Hadith #7392

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May 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,

ثَمَرَةُ العِلْمِ مَعْرِفَةُ اللّهِ۔

This can be translated as,

The fruit of knowledge is cognizance of Allah.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the true essence and purpose of knowledge in Islam.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (thamaratu) "ثَمَرَةُ" means "fruit" or "result." It signifies the outcome or consequence of something. In this context, it represents the outcome of acquiring knowledge. The word (al-'ilm) "العِلْمِ" refers to knowledge, specifically referring to religious knowledge and understanding. Lastly, (ma'rifatullah) "مَعْرِفَةُ اللّهِ" means "cognizance of Allah" or "knowledge of Allah." It refers to a deep and intimate knowledge of Allah, recognizing His existence, attributes, and the relationship between the Creator and His creation.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:257)

Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light.

This verse emphasizes the transformative power of knowledge. Through knowledge, one is guided from the darkness of ignorance towards the light of understanding and faith. Acquiring knowledge leads to a deeper awareness of Allah and His guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Az-Zumar, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (39:41)

Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book for the people in truth. So whoever is guided - it is for [the benefit of] his soul; and whoever goes astray only goes astray to its detriment. And you are not a manager over them.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking guidance through knowledge. The Quran is a source of divine knowledge that provides guidance for humanity. Those who seek knowledge and are guided by it benefit their own souls, while those who neglect knowledge only harm themselves.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses. The fruit of knowledge is not merely intellectual or academic achievements, but rather it is the deep cognizance of Allah. Knowledge should not be pursued for the sake of worldly gains or personal pride, but rather as a means to develop a closer relationship with Allah. It is through knowledge that one can truly understand the purpose of their existence, the divine guidance provided by Allah, and the path towards righteousness.

When a person acquires knowledge and truly understands Allah's existence, attributes, and guidance, it transforms their perspective on life. They become aware of the beauty and wisdom in Allah's creation, and they recognize their role as servants of Allah. This knowledge motivates them to strive for righteousness, to fulfill their obligations towards Allah and His creation, and to seek His pleasure in all aspects of life.

Moreover, the cognizance of Allah gained through knowledge serves as a guiding light in times of darkness and confusion. It helps individuals navigate through the challenges and trials of life, making informed decisions based on the teachings of Islam. It instills a sense of purpose and direction, enabling Muslims to lead a life that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the true fruit of knowledge is not mere intellectual achievements, but rather a deep cognizance of Allah. This knowledge transforms our perspective on life, motivates us to strive for righteousness, and serves as a guiding light in times of darkness. As Muslims, we should seek knowledge with the intention of developing a closer relationship with Allah and utilizing that knowledge to fulfill our obligations towards Him and His creation. May Allah grant us the ability to acquire knowledge that leads us to the true cognizance of Him.