Hadith #1896

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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:

رُبَّ جَهْل أنْفَعُ مِنْ حِلْم(عِلْم)۔

This can be translated as:

Many an ignorance is better than forbearance (or knowledge).

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (jahil) "جَهْل" refers to ignorance or lack of knowledge. It signifies a state of not knowing or understanding something. On the other hand, the word (hilm) "حِلْم" can be translated as forbearance or patience. It refers to the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity or ignorance.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6):

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 understanding before passing judgment or taking action. It cautions against acting out of ignorance, as it can lead to harm and regret. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that sometimes, it is better to be ignorant than to possess knowledge without the wisdom to use it properly.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:68), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversation. And if Satan should cause you to forget, then do not remain after the reminder with the wrongdoing people.

This verse advises us to avoid engaging in futile arguments or discussions that may lead to offensive speech or ignorance. It teaches us the importance of patience and forbearance in such situations. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that sometimes, it is better to remain silent and ignorant of certain matters than to engage in harmful discourse.

The wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement becomes clearer when we reflect on its implications. Knowledge without wisdom or forbearance can lead to arrogance, intolerance, and the misuse of knowledge. It can cause division and harm within society. On the other hand, ignorance, when accompanied by patience and forbearance, can prevent unnecessary conflicts and promote harmony.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom. His statement serves as a reminder to Muslims to not only seek knowledge but also to cultivate patience and forbearance in their interactions with others. It encourages us to prioritize understanding and compassion over the mere accumulation of knowledge.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that sometimes, it is better to be ignorant than to possess knowledge without the wisdom to use it properly. It emphasizes the importance of patience and forbearance in our interactions with others. By seeking knowledge and combining it with wisdom and compassion, we can strive to become better Muslims and contribute positively to society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).