Hadith #5350

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "ثَمَرَةُ الشَّكِّ الحَيْرَةُ۔" which translates to

The fruit of doubt is perplexity.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid falling into the trap of doubt, as it leads to confusion and uncertainty.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (thamaratu) "ثَمَرَةُ" refers to the fruit or outcome of something, while (ash-shak) "الشَّكِّ" signifies doubt or uncertainty. Finally, (al-hayra) "الحَيْرَةُ" denotes perplexity or confusion.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the detrimental effects of doubt and the importance of seeking knowledge and certainty. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15),

Indeed, the believers are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful.

This verse emphasizes the significance of unwavering faith and the avoidance of doubt. Muslims are encouraged to have firm belief in Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) without allowing doubt to creep into their hearts. Doubt can hinder one's ability to take decisive action and can lead to a state of confusion and indecisiveness.

Another verse that highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and avoiding doubt is found in Surah Yunus (10:36), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And most of them follow not except assumption. Indeed, assumption avails not against the truth at all. Indeed, Allah is Knowing of what they do.

This verse reminds us that assumptions and doubts are not a substitute for seeking knowledge and understanding. Relying on assumptions can lead to misguided conclusions and further confusion. It is only through seeking knowledge and certainty that one can attain the truth and avoid the pitfalls of doubt.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the consequences of doubt. Doubt can cloud our judgment, weaken our resolve, and hinder our spiritual growth. It can lead to a state of perplexity, where we are unsure of our beliefs, actions, and decisions.

To illustrate the consequences of doubt, let us consider an example. Imagine a Muslim who begins to doubt the existence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) due to external influences or personal struggles. This doubt may lead to a state of perplexity, where the individual is torn between their previous beliefs and the uncertainty that now plagues their heart. As a result, they may become indecisive, lose motivation in their worship, and even distance themselves from the path of Islam.

The fruit of doubt, therefore, is perplexity and confusion. It is a state that hinders our spiritual growth, weakens our connection with Allah, and prevents us from attaining true certainty and tranquility. As Muslims, it is crucial for us to seek knowledge, strengthen our faith, and guard against doubt, for it is through certainty that we can find peace and guidance in our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid doubt and seek knowledge and certainty. Doubt can lead to a state of perplexity, hindering our spiritual growth and weakening our connection with Allah. By relying on the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can safeguard ourselves against doubt and attain true certainty in our faith. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to overcome doubt and guide us on the straight path.