Hadith #9068

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "نِعْمَ المُحَدِّثُ الكِتابُ۔" This can be translated as,

How good an interlocutor a book is!

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the value and importance of books as a means of communication and guidance.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (ni'ma) "نِعْمَ" means "how good" or "what a blessing." It signifies the greatness and excellence of something. (al-muhaddith) "المُحَدِّثُ" refers to the one who speaks or converses, while (al-kitab) "الكِتابُ" means a book.

To understand the meaning behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185,

The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed as guidance to mankind.

This verse highlights the Quran as a book of guidance, a means of communication from Allah to humanity.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qamar, verse 17, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?

This verse emphasizes the ease with which the Quran can be understood and remembered, further emphasizing the importance of books as a means of communication and guidance.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He highlights the significance of books as a means of communication, knowledge, and guidance. Books have the power to convey ideas, thoughts, and wisdom across time and space. They serve as a medium through which knowledge is preserved and transmitted from one generation to another.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) recognized the immense value of books in acquiring knowledge and understanding. He himself was known for his vast knowledge and wisdom, and he encouraged others to seek knowledge through various means, including books. By referring to books as good interlocutors, he emphasizes their ability to engage in meaningful conversations with readers, enlightening them and expanding their horizons.

Books enable us to engage in a dialogue with the authors, even if they are no longer alive. Through books, we can access the thoughts, experiences, and teachings of great scholars, philosophers, and leaders. They provide us with a wealth of information, insights, and perspectives that can shape our understanding of the world and guide our actions.

Moreover, books have the power to inspire, motivate, and transform individuals. They can ignite a spark within us, leading to personal growth and development. By immersing ourselves in the words of books, we can broaden our knowledge, deepen our understanding, and cultivate critical thinking skills.

The consequences of neglecting books are significant. Without books, we risk losing access to valuable knowledge and insights. We may become disconnected from the wisdom of the past and miss out on the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others. Books serve as a bridge between generations, allowing us to benefit from the accumulated knowledge and wisdom of our predecessors.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of books as a means of communication, knowledge, and guidance. It reminds us of the immense value they hold in preserving and transmitting knowledge across time and space. As Muslims, we should embrace books as valuable resources for acquiring knowledge, understanding, and personal growth. Let us strive to engage in meaningful conversations with books, allowing them to enrich our lives and guide us on the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the wisdom to seek knowledge and benefit from the treasures found within books.