Hadith #1893

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,

الجهل مميت الأحياء، ومخلد الشقاء

which translates to

Ignorance causes the living to die and perpetuates misery.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental effects of ignorance on individuals and society as a whole.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The word (jahil) "جَهْل" refers to ignorance or lack of knowledge. It is the opposite of (ilm) "عِلْم", which means knowledge. (mumit) "مُمِيت" means to cause death or to kill, while (ahya) "أَحْيَاء" refers to the living beings. (mukhallid) "مُخَلِّد" means to perpetuate or prolong, and (shaqaa) "شَقَاء" signifies misery or wretchedness.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Az-Zumar (39:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse emphasizes the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who are ignorant. Knowledge is a divine gift that enlightens the heart and soul, while ignorance plunges individuals into darkness and stagnation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 importance of seeking knowledge and verifying information before taking any action. Ignorance can lead to harmful consequences and regrettable actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the significance of knowledge and the dangers of ignorance. Ignorance not only hinders personal growth and development but also has far-reaching consequences for society. When individuals lack knowledge, they are unable to make informed decisions, leading to the perpetuation of misery and suffering.

For instance, in the realm of religious understanding, ignorance can lead to the misinterpretation of Quranic verses and the teachings of Islam. This misinterpretation can result in the spread of false beliefs and practices, causing confusion and division among Muslims. It is through knowledge and understanding that Muslims can navigate the complexities of their faith and live harmoniously.

Moreover, ignorance in worldly matters can have dire consequences as well. Lack of education and awareness can lead to poverty, social inequality, and injustice. When individuals are ignorant of their rights and responsibilities, they become vulnerable to exploitation and oppression. By seeking knowledge and empowering themselves, Muslims can work towards creating a just and equitable society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for knowledge and enlightenment. It encourages us to seek education, not only in religious matters but also in various fields of knowledge. By acquiring knowledge, we can break free from the chains of ignorance and contribute positively to our own lives and society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the detrimental effects of ignorance on individuals and society. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding in order to avoid the perpetuation of misery and suffering. As Muslims, it is our duty to acquire knowledge, reflect upon it, and apply it in our lives, thereby illuminating our path and benefiting those around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to seek knowledge and overcome ignorance.