Hadith #7518

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The scholar is alive even when he is dead.

This beautiful saying highlights the eternal nature of knowledge and the lasting impact it has on the world, even after the physical departure of its possessor.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (alim) "عالِمُ" refers to a person who possesses knowledge and understanding. This knowledge encompasses various fields, including religious, scientific, and worldly knowledge. The term (hayy) "حَيٌّ" means alive, indicating that the scholar's influence continues to exist and have an impact even after their physical demise. And finally, the word (mayyitan) "مَيِّتاً" means dead, referring to the physical state of the scholar after their passing.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Zumar (39:42),

It is Allah who takes the souls at the time of their death and those that do not die during their sleep. He retains those souls for which He has decreed death and releases the others for a specified term.

This verse emphasizes that death is not the end of existence but rather a transition from one realm to another. Similarly, the knowledge possessed by a scholar does not perish with their physical departure but continues to live on, benefiting humanity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:154), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah, 'They are dead.' Rather, they are alive, but you perceive it not.

This verse highlights the concept of spiritual life beyond physical death. Just as the martyrs are considered alive in the sight of Allah, the scholars who have left behind their knowledge are also alive through the impact they have made on society.

The exegesis of this Hadith reveals profound insights. The statement

The scholar is alive even when he is dead

emphasizes the perpetual nature of knowledge. When a scholar imparts knowledge, it continues to benefit others long after their passing. Their teachings, writings, and contributions to society remain as a legacy, guiding and inspiring future generations. This Hadith encourages Muslims to value and honor scholars, recognizing their enduring influence and the importance of preserving and disseminating their knowledge.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder for scholars themselves to recognize the weight of their responsibility. It motivates them to strive for excellence in their pursuit of knowledge, knowing that their efforts will have a lasting impact. It also encourages scholars to share their knowledge generously, as the benefits of their teachings will continue to benefit others even after they have departed from this world.

Additionally, this Hadith highlights the significance of seeking knowledge and the importance of education in Islam. It encourages Muslims to actively engage in the pursuit of knowledge, as it is a means of spiritual growth and a way to contribute positively to society. By seeking knowledge and sharing it with others, Muslims can ensure that the legacy of the scholars lives on, benefiting generations to come.

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

The scholar is alive even when he is dead

emphasizes the eternal nature of knowledge and the lasting impact it has on the world. It encourages Muslims to value and honor scholars, recognizing their enduring influence and the importance of preserving and disseminating their knowledge. It also motivates scholars to strive for excellence and share their knowledge generously, knowing that their efforts will continue to benefit humanity long after their physical departure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and the ability to benefit from the knowledge of others.