Hadith #7345

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

العِلْمُ حَياةٌ، الإيمانُ نَجاةٌ۔

This enlightening saying translates to

Knowledge is life, faith is salvation.

Let us delve into the depths of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us reflect upon the word (knowledge) "عِلْمُ". Knowledge, in its broadest sense, encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. It is the acquisition of information, understanding, and wisdom. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant.

Furthermore, the word (life) "حَياةٌ" in the Hadith signifies the vitality and enrichment that knowledge brings to one's existence. Knowledge is not merely a collection of facts, but it is a transformative force that breathes life into our souls. It enlightens our minds, broadens our perspectives, and enables us to navigate through the complexities of life. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:24), Allah says,

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life.

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of responding to the call of the Prophet (ﷺ), who was the embodiment of knowledge, as it brings true life to our hearts and souls.

Moving on to the second part of the Hadith, (faith is salvation) "الإيمانُ نَجاةٌ", we understand that faith is the key to our ultimate salvation. Faith, or "إيمان," is the belief in the unseen, the conviction in the existence and oneness of Allah, and the acceptance of His messengers and divine scriptures. It is through faith that we find solace, guidance, and protection in this world and the hereafter. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse reminds us that faith is a source of strength and resilience, as it provides us with the assurance that Allah will not burden us with trials beyond our capacity.

The combination of knowledge and faith is essential for our spiritual growth and salvation. Knowledge without faith may lead to arrogance and intellectual pride, while faith without knowledge may lead to blind adherence and ignorance. When knowledge is rooted in faith, it becomes a means of attaining closeness to Allah and fulfilling our purpose in life. In Surah Al-Ankabut (29:43), Allah says,

And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.

This verse highlights the importance of knowledge in understanding the signs and lessons that Allah has placed in the world around us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the inseparable connection between knowledge and faith. Knowledge, when coupled with faith, becomes a guiding light that illuminates our path towards salvation. It empowers us to make informed decisions, seek truth, and uphold justice. Faith, on the other hand, provides the spiritual foundation and moral compass that directs our pursuit of knowledge.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

العِلْمُ حَياةٌ، الإيمانُ نَجاةٌ

encapsulates the profound relationship between knowledge and faith. It reminds us that knowledge is not just a means of acquiring information, but a transformative force that breathes life into our existence. Faith, on the other hand, is the key to our salvation, providing us with guidance, strength, and protection. As Muslims, we are encouraged to seek knowledge, deepen our faith, and strive for the harmonious integration of both in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the significance of this Hadith and the ability to apply its teachings in our daily lives.