Hadith #7527

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities and virtues of a knowledgeable scholar. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by congratulating the scholar who possesses knowledge and utilizes it to restrain himself from committing sins. This emphasizes the importance of knowledge as a means of self-control and moral guidance. The Quran supports this notion in various verses, such as in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hellfire. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse highlights the importance of understanding and knowledge, as those who lack it are likened to livestock. Therefore, the scholar who possesses knowledge and utilizes it to restrain themselves from sinful actions is indeed praiseworthy.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the fear of sudden death and the need to prepare oneself for it. This highlights the transient nature of life and the importance of being constantly prepared for the hereafter. The Quran reminds us of this in Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that - then those are the losers.

This verse serves as a reminder that worldly possessions and distractions should not divert us from preparing for the inevitable meeting with our Lord. The scholar who fears the sudden coming of death and prepares themselves accordingly demonstrates their understanding of the transient nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further describes the scholar as one who articulates when questioned and remains silent when left. This highlights the importance of effective communication and the ability to provide accurate and meaningful responses when required. The Quran supports this notion in Surah An-Nahl (16:125), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes the importance of conveying the message of Islam with wisdom and good instruction. The scholar who articulates when questioned exemplifies this principle, as they possess the knowledge and ability to convey the teachings of Islam effectively.

Furthermore, the scholar who remains silent when left demonstrates their wisdom and understanding. Silence can be a powerful tool, as it allows for reflection and contemplation. The Quran reminds us of the virtue of silence in Surah Al-A'raf (7:204), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.

This verse encourages us to listen attentively to the Quran, indicating the importance of silence and attentiveness in seeking guidance and mercy from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The scholar who remains silent when left demonstrates their ability to contemplate and seek guidance from the Quran.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides profound insights into the qualities of a knowledgeable scholar. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing knowledge for self-restraint, preparing for the hereafter, effective communication, and the virtue of silence. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran, we can strive to embody these qualities and seek guidance from the knowledge bestowed upon us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with knowledge and wisdom and enable us to utilize it for the betterment of ourselves and humanity.