Hadith #7457

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,

One who does not acquire wealth through knowledge, acquires grace by it.

This beautiful saying highlights the immense value and importance of knowledge in Islam. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (knowledge) "عِلْمِ" refers to the understanding and comprehension of information, facts, and principles. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. The word (wealth) "مالاً" refers to material possessions, riches, and worldly resources. And the word (grace) "جَمالاً" refers to beauty, elegance, and excellence.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support and elucidate the meaning of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 58:11)

Allah will exalt those who believe among you and those who have been given knowledge, to high ranks.

This verse emphasizes the elevated status of those who possess knowledge. It implies that knowledge is a means of attaining honor and elevation in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Az-Zumar, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 39:9)

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?'

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It implies that knowledge brings about a significant difference in the lives of individuals and their understanding of the world.

Now, let us delve into the connotation of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that acquiring wealth through knowledge is of utmost importance. This means that knowledge is not only a means of intellectual growth and personal development but also a means of material prosperity. By acquiring knowledge, one gains the skills, expertise, and insights necessary to excel in various fields and earn a livelihood.

However, the Hadith also highlights that even if one does not acquire material wealth through knowledge, they still acquire grace by it. This implies that knowledge has intrinsic value and beauty that transcends material possessions. It enriches the soul, refines character, and enhances one's relationship with Allah and fellow human beings. It brings about a sense of fulfillment, contentment, and tranquility that cannot be attained through worldly wealth alone.

To illustrate this, let us consider the example of a person who dedicates their life to seeking knowledge and becomes a scholar or a teacher. Despite not accumulating vast material wealth, their knowledge allows them to positively impact the lives of others, guide them towards the truth, and contribute to the betterment of society. Their grace lies in the wisdom they impart, the guidance they provide, and the positive influence they have on others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the immense value and significance of knowledge in Islam. It teaches us that acquiring wealth through knowledge is crucial for material prosperity, but even if one does not attain material wealth, they still acquire grace through knowledge. This Hadith encourages Muslims to seek knowledge, both religious and worldly, and highlights the profound impact it can have on our lives, our relationship with Allah, and our contribution to society. May we all strive to acquire knowledge and use it for the betterment of ourselves and humanity as a whole.