مَنْ عَلِمَ عَمِلَ۔
One who knows must act upon his knowledge.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Scholar)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.
The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "مَنْ عَلِمَ عَمِلَ۔" which translates to
One who knows must act upon his knowledge.
This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also implementing it in our actions.
Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (knows) "عَلِمَ" refers to having knowledge and awareness. It encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. It implies that one has acquired knowledge through study, observation, or experience.
The word (act) "عَمِلَ" signifies putting knowledge into practice. It implies taking action based on the knowledge one possesses. It is not enough to simply know something; one must actively apply that knowledge in their daily lives.
To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Imran, verse 110:
You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah. If only the People of the Scripture had believed, it would have been better for them. Among them are believers, but most of them are defiantly disobedient.
This verse highlights the responsibility of believers to not only possess knowledge but also to actively promote what is right and discourage what is wrong. It emphasizes the importance of implementing knowledge in our actions and being a positive influence on society.
Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Asr, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:
By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.
This verse emphasizes the importance of combining faith with righteous actions. It highlights the need for believers to not only believe in Allah but also to act righteously and encourage one another towards truth and patience. It further reinforces the concept that knowledge without action is futile.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that knowledge is not an end in itself; rather, it is a means to bring about positive change in our lives and society. It urges us to apply the knowledge we acquire and use it to benefit ourselves and others.
By acting upon our knowledge, we can become true examples of Islam and fulfill our duty as believers. It is through our actions that we can inspire others and make a positive impact on the world around us. We must strive to align our knowledge and actions, for it is this harmony that leads to personal growth and the betterment of society.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)
One who knows must act upon his knowledge
serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to not only seek knowledge but also to actively implement it in their lives. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our beliefs with our actions and using our knowledge to bring about positive change. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to act upon the knowledge we acquire and to be a source of guidance for others.
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