Hadith #11275

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who seeks guidance from those who do not possess it is led astray.

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from those who are qualified and knowledgeable. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (guidance) "هِدايَةَ" refers to the correct path, the way of righteousness, and the knowledge that leads one towards Allah's pleasure. The word (those who possess it) "أهْلِها" refers to the people who are qualified and knowledgeable in providing guidance. It is crucial to seek guidance from those who possess the necessary knowledge and understanding.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:116),

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying.

This verse highlights the danger of blindly following the majority without considering their qualifications and knowledge. It warns us that following those who do not possess guidance will lead us astray from the path of Allah. Therefore, it is essential to seek guidance from those who are truly knowledgeable and possess the correct understanding of the religion.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Furqan (25:43), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Have you seen the one who takes his own desire as his god? Then would you be responsible for him?

This verse highlights the danger of seeking guidance from one's own desires or from those who are driven by their own whims and desires. Such individuals do not possess true guidance and are prone to leading others astray. Therefore, it is crucial to seek guidance from those who are not influenced by personal desires but are guided by the principles of Islam.

The exegesis of this Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from qualified individuals who possess true knowledge and understanding of the religion. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, warns us against blindly following those who lack the necessary qualifications.

By seeking guidance from those who possess true knowledge, we protect ourselves from being led astray and ensure that our actions are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and discerning when seeking guidance, and to always turn to those who possess the necessary qualifications and understanding of the religion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from those who possess true knowledge and understanding. It warns against blindly following those who lack the necessary qualifications, as they can lead us astray from the path of Allah. By adhering to this guidance, we can ensure that our actions are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and that we are on the right path towards Allah's pleasure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to seek knowledge from the right sources and protect us from being led astray.