Hadith #7312

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Knowledge calls out to action, so if it responds to it [then it stays] otherwise it departs.

This beautiful saying highlights the inseparable connection between knowledge and action. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (knowledge) "عِلْمُ" in this Hadith refers to the understanding and awareness of religious teachings and principles. It encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical wisdom. Knowledge is not merely an intellectual pursuit, but it is meant to guide and inspire us towards righteous actions.

The word (calls out) "يَهْتِفُ" signifies that knowledge actively seeks to motivate and encourage individuals towards action. It is not passive or dormant, but rather it has a voice that urges us to implement what we have learned. This highlights the dynamic nature of knowledge, which is meant to be applied and put into practice.

The word (action) "اَلْعَمَلِ" refers to the practical application of knowledge in our daily lives. It encompasses all acts of worship, moral conduct, and social responsibilities. It is through action that knowledge is internalized and its benefits are realized. Without action, knowledge remains superficial and fails to have a transformative impact on our lives.

The phrase (if it responds to it) "إِنْ أَجَابَهُ" emphasizes the importance of acting upon the knowledge we possess. When we hear the call of knowledge and respond to it by implementing what we have learned, our knowledge is affirmed and strengthened. This response is not limited to a one-time action, but rather it requires consistent and continuous effort to align our actions with our knowledge.

The phrase (otherwise it departs) "إِلاَّ اِرْتَحَلَ" highlights the consequence of neglecting or disregarding the call of knowledge. If we fail to act upon the knowledge we possess, it gradually fades away and loses its impact on our lives. Knowledge is not stagnant; it either grows or diminishes based on our response to it. Neglecting to act upon knowledge leads to its departure and the loss of its blessings.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:110),

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 verse emphasizes the importance of not only knowing what is right and wrong but also actively promoting righteousness and preventing evil. It highlights the inseparable connection between knowledge and action.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the necessity of combining faith with righteous actions and encouraging one another towards truth and patience. It reinforces the idea that knowledge is not beneficial unless it is accompanied by action and shared with others.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively apply the knowledge they possess. It urges us to be proactive in implementing the teachings of Islam in our lives and to strive for continuous self-improvement. Knowledge without action is like a tree without fruit; it lacks purpose and fails to bring about positive change.

When we respond to the call of knowledge and translate it into action, we not only benefit ourselves but also become a source of guidance and inspiration for others. Our actions become a reflection of our knowledge and a means of spreading goodness in society. Conversely, neglecting to act upon knowledge leads to its departure and the loss of its blessings.

Let us strive to be individuals who not only seek knowledge but also respond to its call. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement what we learn and to be a source of positive change in the world. May He bless us with the ability to continuously seek knowledge and to use it to benefit ourselves and others.