Hadith #11259

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لَيْسَ الوَهْمُ كَالْفَهْمِ۔" which translates to

Delusion is not the same as comprehension.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to distinguish between mere assumptions and true understanding.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (wahm) "وَهْمُ" refers to delusion or illusion, which is a false perception or belief that deviates from reality. On the other hand, (fahm) "فَهْمِ" signifies comprehension or understanding, which involves grasping the true essence of a matter.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking true knowledge and understanding in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess true understanding and those who are ignorant or deluded.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah advises us,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information and not blindly accepting it, as delusion can lead to harmful consequences.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and discerning in their pursuit of knowledge and understanding. It urges us to differentiate between mere assumptions and true comprehension, as the consequences of acting upon delusion can be detrimental.

For example, in matters of religious beliefs and practices, it is crucial to rely on authentic sources such as the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Blindly following baseless beliefs or traditions without seeking true understanding can lead to deviation from the true path of Islam.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of critical thinking and intellectual growth. Muslims are encouraged to engage in deep reflection, pondering over the meanings of the Quran and seeking knowledge from reliable sources. By doing so, we can develop a comprehensive understanding of our faith and avoid falling into the trap of delusion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Delusion is not the same as comprehension

serves as a reminder for Muslims to differentiate between mere assumptions and true understanding. It urges us to seek knowledge from authentic sources, such as the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and to avoid blindly following baseless beliefs or traditions. By doing so, we can attain true comprehension and avoid the pitfalls of delusion in our journey towards spiritual growth and enlightenment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and may He bless us with true understanding of His religion.