Hadith #10796

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,

لانِيَّةَ لِمَنْ لاعِلْمَ لَهُ۔

This can be translated into English as,

He who has no knowledge has no intention.

This enlightening saying highlights the importance of knowledge in shaping our intentions and actions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (layniyyah) "لانِيَّةَ" refers to intention or motive, while (la'ilma) "لاعِلْمَ" means without knowledge. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that one's intentions are directly linked to their level of knowledge.

This Hadith finds support in several verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 before forming intentions or taking actions. It warns against the consequences of acting out of ignorance, which can lead to harm and regret.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse emphasizes the need to refrain from pursuing matters without proper knowledge. It reminds us that we will be held accountable for our actions, and acting without knowledge can lead to negative consequences.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before forming intentions. Knowledge serves as a guiding light that helps us make informed decisions and ensures that our intentions are aligned with the teachings of Islam. Without knowledge, our intentions may be misguided, leading to actions that are not in accordance with the principles of Islam.

For example, if a person lacks knowledge about the importance of honesty in Islam, they may have no intention of being truthful in their interactions. However, once they acquire knowledge about the significance of honesty in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), their intention to be truthful will be strengthened. This knowledge will motivate them to act honestly in all aspects of their lives.

Furthermore, the consequences of acting without knowledge can be detrimental. Without knowledge, one may unintentionally harm others or engage in actions that are forbidden in Islam. This can lead to regret and a sense of guilt. However, by seeking knowledge and aligning our intentions with it, we can avoid such negative consequences and strive to act in a manner that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded of the importance of continuously seeking knowledge and deepening our understanding of Islam. By doing so, we can ensure that our intentions are rooted in knowledge and guided by the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to seek knowledge and align our intentions with His divine guidance.