Hadith #7552

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أضاعَ عِلْمَهُ اِلْتَطَمَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who wastes his knowledge [by not acting upon it] faces turmoil.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (adhaa) "أضاعَ" in this Hadith means to waste, lose, or squander. It refers to the act of neglecting or not utilizing one's knowledge. The word (ilmahu) "عِلْمَهُ" refers to knowledge, specifically the knowledge that one possesses. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. The word (iltatama) "اِلْتَطَمَ" means to face turmoil, distress, or hardship. It signifies the consequences that one may face as a result of wasting their knowledge.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of knowledge in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It emphasizes the superiority of knowledge and the responsibility that comes with it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11), Allah states,

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

This verse highlights the elevated status of those who possess knowledge. It implies that knowledge is a means of spiritual elevation and closeness to Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to not only acquire knowledge but also to act upon it. Knowledge without action is futile and can lead to detrimental consequences. When one possesses knowledge but fails to implement it in their lives, they are wasting the blessings and opportunities that Allah has bestowed upon them.

By neglecting to act upon their knowledge, individuals may face turmoil and distress. This turmoil can manifest in various forms, such as internal conflicts, moral dilemmas, and spiritual stagnation. They may experience a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, as they are not utilizing their knowledge to benefit themselves and others.

To illustrate this, let us consider an example. Imagine a person who has extensive knowledge of the Quran and its teachings. They are well-versed in the principles of justice, compassion, and mercy. However, despite their knowledge, they fail to embody these principles in their interactions with others. They may engage in unjust behavior, lack empathy, and disregard the rights of others.

As a result, this person will face turmoil in their relationships, both with Allah and with fellow human beings. They will experience a sense of inner conflict and spiritual unease. Their knowledge, which could have been a source of guidance and enlightenment, becomes a burden that weighs them down.

In contrast, a person who acts upon their knowledge experiences tranquility and blessings. They utilize their knowledge to make positive changes in their lives and the lives of others. Their knowledge becomes a means of spiritual growth and fulfillment. They are able to navigate through the challenges of life with wisdom and grace.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to not only acquire knowledge but also to act upon it. Wasting one's knowledge by neglecting to implement it can lead to turmoil and distress. It is essential for Muslims to strive for a harmonious balance between acquiring knowledge and applying it in their daily lives. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to act upon the knowledge we possess and protect us from the consequences of wasting it.