Hadith #8021

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لَيْسَ العِيانُ كَالخَبَرِ۔" This can be translated as,

Seeing something [yourself] is not the same as being informed about it.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the distinction between firsthand experience and secondhand knowledge.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (al-'iyan) "العِيانُ" refers to the act of seeing or witnessing something with one's own eyes. It signifies direct observation and firsthand experience. On the other hand, (al-khabar) "الخَبَرِ" refers to being informed or receiving news about something from others. It implies acquiring knowledge indirectly, without personal experience.

The Quran emphasizes the significance of personal observation and firsthand experience in several verses. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 41:21-22)

And they will say to their skins, 'Why have you testified against us?' They will say, 'We were made to speak by Allah, who has made everything speak; and He created you the first time, and to Him you are returned. And you were not covering yourselves, lest your hearing testify against you or your sight or your skins, but you assumed that Allah does not know much of what you do.'

This verse highlights the accountability of our senses and the importance of personal observation. It emphasizes that our hearing, sight, and even our skins will bear witness against us on the Day of Judgment. This serves as a reminder that relying solely on secondhand information may lead to misunderstandings and false assumptions.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 10:15)

And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, those who do not expect the meeting with Us say, 'Bring us a Qur'an other than this or change it.' Say, [O Muhammad], 'It is not for me to change it on my own accord. I only follow what is revealed to me. Indeed I fear, if I should disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous Day.'

This verse highlights the importance of relying on authentic sources of knowledge, such as the Quran, rather than seeking alternative or modified versions. It emphasizes the need for direct access to the original teachings and firsthand experience of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. This statement reminds us that personal experience and firsthand knowledge hold a unique value that cannot be replicated by secondhand information. It encourages us to seek direct understanding and observation whenever possible, rather than relying solely on what others tell us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed unparalleled knowledge and wisdom. His words serve as a guiding light for Muslims, reminding us to strive for personal growth and understanding. By encouraging us to seek firsthand experience, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, questioning, and seeking knowledge from authentic sources.

In our daily lives, this Hadith reminds us to be cautious of spreading rumors or blindly accepting information without verification. It urges us to be proactive in seeking knowledge and understanding, rather than relying solely on what others tell us. By doing so, we can avoid misunderstandings, false assumptions, and the propagation of misinformation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of firsthand experience and personal observation. It encourages us to seek knowledge directly, rather than relying solely on secondhand information. By doing so, we can attain a deeper understanding of the truth and avoid the pitfalls of misinformation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in seeking knowledge and grant us the wisdom to discern between truth and falsehood.