Hadith #7224

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ثَرْوَةُ العاقِلِ في عِلْمِهِ وعَمَلِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

The wealth of an intelligent person is in his knowledge and his action.

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of both acquiring knowledge and implementing it in our lives.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (tharwah) "ثَرْوَةُ" refers to wealth or riches. It signifies abundance and prosperity. Here, it symbolizes the true wealth that lies within an intelligent person. The word (aql) "عاقِلِ" refers to an intelligent or wise person. It denotes someone who possesses wisdom, understanding, and the ability to make sound judgments.

The Hadith highlights two essential components of this wealth: knowledge (عِلْمِهِ) and action (عَمَلِهِ). Knowledge encompasses the understanding and awareness of religious teachings, moral values, and practical skills. It includes both religious and worldly knowledge. Action, on the other hand, refers to the application of knowledge in one's daily life. It is the practical implementation of what one has learned.

To further understand the significance of knowledge and action, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269),

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed given a great wealth.

This verse emphasizes the value of wisdom and knowledge as a precious treasure bestowed upon individuals by Allah. It is through knowledge that we gain insight and understanding, enabling us to make informed decisions and live a purposeful life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:2-3), Allah says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

These verses highlight the importance of both faith and righteous actions. Belief alone is not sufficient; it must be accompanied by righteous deeds. It is through the combination of knowledge and action that we can attain success and avoid loss.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the acquisition of knowledge and the application of that knowledge in our actions. It emphasizes the need for continuous learning and personal growth. By seeking knowledge and implementing it in our lives, we can enrich ourselves spiritually, intellectually, and morally.

The consequences of neglecting either knowledge or action can be detrimental. Without knowledge, we may be ignorant of our religious obligations, leading to misguided beliefs and actions. Without action, our knowledge remains theoretical and fails to bring about positive change in ourselves and society. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between acquiring knowledge and implementing it through righteous actions.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking knowledge and applying it in our lives. It encourages us to be lifelong learners, constantly striving to increase our understanding of Islam and the world around us. It also serves as a motivation to translate our knowledge into action, making a positive impact on ourselves and those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true wealth lies in the combination of knowledge and action. It emphasizes the need for continuous learning and practical implementation of what we have learned. By seeking knowledge and applying it in our lives, we can attain true prosperity and fulfill our purpose as Muslims. May Allah bless us with the wisdom to acquire knowledge and the strength to act upon it.