Hadith #7391

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The one who forsakes acting on [his] knowledge is not certain of getting reward for his action.

This profound statement emphasizes the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also implementing it in our lives. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (tarik) "تارِكُ" in the Hadith refers to the one who abandons or neglects something. In this context, it signifies the individual who possesses knowledge but fails to act upon it. The word (al-'amal) "العَمَلِ" means action or deed. It encompasses all righteous acts that a person can perform in accordance with their knowledge.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the uncertainty of receiving rewards for one's actions when knowledge is not translated into practice. This uncertainty arises because the true value of knowledge lies in its application and implementation. Mere acquisition of knowledge without action is akin to possessing a treasure but never utilizing it to its full potential.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of acting upon knowledge. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:110),

You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.

This verse highlights the responsibility of Muslims to not only possess knowledge but also to actively promote good and prevent evil.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of combining faith with righteous actions and encouraging others towards truth and patience.

The consequences of forsaking action on knowledge are significant. Firstly, it diminishes the potential benefits and rewards that one could have attained through their actions. Secondly, it hinders personal growth and spiritual development. By neglecting to act upon knowledge, individuals deprive themselves of the transformative power that lies within righteous deeds.

Moreover, the Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of sincerity in our actions. Merely possessing knowledge and performing actions for the sake of recognition or worldly gains can lead to insincerity and a lack of true faith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:110),

Say, 'I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.'

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to acquire knowledge and actively implement it in our lives. We must remember that knowledge is a trust bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and it is our duty to utilize it for the betterment of ourselves and society. By aligning our actions with our knowledge, we can seek the pleasure of Allah and attain the rewards promised to those who act upon their knowledge.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and the strength to act upon it. May He bless us with sincerity in our actions and enable us to be among those who are certain of receiving rewards for their righteous deeds.