Hadith #10950

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, "Al-wara'u shīmatu al-faqīh." This can be translated as,

Piety is a trait of the learned scholar.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of piety for a scholar. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "wara'" in Arabic refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses a deep sense of consciousness and awareness of one's actions and their consequences. It involves refraining from anything that displeases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving to fulfill one's religious obligations with sincerity and devotion.

The term "shīma" means a distinguishing characteristic or a mark. In this context, it refers to piety being a distinguishing trait of a learned scholar. It signifies that piety is not only a desirable quality but an essential one for a scholar. It sets them apart and elevates their knowledge and understanding.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the significance of piety and its connection to knowledge. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:177)

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights that true righteousness lies in faith, good deeds, and fulfilling one's obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation. It encompasses acts of worship, charity, fulfilling promises, and being patient in times of difficulty. A learned scholar, who possesses true knowledge, will embody these qualities of piety.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority are not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly status, but on righteousness and piety. A learned scholar who possesses knowledge and combines it with piety is indeed the most noble in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of piety for a scholar. It serves as a reminder that knowledge without piety is incomplete and can even be harmful. A scholar who lacks piety may misuse their knowledge, leading others astray or using it for personal gain. On the other hand, a learned scholar who is grounded in piety will utilize their knowledge for the betterment of society, guiding others towards the path of righteousness.

Piety acts as a moral compass for a scholar, guiding their actions and intentions. It motivates them to seek knowledge for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to use it in a manner that pleases Him. A pious scholar will prioritize the dissemination of authentic and beneficial knowledge, while also embodying the teachings of Islam in their own lives.

The consequences of piety in a scholar are far-reaching. Their words and actions will carry weight and credibility among the Muslim community. People will trust their guidance and seek their knowledge, knowing that it is rooted in piety and sincerity. A pious scholar will inspire others to follow the path of righteousness and strive for spiritual growth.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking knowledge and nurturing piety simultaneously. As Muslims, we should strive to acquire knowledge that is grounded in piety and use it to benefit ourselves and others. We should also seek out scholars who embody this balance of knowledge and piety, as they are the true inheritors of the Prophets (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge with sincerity and piety, and may He bless us with scholars who guide us towards the path of righteousness. Ameen.