Hadith #1013

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic phrase "قَدْ تَعُمُّ(تُغَمُّ) الأُمورُ۔" from the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) can be translated as

Sometimes matters become prevalent (or obscure).

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith in light of the Quran.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-An'am, verse 59:

And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in a clear record.

This verse highlights the vast knowledge and wisdom of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), who has complete awareness of all matters, whether they are apparent or hidden. Similarly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in his impactful Hadith acknowledges that at times, matters may become prevalent or obscure to human beings.

The word (ta'umm) "تَعُمُّ" or (tughammu) "تُغَمُّ" in the Hadith can be understood as the fluctuation or variation in the understanding and perception of different matters. It implies that sometimes things may become clear and easily comprehensible, while at other times they may become obscure and difficult to grasp.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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

This verse emphasizes the clarity and guidance that the Quran provides to those who have taqwa (consciousness of Allah). However, it is important to note that even though the Quran is a clear source of guidance, human understanding and interpretation may vary due to various factors such as knowledge, intellect, and personal biases.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the gate of knowledge and wisdom, acknowledges that the understanding of matters can fluctuate among individuals. This fluctuation can be influenced by various factors such as personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and levels of knowledge. It is a reminder for Muslims to approach matters with humility and open-mindedness, recognizing that our understanding may not always be complete or absolute.

For example, in the field of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), scholars may have different opinions on certain matters based on their interpretation of the Quran and Sunnah. This diversity of opinions is a mercy from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and allows for flexibility and adaptability within the framework of Islamic teachings.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge and strive for a deeper understanding of matters. It encourages us to engage in critical thinking, reflection, and continuous learning. By doing so, we can broaden our perspectives and enhance our ability to navigate through the complexities of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "قَدْ تَعُمُّ(تُغَمُّ) الأُمورُ۔" reminds us of the fluctuating nature of human understanding and perception. It encourages us to approach matters with humility, seek knowledge, and strive for a deeper understanding. By doing so, we can navigate through the complexities of life and align our actions with the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as revealed in the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us wisdom and understanding in all matters and guide us on the straight path.