Hadith #7315

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Knowledge is of two types: the intuitive and the learnt; the intuitive knowledge is of no benefit if there is no learnt knowledge [accompanying it].

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of both intuitive and acquired knowledge in the pursuit of true understanding.

Let us first delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (knowledge) "عِلْم" refers to the understanding and awareness of facts and information. It encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical wisdom. The word (intuitive) "مَطْبُوعٌ" refers to knowledge that is inherent or instinctive, something that is naturally understood without formal education or external sources. On the other hand, (learnt) "مَسْمُوعٌ" refers to knowledge that is acquired through learning, education, and the transmission of information from a teacher or a reliable source.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 14,

And We made the people who were considered weak to inherit the eastern parts of the land and the western parts thereof which We have blessed. And the fair word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of their patience. And We destroyed what Pharaoh and his people were producing and what they had been building.

This verse highlights the importance of both intuitive and acquired knowledge. The Children of Israel were given intuitive knowledge, as they were considered weak, but their patience and acquired knowledge allowed them to inherit the blessings of the land.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

This verse emphasizes that wisdom, which is a result of both intuitive and acquired knowledge, is a great blessing from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is only those with understanding who can truly appreciate and benefit from this wisdom.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the complementary nature of intuitive and acquired knowledge. Intuitive knowledge alone, without the guidance and structure provided by acquired knowledge, is of limited benefit. It is like a book that is beautifully printed but remains unread and unheard. On the other hand, acquired knowledge without the intuitive understanding of its application and significance lacks depth and true understanding.

For example, consider a person who has a natural inclination towards medicine and possesses intuitive knowledge about the human body. However, without acquiring formal education and learning from experienced doctors, their intuitive knowledge alone would not be sufficient to diagnose and treat illnesses effectively. Similarly, a person may have acquired knowledge of Islamic teachings, but without the intuitive understanding of the underlying principles and values, their knowledge may lack depth and fail to guide their actions in a meaningful way.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of combining both intuitive and acquired knowledge. By doing so, we can attain a comprehensive understanding of the world around us and apply our knowledge in a beneficial and meaningful manner. Intuitive knowledge serves as a foundation, guiding our curiosity and sparking our desire to seek further knowledge. Acquired knowledge, on the other hand, provides structure, context, and the tools necessary to deepen our understanding and apply our intuitive knowledge effectively.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of both intuitive and acquired knowledge. It teaches us that intuitive knowledge alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by acquired knowledge to truly benefit ourselves and others. By combining these two types of knowledge, we can attain a comprehensive understanding of the world and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and the ability to apply it in a way that is pleasing to Him.