Hadith #7398

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the essence and significance of knowledge. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first word we shall examine is (jamal) "جَمالُ", which translates to "beauty" or "excellence." Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inherent beauty and splendor of knowledge. Knowledge is not merely a means to an end, but rather a source of enlightenment and enrichment for the soul.

The next word is (nashruhu) "نَشْرُهُ", which means "its dissemination" or "spreading." This emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge with others. Islam encourages Muslims to seek knowledge and then share it with their fellow believers, as well as with the wider society. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (Surah Al-Zumar, 39:9):

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

The Hadith then states, (wathamratuhu al'amalu bihi) "وَثَمَرَتُهُ العَمَلُ بِهِ", which means

its fruit is [in] acting upon it.

This highlights the practical aspect of knowledge. Merely acquiring knowledge is not sufficient; it must be implemented in our actions and behavior. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (Surah Al-Imran, 3:79):

It is not for a human [prophet] that Allah should give him the Scripture and authority and prophethood and then he would say to the people, 'Be servants to me rather than Allah.' But [instead, he would say], 'Be pious scholars of the Lord because of what you have taught of the Scripture and because of what you have studied.'

Lastly, the Hadith states, (wasiyanatuhu wad'uuhu fi ahlihi)

وَصِيانَتُهُ وَضْعُهُ فِي أهْلِهِ

which means

its preservation is [in] placing it with those who are worthy of it.

This emphasizes the importance of safeguarding knowledge and entrusting it to those who are deserving and capable of preserving it. It is crucial to ensure that knowledge is not misused or distorted. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:269):

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that knowledge is a precious gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that should be cherished and shared. It is not meant to be hoarded or used for personal gain, but rather to benefit humanity as a whole. The dissemination of knowledge allows it to flourish and impact the lives of others positively. Acting upon knowledge is the true measure of its worth, as it transforms theoretical understanding into practical application.

Furthermore, knowledge must be preserved and protected, ensuring its purity and authenticity. It should be entrusted to those who are worthy and capable of upholding its principles and teachings. This safeguards against the distortion or misinterpretation of knowledge, ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the essence of knowledge. It emphasizes the beauty of knowledge, the importance of sharing it, the necessity of acting upon it, and the need to preserve and protect it. As Muslims, we should strive to seek knowledge, disseminate it, act upon it, and entrust it to those who are deserving. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to appreciate the true value of knowledge and its profound impact on our lives.