Hadith #7321

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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:

اِمْتاحُوا (اِمْتَحوا) مِنْ صَفْوِ عَين قَدْرُوِّقَتْ مِنَ الكَدَرِ۔

This can be translated as:

Draw water from the clear spring which has been cleansed of all impurity.

Let us begin by examining the key words in this Hadith. The word (imtahū) "اِمْتَحوا" is derived from the root word (mahā) "مَحَا", which means to draw or extract. It signifies the action of obtaining something valuable or beneficial. The word (safw) "صَفْوِ" refers to clarity, purity, and cleanliness. It represents the state of being free from any impurities or contaminants. The word (qadruwwiqat) "قَدْرُوِّقَتْ" refers to a spring or source of water. Lastly, the word (alkadar) "الكَدَرِ" refers to impurity or filth.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking the best provisions for our journey in life. Just as we choose the purest and cleanest water to quench our thirst, we should also seek the best provisions for our spiritual nourishment.

Drawing water from a clear spring symbolizes seeking knowledge and guidance from a pure and reliable source. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is urging us to seek knowledge from sources that are free from impurities and falsehoods. This Hadith encourages us to be discerning in our quest for knowledge, ensuring that we acquire it from trustworthy and authentic sources.

In Surah Al-Imran, verse 7, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

He it is Who has sent down to you the Book; in it are verses that are decisive in meaning - they are the foundation of the Book - and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is not entirely clear, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah. But those firm in knowledge say, 'We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord.' And no one will be reminded except those of understanding.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking knowledge from reliable sources and those who possess firm knowledge. It warns against following unclear or ambiguous interpretations that may lead to discord and confusion. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us to draw from the clear spring of knowledge, which has been purified from any impurities or distortions.

By emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge from pure sources, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is guiding us towards a path of enlightenment and righteousness. Just as pure water quenches our physical thirst and cleanses our bodies, seeking knowledge from reliable and authentic sources purifies our souls and nourishes our intellect.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder for us to be cautious of the information and knowledge we consume in this age of abundant resources. With the proliferation of social media and the internet, it is crucial to verify the authenticity and reliability of the sources we rely on for knowledge. We must be vigilant in distinguishing between truth and falsehood, seeking guidance from those who possess deep knowledge and understanding.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to draw water from the clear spring of knowledge, which has been purified from impurities and falsehoods. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge from reliable and authentic sources, just as we choose the purest water to quench our thirst. By doing so, we can attain enlightenment, purify our souls, and navigate through life with wisdom and discernment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our pursuit of knowledge and grant us the ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood.