Hadith #969

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a profound reflection on the greatness of Allah's creation and the limited knowledge that human beings possess. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its connotation and its connection to the teachings of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) praising Allah by acknowledging the magnificence of His creation. The word (a'zama) "أعْظَمَ" means "great" or "magnificent." Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is expressing his awe and wonder at the vastness and beauty of Allah's creation. This sentiment is echoed in the Quran, where Allah repeatedly emphasizes His power and creativity in bringing forth the universe:

(Quran 39:62)

Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is, over all things, Disposer of affairs.

(Quran 7:54)

Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne. He covers the night with the day, [another night] chasing it rapidly; and [He created] the sun, the moon, and the stars, subjected by His command. Unquestionably, His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then contrasts the greatness of Allah's creation with the limited knowledge that human beings possess. He uses the word (asghara) "أصغَرَ", which means "small" or "insignificant." This highlights the fact that no matter how much knowledge we acquire, it is minuscule compared to the vastness of Allah's knowledge and power. Our understanding is limited, and there are countless aspects of Allah's might that remain hidden from us.

The Quran also emphasizes the limited knowledge of human beings and the vastness of Allah's knowledge:

(Quran 2:255)

And they will never encompass anything of His knowledge except for what He wills.

(Quran 31:27)

And if whatever trees upon the earth were pens and the sea [was ink], replenished thereafter by seven [more] seas, the words of Allah would not be exhausted. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reflection on the limited nature of human knowledge serves as a reminder for us to remain humble and recognize our limitations. It encourages us to constantly seek knowledge and strive to deepen our understanding of Allah's creation. It also reminds us to rely on Allah and His infinite wisdom, knowing that He is the All-Knowing and All-Powerful.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the signs of Allah's greatness in the world around us. Every aspect of creation, from the smallest atom to the vastness of the universe, bears witness to the power and wisdom of its Creator. By reflecting on the greatness of Allah's creation, we are reminded of His presence and His ability to bring about miracles and wonders.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the limited nature of human knowledge and the vastness of Allah's knowledge and power. It encourages us to remain humble, seek knowledge, and appreciate the signs of Allah's greatness in the world around us. May Allah increase us in knowledge and grant us the wisdom to recognize His greatness in all that He has created.