Hadith #7411

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

شَرُّ العِلْمِ ما أفْسَدْتَ بِهِ رَشادَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

The worst knowledge is that by which you corrupt your right guidance.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran.

First, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (sharr) "شَرُّ" means "worst" or "evil." (al-'ilm) "العِلْمِ" refers to knowledge, which encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. (ma) "ما" means "that which" or "what." (afsadta) "أفْسَدْتَ" is derived from the root word (fasada) "فَسَدَ", which means to corrupt, spoil, or cause disorder. Lastly, (bihi) "بِهِ" means "with it," referring to the knowledge itself. (rashadaka) "رَشادَكَ" means "your right guidance" or "your righteousness."

To understand the implications of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269:

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 highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom from Allah, as it is a great blessing. However, the Hadith warns us that not all knowledge is beneficial. The worst knowledge is that which leads to corruption and deviation from the right path.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 120, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say, 'Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance.' If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper.

This verse emphasizes the importance of holding onto the guidance of Allah and not being swayed by the opinions or desires of others. It warns against adopting knowledge that leads to deviation from the true path.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that knowledge should be used to enhance our righteousness and guide us towards the right path. If knowledge is used to corrupt our understanding and lead us astray, it becomes the worst form of knowledge. This can happen when individuals twist religious teachings to suit their own desires or when they use knowledge for personal gain without considering its moral implications.

For example, if someone possesses knowledge of Islamic principles but uses it to manipulate and exploit others, they are corrupting their right guidance. Similarly, if someone acquires knowledge in a particular field but uses it to harm others or engage in unethical practices, they are corrupting their right guidance. In both cases, the knowledge that should have been a source of enlightenment and righteousness becomes a tool for corruption and deviation.

The consequences of corrupting one's right guidance are severe. It can lead to a loss of moral compass, a distortion of religious teachings, and a deviation from the path of righteousness. It can also have negative consequences on individuals and society as a whole, leading to injustice, oppression, and the erosion of ethical values.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded to seek knowledge with sincerity and humility, and to use it in a way that aligns with the teachings of Islam. We should strive to acquire knowledge that enhances our understanding of Allah's guidance and helps us lead a righteous life. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of corrupting our right guidance and ensure that our knowledge is a source of enlightenment and goodness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek beneficial knowledge and guide us on the path of righteousness.