمْ" means to be safe, secure, or protected.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and avoiding ignorance. 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 highlights the need to verify information and not act upon it blindly, as it may lead to harm due to ignorance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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

This verse emphasizes the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who are ignorant. It highlights the superiority of knowledge and the importance of seeking it.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. By instructing us to disobey the ignorant, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to distance ourselves from those who lack knowledge and understanding. This is not a call to disrespect or mistreat them, but rather to refrain from blindly following their misguided actions or beliefs.

When we encounter individuals who are ignorant, it is crucial to exercise caution and critically evaluate their words and actions. By doing so, we protect ourselves from being influenced by their ignorance and potentially falling into harmful or misguided paths. This aligns with the Quranic teachings of seeking knowledge, verifying information, and avoiding harm caused by ignorance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be discerning and to prioritize knowledge in their lives. It encourages us to seek knowledge from reliable sources and to surround ourselves with individuals who possess wisdom and understanding. By doing so, we can safeguard our faith, actions, and overall well-being.

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

Disobey the ignorant and you will be safe

urges Muslims to distance themselves from the ignorant and to prioritize knowledge in their lives. By seeking knowledge, verifying information, and critically evaluating the actions and beliefs of others, we can protect ourselves from being influenced by ignorance and ensure our safety and well-being. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern between knowledge and ignorance and guide us on the path of righteousness.