Hadith #1553

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ذَهابُ البَصَرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ عَمَى البَصيرَةِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of insight and understanding over mere physical eyesight. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (dahab) "ذَهابُ" in this Hadith means "the loss" or "the disappearance." It refers to the physical loss of eyesight. On the other hand, (ama) "عَمَى" means "blindness" or "darkness." In this context, it signifies the blindness of insight or understanding. The word (basirah) "بَصَيرَةِ" refers to insight or perception.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:46),

Have they not traveled through the land, and have they hearts wherewith to understand and ears wherewith to hear? Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind.

This verse highlights the importance of insight and understanding. It reminds us that true blindness lies not in the physical eyes but in the hearts that fail to comprehend the signs of Allah. It is the blindness of insight that hinders one from recognizing the truth and comprehending the deeper meanings of the world around them.

Another verse that sheds light on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:50), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'Have you considered: if Allah should take away your hearing and your sight and set a seal upon your hearts, which deity other than Allah could bring them back to you?' Look how we diversify the signs; then they [still] turn away.

This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing the blessings of hearing and sight as means to gain insight and understanding. It highlights that without these faculties, one would be unable to perceive the signs of Allah and comprehend His message. Therefore, the loss of eyesight, while challenging, can be considered a lesser loss compared to the blindness of insight.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of seeking knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. It encourages us to reflect on the deeper meanings of the world around us and to strive for insight rather than being content with mere superficial observation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, which he acquired through his close association with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his deep understanding of the Quran. His statement in this Hadith reflects his profound understanding of the importance of insight and the dangers of ignorance.

The consequences of the loss of insight are far-reaching. It can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and misguided actions. Without insight, one may be easily swayed by false ideologies, fall into ignorance, and fail to recognize the truth. On the other hand, possessing insight allows one to navigate through the complexities of life, make informed decisions, and seek the pleasure of Allah.

As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate insight and understanding by seeking knowledge, reflecting on the Quran, and emulating the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. By doing so, we can avoid the blindness of insight and gain a deeper understanding of the world and our purpose in it.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of insight and understanding over mere physical eyesight. It urges us to seek knowledge, reflect on the Quran, and strive for a deeper understanding of the world around us. May Allah grant us the ability to perceive His signs and grant us true insight.