Hadith #7556

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the responsibilities and qualities that every scholar should possess. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins by stating that it is obligatory for every scholar (عالِم) to secure his sides with piety (الوَرَعِ). The word "war'a" refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a quality that encompasses a scholar's actions, intentions, and character. By securing his sides with piety, a scholar is expected to uphold the highest moral and ethical standards in all aspects of his life. This includes refraining from any form of injustice, dishonesty, or corruption.

The importance of piety in the life of a scholar is emphasized in the Quran as well. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (أَتْقَاكُمْ) of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the believers regarding the pilgrimage, saying,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is piety (التَّقْوَىٰ). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

The second part of the Hadith highlights the obligation of a scholar to extend his knowledge to the one who seeks it. This emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and spreading guidance to those who are eager to learn. A true scholar should not hoard knowledge or use it for personal gain, but rather should be generous in imparting it to others.

This aspect of the Hadith is beautifully reflected in the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by saying,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified these qualities throughout his life. He not only possessed deep understanding and insight but also shared his knowledge generously with those around him. His teachings and guidance continue to inspire and enlighten Muslims to this day.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to scholars of their responsibilities towards piety and knowledge. It emphasizes the importance of upholding moral values and sharing knowledge with sincerity and generosity. By embodying these qualities, scholars can fulfill their duty of guiding and enlightening the Muslim community, following in the footsteps of the noble Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge with sincerity and to benefit others with our knowledge.