Hadith #1940

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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, "الجاهِلُ عَبْدُ شَهْوَتِهِ۔" This can be translated as,

An ignorant person is a slave to his passions.

Let us delve into the meaning of this beautiful saying. The word (jahil) "جاهِلُ" refers to someone who lacks knowledge or understanding. It is derived from the root word (jahala) "جَهَلَ", which means ignorance. The term (abd) "عَبْدُ" means a slave or servant, while (shahwatihi) "شَهْوَتِهِ" refers to one's desires, inclinations, or passions.

This Hadith highlights the detrimental state of an individual who remains ignorant and fails to seek knowledge. Such a person becomes enslaved to their base desires and passions, allowing them to dictate their actions and decisions. They are unable to exercise self-control and are easily swayed by their whims and desires.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and warns against the dangers of ignorance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

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 urges Muslims to verify information and not act impulsively based on hearsay or ignorance.

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

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

This verse highlights the superiority of knowledge and the importance of seeking it. It emphasizes that those who possess knowledge are not equal to those who remain ignorant.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith, warns us about the consequences of ignorance. When a person lacks knowledge, they are easily influenced by their desires, leading them astray from the path of righteousness. They become slaves to their passions, making decisions solely based on their whims and desires, without considering the consequences or the guidance provided by Allah.

For example, an ignorant person may indulge in unlawful relationships, consume intoxicants, or engage in dishonest practices, all driven by their unchecked desires. They fail to recognize the harm and negative consequences that such actions can bring upon themselves and society.

On the other hand, a person who seeks knowledge and understands the teachings of Islam is able to control their passions and desires. They are guided by the principles and values outlined in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). They make informed decisions, considering the long-term consequences and striving to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of their lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to seek knowledge and avoid ignorance. By doing so, we can liberate ourselves from the shackles of our desires and passions, and instead become servants of Allah, guided by His wisdom and teachings. Let us strive to acquire knowledge, for it is through knowledge that we can attain true freedom and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and protect us from the dangers of ignorance.