Hadith #1895

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,

بِالجَهْلِ يُسْتَثارُ كُلِّ شَرّ۔

This can be translated as,

It is through ignorance that every evil is instigated.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (jahli) "جَهْلِ", which means ignorance. It refers to a lack of knowledge, understanding, or awareness about a particular matter. Ignorance can lead to various negative consequences and is often the root cause of many evils in society. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the dangerous nature of ignorance and its role in instigating evil.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of knowledge and warn against the perils 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 encourages Muslims to verify information before acting upon it, as acting out of ignorance can lead to harm and regret. It reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before making judgments or taking actions that may have negative consequences.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse advises Muslims to refrain from engaging in matters without proper knowledge. It emphasizes the accountability we have for our actions and the importance of seeking knowledge to make informed decisions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly seek knowledge and understanding. Ignorance can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and harmful actions. It is through knowledge that we can distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and make informed choices that benefit ourselves and society.

For example, in today's world, we witness the spread of misinformation and the consequences it brings. People who lack knowledge or critical thinking skills may fall victim to false narratives, leading to division, hatred, and even violence. However, those who possess knowledge and understanding can discern the truth, challenge falsehoods, and promote harmony and justice.

The Hadith also highlights the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His teachings and sayings continue to inspire and guide Muslims to this day. By following his example, we can strive to acquire knowledge and understanding in various fields, including religious, scientific, and moral knowledge.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the dangers of ignorance and its role in instigating evil. It urges Muslims to seek knowledge, verify information, and act with wisdom and understanding. By doing so, we can contribute to a society that is based on justice, compassion, and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and protect us from the perils of ignorance.