Hadith #4224

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

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

The one who sins without knowing is free from sin.

This enlightening Hadith highlights an important aspect of Islamic jurisprudence and the concept of accountability in Islam. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words and explore the supporting evidence from the Quran.

The word (mudhnib) "مُذْنِبُ" refers to a sinner or someone who commits a sin. It is derived from the root word (dhanaba) "ذَنَبَ", which means to deviate, transgress, or commit a wrong action. The word (ghayr) "غَيْرِ" means without or in the absence of, and (ilm) "عِلْم" means knowledge. Therefore, the Hadith can be understood as stating that a person who commits a sin unknowingly or without knowledge is free from the burden of that sin.

This concept of being free from sin when committing a wrong action unknowingly is supported by the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:17):

Indeed, the repentance accepted by Allah is only for those who do wrong in ignorance [or carelessness] and then repent soon after. It is those to whom Allah will turn in forgiveness, and Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.

This verse emphasizes that Allah accepts the repentance of those who commit sins unknowingly or out of carelessness, as long as they sincerely repent and seek forgiveness. It shows that Allah, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, takes into account the circumstances and intentions behind a person's actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says:

Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned.

This verse highlights the principle of divine justice, stating that Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity. It implies that a person will be held accountable for the sins they commit knowingly, but not for those committed unknowingly or without knowledge.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and seek knowledge in order to avoid committing sins unknowingly. It encourages individuals to strive for understanding and awareness in their actions, as ignorance can lead to unintended transgressions.

However, it is important to note that this Hadith does not justify negligence or willful ignorance. Islam places great emphasis on seeking knowledge and understanding the teachings of the religion. Muslims are encouraged to continuously educate themselves and seek guidance from scholars and reliable sources to ensure that their actions align with the principles of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that a person who commits a sin unknowingly is not held accountable for that sin. This concept is supported by Quranic verses that emphasize Allah's mercy, forgiveness, and consideration for the circumstances and intentions behind our actions. However, it is crucial for Muslims to strive for knowledge and understanding in order to avoid unintentional transgressions and to fulfill their responsibilities as accountable individuals in the sight of Allah. May Allah guide us all on the path of knowledge and righteousness.