Hadith #7324

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of humility and honesty when it comes to knowledge. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims not to feel ashamed or belittled when they are asked about something they do not know, and instead, they should openly admit their lack of knowledge by saying "I don't know."

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith by examining the key words and concepts it entails. The word (yastaqbihan) "يَسْتَقْبِحَنَّ" in the Hadith means to consider something demeaning or disgraceful. It highlights the negative perception that some individuals may have towards admitting their lack of knowledge. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to overcome this negative perception and embrace humility in seeking knowledge.

The phrase (man su'ila 'amma la ya'lamu)

مَنْ سُئِلَ عَمّا لايَعْلَمُ

refers to the person who is asked about something they do not know. This implies that it is natural for individuals to encounter questions or inquiries beyond their knowledge or expertise. In such situations, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to respond honestly and humbly by saying (la a'lamu) "لا أعْلَمُ" meaning "I don't know."

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and the virtue of humility in various verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds us that it is essential to refrain from speaking about matters we have no knowledge of, as we will be held accountable for our words.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah states,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the fact that guidance and knowledge are in the hands of Allah alone. It reminds us that it is not within our capacity to possess knowledge of everything, and thus, it is perfectly acceptable to admit our limitations and say "I don't know."

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold the values of humility, honesty, and integrity in seeking and imparting knowledge. By openly admitting our lack of knowledge, we not only avoid spreading misinformation but also create an environment of trust and sincerity.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages Muslims to continuously seek knowledge and strive for personal growth. When we acknowledge our limitations and admit that we do not know everything, we open ourselves up to learning and expanding our understanding. This humility allows us to approach knowledge with an open mind, enabling us to acquire wisdom and guidance from authentic sources.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of humility and honesty when it comes to knowledge. It reminds us that it is not demeaning or shameful to admit our lack of knowledge and say "I don't know." By doing so, we uphold the values of integrity and sincerity in seeking and imparting knowledge. Let us strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and continuously seek knowledge with humility and an open mind. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with true knowledge and wisdom.