Hadith #1975

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 (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما ضادَّ العُلَماءَ كالجُهّالِ۔

This can be translated as,

No one antagonizes the learned like the ignorant [do].

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the clash between those who possess knowledge and those who lack it.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (dadda) "ضادَّ" means to antagonize, oppose, or challenge. It implies a conflict or clash between two parties. (al-'ulama') "العُلَماءَ" refers to the learned individuals, scholars, or those who possess knowledge. On the other hand, (al-jahil) "الجُهّالِ" refers to the ignorant, those who lack knowledge or understanding.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of knowledge in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Zumar, Allah says, (Quran 39:9)

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not, emphasizing the superiority of the former.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila, Allah states, (Quran 62:5)

And among them are unlettered ones who do not know the Scripture except in wishful thinking, but they are only assuming

This verse highlights the danger of ignorance and baseless assumptions, emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge from authentic sources.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement sheds light on the clash between knowledge and ignorance. The learned individuals, who have dedicated their lives to acquiring knowledge and understanding, are often faced with opposition from the ignorant. The ignorant, lacking knowledge and understanding, may challenge or oppose the teachings of the learned out of their own ignorance.

This clash between knowledge and ignorance has profound consequences. The antagonism of the ignorant towards the learned can hinder the dissemination of knowledge and impede intellectual growth within society. It can lead to the spread of misinformation, misunderstandings, and even conflicts. Conversely, the learned individuals, through their knowledge and wisdom, have the ability to guide and enlighten others, fostering a society based on truth and understanding.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to value and respect knowledge. It encourages us to seek knowledge from authentic sources and to appreciate the efforts of scholars and learned individuals. It also reminds us to be cautious of baseless assumptions and to avoid opposing or challenging the teachings of the learned without proper understanding.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the clash between the learned and the ignorant. It emphasizes the importance of knowledge and the dangers of ignorance. By seeking knowledge, respecting scholars, and avoiding baseless assumptions, Muslims can contribute to the growth and enlightenment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and to appreciate the wisdom of the learned.