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مَنْ لَمْ يَعْرِفِ الخَيْرَ مِنَ الشَّرِّ فَهُوَ مِنَ البَهائِمِ۔

Whoever does not know how to distinguish good from evil, then he is [actually] from the beasts.

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Whoever does not know how to distinguish good from evil, then he is...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Good)

Personal Reflection

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 (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever does not know how to distinguish good from evil, then he is [actually] from the beasts.

This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance of knowledge and discernment in distinguishing between what is right and what is wrong. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (khayr) "خَيْرَ" in this Hadith refers to what is good, beneficial, and virtuous. It encompasses all actions, beliefs, and intentions that align with the teachings of Islam and lead to righteousness. On the other hand, the word (sharr) "شَّرِّ" refers to what is evil, harmful, and sinful. It encompasses all actions, beliefs, and intentions that deviate from the path of righteousness and lead to corruption.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between good and evil in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 3:113)

They are not [all] the same; among the People of the Scripture is a community standing [in obedience], reciting the verses of Allah during periods of the night and prostrating [in prayer]. They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and hasten to good deeds. And those are among the righteous.

This verse highlights the significance of recognizing and promoting what is good, as well as denouncing and avoiding what is evil. It is through this distinction that believers can fulfill their duty of enjoining righteousness and forbidding evil, thereby contributing to the betterment of society.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, where Allah says, (Quran 17:80-81)

And say, 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.' And say, 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and relying on His support in distinguishing between truth and falsehood. It is through this discernment that believers can navigate through the challenges of life and make choices that align with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that humans possess the capacity for intellect and reasoning, which distinguishes them from animals. It is through this intellect that we have been granted the ability to discern between good and evil, right and wrong. Failing to exercise this capacity and lacking the knowledge to differentiate between what is beneficial and harmful reduces a person to the level of animals, who act solely on instinct.

The consequences of not being able to distinguish good from evil are grave. It leads to a life devoid of purpose, morality, and spirituality. Without this discernment, individuals may engage in actions that are detrimental to themselves and society, causing harm and perpetuating injustice. They become susceptible to manipulation, falling prey to falsehood and deception.

On the other hand, possessing the ability to distinguish good from evil empowers individuals to make informed decisions, cultivate virtuous qualities, and contribute positively to society. It enables them to seek knowledge, understand the teachings of Islam, and apply them in their daily lives. This discernment allows Muslims to align their actions with the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the importance of knowledge and discernment in distinguishing between good and evil. It highlights the role of intellect in elevating humans above the level of animals and emphasizes the need to seek guidance from the Quran in order to make informed choices. By cultivating the ability to differentiate between what is beneficial and harmful, Muslims can lead a life of purpose, righteousness, and moral integrity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to distinguish between good and evil and guide us on the path of righteousness.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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