Hadith #7524

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the true essence of knowledge and the qualities that make a person a true scholar. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith and explore its meanings in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the statement, (إنَّمَا العالِمُ)

Only he is a scholar

Here, the word "عالِمُ" refers to a person who possesses knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that knowledge in this context is not limited to mere information or facts, but rather encompasses deep understanding and wisdom.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then describes the qualities that define a true scholar. The first quality mentioned is that their knowledge calls them to (إلَى الوَرَعِ والتُّقى) "piety and God-wariness". The word "وَرَعِ" refers to a state of cautiousness and fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), while "تُّقَى" refers to righteousness and consciousness of Allah's commands.

This aspect of the Hadith reminds us of the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes that true understanding and knowledge should lead to God-consciousness and righteousness.

The second quality mentioned in the Hadith is (والزُّهْدِ في عالَمِ الفَناءِ)

abstinence from the pleasures of the transient world

The word "زُّهْدِ" refers to detachment from worldly desires and material possessions. It is a state of contentment with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided and a recognition that the pleasures of this world are temporary and fleeting.

This aspect of the Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children.

The true scholar understands the transient nature of worldly pleasures and focuses on seeking the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

The third and final quality mentioned in the Hadith is (والتَّوَلُّهِ بِجَنَّةِ المَأْوى)

infatuation with the heavenly abode

The word "تَّوَلُّهِ" refers to turning towards or seeking something with utmost devotion and love. In this context, it signifies the scholar's unwavering desire for the eternal abode of Paradise.

This aspect of the Hadith resonates with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Imran (3:136), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those who have believed, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah. Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.

The true scholar finds solace and fulfillment in seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and yearns for the eternal bliss of Paradise.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the essence of true knowledge and the qualities that define a genuine scholar. It emphasizes that knowledge should lead to piety, detachment from worldly desires, and an unwavering focus on the eternal abode. By aligning our pursuit of knowledge with these qualities, we can strive to become true scholars who seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the rewards of the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and wisdom to embody these qualities and be among the true scholars.