Hadith #7417

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

عِلْمُ المُؤْمِنِ في عَمَلِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

The knowledge of a believer is [manifested] in his action.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of practical application of knowledge in the life of a believer.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (knowledge) "عِلْمُ" refers to the understanding and awareness of religious teachings and principles. It encompasses both theoretical knowledge acquired through learning and practical knowledge acquired through experience and application. The word (believer) "مُؤْمِنِ" refers to a Muslim who has faith in Allah and follows the teachings of Islam. And finally, the word (his action) "عَمَلِهِ" refers to the deeds and actions performed by a believer.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, Ayah 110,

You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.

This ayah highlights the importance of believers not only having knowledge but also actively enjoining good and forbidding evil. It emphasizes the practical aspect of knowledge and the responsibility of believers to implement it in their actions.

Another ayah that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Ayah 35, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.

This ayah encourages believers to fear Allah, seek closeness to Him, and strive in His cause. It emphasizes the importance of taking action based on knowledge and striving for righteousness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true knowledge is not merely confined to intellectual understanding or the accumulation of information. Rather, it is the practical application of that knowledge in our daily lives that truly reflects our faith and sincerity. It is through our actions that our knowledge becomes evident and meaningful.

When a believer possesses knowledge, it is incumbent upon them to translate that knowledge into action. For example, if a person has knowledge of the importance of prayer, they should not only have theoretical knowledge of its significance but also actively perform their prayers with devotion and sincerity. Similarly, if a believer has knowledge of the importance of kindness and compassion, they should demonstrate these qualities in their interactions with others.

The consequences of neglecting the practical application of knowledge are grave. It can lead to hypocrisy, where one's actions contradict their knowledge and beliefs. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against this in Surah Al-Munafiqun, Ayah 2, where He says,

They say with their mouths what is not in their hearts.

This highlights the danger of having knowledge but failing to act upon it, as it undermines the sincerity of one's faith.

On the other hand, when a believer actively applies their knowledge in their actions, it leads to a virtuous cycle of growth and spiritual development. Their actions become a means of drawing closer to Allah and attaining His pleasure. As Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 277,

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true knowledge is not confined to intellectual understanding alone. It is the practical application of that knowledge in our actions that truly reflects our faith and sincerity. By actively implementing our knowledge, we strive to become better believers and draw closer to Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to apply our knowledge in our actions and may He accept our efforts.