Hadith #1921

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَامُ), and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The cornerstone of ignorance is animosity towards people.

This enlightening saying highlights the root cause of ignorance, which is the harboring of enmity and hostility towards others. To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words.

The term (jahil) "جَهْلِ" refers to ignorance or lack of knowledge. It encompasses both intellectual and spiritual ignorance. It is important to note that ignorance is not merely the absence of information, but rather a state of being unaware and lacking understanding. Ignorance can manifest in various forms, such as ignorance of religious teachings, moral values, or even ignorance of oneself.

The word (mu'adat) "مُعَادَاةُ" translates to animosity or enmity. It signifies a deep-seated hostility and ill-will towards others. This animosity can arise from various reasons, including personal differences, prejudice, or even baseless hatred. It is a destructive emotion that hinders personal growth, social harmony, and spiritual development.

To understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of knowledge and the detrimental effects of ignorance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah says,

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 highlights the significance of seeking knowledge and verifying information before passing judgment or taking action. It warns against the dangers of acting out of ignorance, which can lead to harming others and subsequently regretting one's actions. This aligns with Imam Ali's statement, as animosity towards people often stems from a lack of understanding and knowledge about them.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages Muslims to uphold justice and treat others with kindness and respect. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly towards them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with those who do not oppose or harm us based on our faith. It encourages Muslims to treat others with righteousness and justice, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. By doing so, we can overcome ignorance and build bridges of understanding and compassion.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to introspect and reflect on their own attitudes and behaviors towards others. It urges us to examine our hearts and eliminate any animosity or prejudice that may hinder our personal growth and prevent us from establishing harmonious relationships.

When we harbor animosity towards people, we limit our own potential for growth and understanding. We close ourselves off to the opportunity of learning from others and expanding our knowledge. This ignorance not only affects our personal development but also hinders the progress of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the foundation of ignorance lies in harboring animosity towards people. It reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge, treating others with justice and kindness, and overcoming our own prejudices. By doing so, we can eradicate ignorance and foster an environment of understanding, compassion, and unity among Muslims and all of humanity. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the path of knowledge and wisdom, and enable us to embody the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَامُ).