Hadith #9394

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما بَعْدَ التَّبْيينِ إلاّ اللَّبْسُ۔

This can be translated into English as,

There is nothing after clarification but confusion.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words it contains. The word (tabyeen) "تَبْيِين" refers to clarity, explanation, or making something clear. It is derived from the root word (bayyana) "بَيَّنَ", which means to clarify or elucidate. The word (labs) "لَبْس" means confusion, ambiguity, or obscurity. It signifies a state of uncertainty or lack of clarity.

This Hadith highlights the importance of clarity and the dangers of confusion. It emphasizes that once something has been clearly explained or elucidated, there should be no room for confusion or ambiguity. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to seek clarity in matters of faith and to avoid falling into confusion or doubt.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256),

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong.

This verse highlights the importance of clarity in matters of religion. It affirms that the true path is distinct from falsehood, and there should be no confusion or compulsion in matters of faith.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:35), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things.

This verse highlights the clarity and guidance that Allah provides to those who seek His light. It emphasizes that Allah's guidance is clear and illuminating, dispelling any confusion or darkness.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the connotation of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that once something has been clearly explained or elucidated, there should be no room for confusion or ambiguity. It encourages us to seek clarity in matters of faith and to avoid falling into the trap of confusion.

This Hadith also has broader implications beyond matters of faith. It reminds us of the importance of clarity in all aspects of life. Whether it is in our personal relationships, professional endeavors, or societal interactions, clarity plays a crucial role in avoiding misunderstandings and fostering harmony.

For example, imagine a situation where a person receives unclear instructions for a task. Without seeking clarification, they proceed to carry out the task, leading to confusion and mistakes. However, if they had sought clarity and asked for further explanation, the task could have been completed accurately and efficiently. This illustrates how clarity can prevent confusion and its negative consequences.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

There is nothing after clarification but confusion

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to seek clarity in matters of faith and in all aspects of life. It urges us to avoid confusion and ambiguity by seeking clear explanations and understanding. By doing so, we can navigate through life with clarity, avoiding the pitfalls of confusion and its detrimental consequences. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek and uphold clarity in all aspects of our lives.