مَنْ سَكَنَ قَلْبَهُ العِلْمُ بِاللّهِ سَكَنَهُ الغِنى عَن خَلْقِ اللّهِ۔
Whoever keeps knowledge about Allah in his heart has accommodated independence from the creation of Allah in it.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Heart)
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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
Whoever keeps knowledge about Allah in his heart has accommodated independence from the creation of Allah in it.
This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance of having knowledge of Allah and its impact on one's relationship with the creation.
Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (sakana) "سَكَنَ" means to dwell or reside, indicating a state of tranquility and stability. (qalbahu) "قَلْبَهُ" refers to the heart, which in Islamic teachings is not merely a physical organ but also the center of one's consciousness and spirituality. (al-'ilmu billah) "العِلْمُ بِاللّهِ" means knowledge about Allah, encompassing the understanding of His attributes, His oneness, and His guidance.
To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:54),
And that those who have been given knowledge may know that it is the truth from your Lord and [therefore] believe in it, and their hearts humbly submit to it.
This verse highlights the connection between knowledge and the submission of the heart. When the heart is filled with knowledge of Allah, it becomes receptive to the truth and submits to His guidance.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:43), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,
And [remember] when Allah showed them to you in your dream as few; and if He had shown them to you as many, you [believers] would have lost courage and would have disputed in the matter [of whether to fight], but Allah saved [you from that]. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.
This verse highlights that Allah's knowledge encompasses what lies within the hearts of people. It emphasizes the importance of having knowledge of Allah's wisdom and guidance to avoid disputes and conflicts.
Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's Hadith. When a person's heart is filled with knowledge about Allah, it becomes a dwelling place of tranquility and contentment. This knowledge provides a sense of independence from the creation of Allah. It does not imply isolation or disregard for others, but rather a detachment from worldly attachments and a reliance on Allah alone.
When one truly understands Allah's attributes, His mercy, His justice, and His wisdom, they realize that true fulfillment and contentment can only be found in seeking His pleasure. This knowledge enables a person to navigate through the challenges of life with patience, gratitude, and trust in Allah's plan. It liberates them from the constant pursuit of worldly desires and the need for validation from others.
Moreover, this knowledge empowers individuals to make decisions based on divine guidance rather than societal pressures or personal whims. It allows them to prioritize their actions according to what pleases Allah, rather than seeking approval or validation from the creation. This independence from the creation grants them inner peace and freedom from the shackles of worldly attachments.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge about Allah and its profound impact on one's relationship with the creation. When the heart is filled with this knowledge, it becomes a dwelling place of tranquility and independence. Such knowledge enables individuals to navigate through life with wisdom, contentment, and a deep sense of reliance on Allah. May we all strive to seek knowledge about Allah and cultivate a heart that is firmly rooted in His guidance.
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