Hadith #9211

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the noble characteristic of feigning inattention towards something that one already knows. This act is considered to be one of the most honorable actions of a noble-minded person. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (ta'gafulu) "تَغَافُلُهُ". It refers to pretending or feigning inattention towards something. This implies that the noble-minded person possesses knowledge or awareness of a certain matter but chooses to act as if they are unaware. This action is considered honorable because it demonstrates humility, wisdom, and self-control.

To further understand the significance of this concept, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63:

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to ignorance with humility and peace, rather than engaging in unnecessary arguments or displaying one's knowledge.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 55, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises Prophet Musa (Moses) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to approach Pharaoh with gentle words:

And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [Allah].

This verse teaches us the importance of using gentle and kind words, even when dealing with those who may oppose us or hold different beliefs.

The act of feigning inattention towards something one already knows can have profound consequences. Firstly, it allows for the preservation of harmony and peace in relationships. By choosing not to assert one's knowledge unnecessarily, conflicts and arguments can be avoided. This approach fosters an atmosphere of understanding and respect among individuals.

Secondly, feigning inattention demonstrates humility and wisdom. It reflects the recognition that knowledge is a blessing from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and should be used for the betterment of oneself and others. By not flaunting one's knowledge, a noble-minded person shows humility and avoids arrogance.

Moreover, this action encourages others to seek knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions. When someone pretends not to know something, it creates an opportunity for others to share their knowledge and contribute to the conversation. This fosters a sense of inclusivity and encourages the growth of knowledge within the community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the honorable action of feigning inattention towards something one already knows. This act promotes humility, wisdom, and the preservation of peace in relationships. By referring to the Quranic verses that emphasize humility, gentle speech, and the importance of avoiding unnecessary arguments, we can understand the profound significance of this noble characteristic. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody this noble quality in our interactions with others.