Hadith #4665

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) advises us not to inquire about things that have not yet occurred. Instead, we are encouraged to focus on the knowledge that is already available to us regarding past events. This Hadith highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding from the past, rather than indulging in speculation about the future.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (tas'alunna) "تَسْئَلُنَّ" is derived from the root word (sa'ala) "سَأَلَ", which means to ask or inquire. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to ask about (ma lam yakun) "مَا لَمْ يَكُنْ", which refers to things that have not yet happened. Instead, he encourages us to focus on (fi alladhi qad kana)

فِي الَّذِي قَدْ كَانَ

which means that which has already come to pass or has already occurred. The word (ilmun) "عِلْمٌ" refers to knowledge, and (kaf) "كَافٌ" means enough or sufficient.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding from the past. In Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 78, Allah says,

And We bestowed wisdom upon Luqman: 'Be grateful to Allah.' And whoever is grateful is grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse reminds us of the importance of being grateful for the knowledge and wisdom that has already been bestowed upon us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 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 cautions us against seeking knowledge about matters that are beyond our comprehension or have not yet occurred. Instead, we are encouraged to focus on acquiring knowledge that is beneficial and within our capacity to understand.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is rooted in the understanding that we should prioritize seeking knowledge from the past, as it provides us with valuable lessons and insights. By reflecting on historical events and the knowledge gained from them, we can make informed decisions and navigate the challenges of the present and future.

For example, if we are faced with a dilemma or a decision, we can look to the past and learn from the experiences of others. The stories of the Prophets and their struggles, as mentioned in the Quran, provide us with guidance and wisdom. By studying the lives of these noble individuals, we can gain knowledge that is relevant to our own lives and circumstances.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice encourages us to focus on the present moment and make the most of the knowledge and opportunities available to us. By immersing ourselves in the present and utilizing the knowledge we have, we can make meaningful contributions to society and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to prioritize seeking knowledge from the past and to refrain from speculating about the future. By focusing on the knowledge that has already been revealed and the lessons learned from historical events, we can make informed decisions and navigate the challenges of life. Let us strive to be grateful for the knowledge we have and seek wisdom from the past to guide us in the present and future. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and understanding that benefits us in this world and the hereafter.