Hadith #7577

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us,

If you are not an articulating scholar then be an attentive listener.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of knowledge and the role of both speaking and listening in acquiring it.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (aaliman) "عالِماً" refers to a knowledgeable person who possesses deep understanding and expertise in a particular field. This term encompasses scholars who possess both theoretical and practical knowledge. The word (naatiqan) "ناطِقاً" means an articulate speaker, someone who can effectively convey their knowledge to others. It implies the ability to express oneself clearly and eloquently.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises that if one does not possess the qualities of being an articulate scholar, they should strive to be an (mustami'an) "مُسْتَمِعاً", an attentive listener. This term refers to someone who actively listens, pays close attention, and comprehends the knowledge being imparted. It implies humility and a willingness to learn from others.

To understand the significance of this advice, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9),

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

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who lack it. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and the elevated status of scholars in Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of a true scholar, saying,

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

This verse emphasizes that true knowledge and wisdom come from Allah, and it is a great blessing bestowed upon those who possess it.

Now, let us reflect on the profound advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He encourages us to recognize our own limitations and encourages us to adopt a humble attitude towards knowledge. If we lack the ability to articulate our knowledge effectively, we should not be discouraged. Instead, we should focus on being attentive listeners, actively seeking knowledge from those who possess it.

By being attentive listeners, we open ourselves up to the vast ocean of knowledge that exists within the Muslim community. We can benefit from the expertise and wisdom of scholars, teachers, and knowledgeable individuals. This approach allows us to expand our understanding, gain new insights, and deepen our connection with our faith.

Moreover, being an attentive listener cultivates humility within us. It reminds us that knowledge is not limited to a select few but is a collective treasure that can be accessed by anyone with a sincere desire to learn. It encourages us to approach knowledge with an open mind and a willingness to accept guidance from others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of knowledge and the different roles we can play in acquiring it. Whether we are scholars or not, we can all benefit from being attentive listeners. By doing so, we can expand our knowledge, deepen our understanding, and strengthen our connection with Allah and His religion. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the humility and wisdom to be both articulate scholars and attentive listeners.