Hadith #7320

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Acquire knowledge and it will earn you life.

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and its direct impact on our lives. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its deeper meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

The word (iktasiboo) "اِكْتَسِبُوا" in the Hadith means to acquire or seek. It implies a proactive effort to gain knowledge, indicating that knowledge is not something that is passively obtained but rather requires active pursuit. This aligns with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of actively seeking knowledge and how it elevates individuals in His sight.

The word (al-'ilm) "العِلْمَ" in the Hadith refers to knowledge. In the Quran, Allah repeatedly emphasizes the significance of knowledge and its role in guiding humanity. For example, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This rhetorical question highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ra'd (13:11), Allah states,

Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.

This verse underscores the transformative power of knowledge and how it can bring about positive change in individuals and societies.

The phrase (yaksibkumu al-hayat) "يَكْسِبْكُمُ الحَياةَ" in the Hadith translates to

it will earn you life.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the life-giving nature of knowledge. This is reminiscent of the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Anfal (8:24), where Allah says,

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life.

Knowledge, when acquired and implemented, brings spiritual, intellectual, and practical life to individuals, enabling them to navigate the challenges of this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of knowledge as a means of personal growth, enlightenment, and guidance. By seeking knowledge, Muslims can gain a deeper understanding of their faith, strengthen their relationship with Allah, and contribute positively to society. Knowledge equips individuals with the tools to make informed decisions, solve problems, and lead a purposeful life.

Furthermore, the pursuit of knowledge is not limited to religious matters but encompasses all fields of study. Islam encourages Muslims to seek knowledge in various disciplines, including science, medicine, arts, and humanities. The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Rum (30:22) states,

And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge.

This verse highlights the diversity of knowledge and the signs of Allah's creation, urging Muslims to explore and appreciate the wonders of the universe.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and its transformative power in our lives. By actively acquiring knowledge, we not only gain intellectual growth but also spiritual enlightenment and practical guidance. The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey that enriches our understanding of the world and our purpose in it. Let us strive to be lifelong learners, seeking knowledge in all its forms, and may Allah bless us with the wisdom to apply that knowledge for the betterment of ourselves and humanity as a whole.