Hadith #265

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) states,

When Allah intends to humiliate a person, He denies him knowledge.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the significance and value of knowledge in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). To delve into the depths of this Hadith, let us examine the key words and their meanings.

The word (ardhala) "أَرْذَلَ" in Arabic refers to the act of humiliating or debasing someone. It signifies the lowering of one's status or dignity. When Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) intends to humiliate a person, He employs various means to achieve this, and one of them is by depriving them of knowledge.

The word (haḍara ʿalayhi) "حَظَرَعَلَيْهِ" can be translated as "denies" or "prevents." It conveys the idea that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) restricts or withholds knowledge from the individual. This denial of knowledge is a consequence of Allah's divine wisdom and justice, as it serves as a means of humiliation for that person.

To further understand the significance of knowledge and its denial as a form of humiliation, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of knowledge in numerous verses. For example, 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 knowledge and those who lack it. Knowledge is a means of attaining superiority and honor in the sight of Allah.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11), Allah states,

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.

This verse emphasizes that knowledge is a means of elevation and honor in the sight of Allah. Those who are granted knowledge are raised in status and are given a higher rank.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah describes the people of knowledge as those who

spend out of what We have provided for them.

This verse highlights the connection between knowledge and righteous actions. Knowledge is not merely an intellectual pursuit but should be accompanied by practical application and the willingness to share one's blessings with others.

Now, let us reflect on the consequences and implications of Allah's denial of knowledge as a form of humiliation. When a person is deprived of knowledge, they are deprived of the means to understand and navigate the world around them. They are unable to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. This lack of knowledge can lead to ignorance, confusion, and ultimately, humiliation.

Moreover, the denial of knowledge can also lead to the loss of opportunities for personal growth and development. Knowledge is a key that unlocks doors of success and prosperity. Without it, individuals may find themselves stagnant, unable to progress in various aspects of life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge and to value its importance. It is through knowledge that we can understand the teachings of Islam, fulfill our obligations, and make informed decisions in our lives. By seeking knowledge, we can protect ourselves from humiliation and elevate our status in the sight of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of knowledge and its denial as a form of humiliation. It reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge, understanding its value, and utilizing it to navigate through life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to seek knowledge and protect us from the humiliation of ignorance.