Hadith #8638

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

None has sat in the company of this Qur’an but that he has risen with an increase or a decrease – an increase in guidance or a decrease in [spiritual] blindness.

This impactful Hadith highlights the transformative power of the Qur'an and the impact it has on those who engage with it.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (jālasa) "جالَسَ" means to sit or be in the company of. It implies a close and intimate connection with the Qur'an, where one actively engages with its teachings and reflects upon its verses. The word (Qur’an) "قُرْآنَ" refers to the divine revelation, the final and complete book of guidance sent by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to humanity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that every individual who sits in the company of the Qur'an experiences either an increase or a decrease. This increase or decrease can be understood in two ways: an increase in guidance or a decrease in spiritual blindness. Let us explore these two aspects in light of the Qur'an.

The Qur'an repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His divine words. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Qur'an 2:2)

This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah

The Qur'an serves as a source of guidance for Muslims, providing them with clear instructions on how to lead a righteous and fulfilling life. When one sits in the company of the Qur'an, sincerely seeking guidance, they are blessed with an increase in knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment.

On the other hand, the decrease mentioned in the Hadith refers to a decrease in spiritual blindness. Spiritual blindness refers to the state of being unaware or ignorant of the true purpose of life and the path to righteousness. The Qur'an addresses this issue in Surah Al-An'am, where Allah says, (Qur'an 22:46)

Indeed, it is not the eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the breasts

When one engages with the Qur'an, their spiritual blindness is gradually diminished, and they gain a deeper understanding of the purpose of their existence and the reality of the world around them.

The consequences of sitting in the company of the Qur'an are profound. When individuals actively engage with the Qur'an, seeking guidance and reflecting upon its teachings, they are transformed. They become more conscious of their actions, more aware of their responsibilities, and more inclined towards righteousness. The Qur'an acts as a guiding light, illuminating their path and enabling them to make informed decisions in all aspects of life.

Moreover, the impact of sitting in the company of the Qur'an extends beyond the individual. As Muslims, we are encouraged to share the knowledge and guidance we acquire from the Qur'an with others. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Qur'an 3:110)

You are the best nation produced for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah

By embodying the teachings of the Qur'an and spreading its message, Muslims contribute to the betterment of society and the establishment of justice and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transformative power of the Qur'an. When individuals sit in the company of the Qur'an, seeking guidance and reflecting upon its teachings, they experience an increase in guidance and a decrease in spiritual blindness. This transformative process leads to a deeper understanding of the purpose of life, increased consciousness of one's actions, and a commitment to righteousness. As Muslims, it is our duty to engage with the Qur'an and share its wisdom with others, contributing to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us all with the ability to sit in the company of the Qur'an and benefit from its guidance.