Hadith #7499

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the elevated status of scholars and their unique qualities. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound statement.

The word (scholars) "عُلَمَاءُ" refers to those individuals who possess deep knowledge and understanding of religious matters. They are not only well-versed in the teachings of Islam but also embody the essence of those teachings in their character and conduct. The term (purest) "أطْهَرُ" signifies the purity of their hearts, their sincerity, and their commitment to righteousness. It reflects their ability to distance themselves from impurities, both physical and spiritual.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that scholars are (the least rooted in [vain] desires)

أقَلُّهُمْ فِي المَطامِعِ أعْراقاً

This implies that scholars have a minimal attachment to worldly desires and material possessions. Their focus is primarily on seeking knowledge, understanding the truth, and guiding others towards the path of righteousness. They are not driven by personal gain or selfish motives but rather by a genuine desire to serve Allah and benefit humanity.

To support this thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the importance of knowledge, the purity of character, and the detachment from worldly desires.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11):

O you who have believed, when you are told, 'Space yourselves' in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you. And when you are told, 'Arise,' then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the elevated status of those who possess knowledge. Allah promises to elevate them in rank and honor. It signifies that scholars are not only blessed with knowledge but are also granted a higher position in the sight of Allah due to their sincerity and dedication.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah says:

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah alone. Scholars, as the bearers of knowledge, play a crucial role in guiding others towards the right path. However, it is Allah who ultimately guides individuals based on their sincerity and willingness to seek the truth.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says:

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that the nobility of an individual lies in their righteousness and piety, not in their lineage or worldly possessions. Scholars, with their pure character and detachment from worldly desires, exemplify the highest level of righteousness and are thus considered among the noblest of people in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound implications for Muslims. It reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and embodying its teachings in our character. It encourages us to prioritize spiritual growth over materialistic pursuits. It also serves as a reminder for scholars themselves to constantly purify their intentions and remain steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the unique qualities of scholars, who are the purest of people in character and the least rooted in vain desires. This statement finds support in various Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of knowledge, purity of character, and detachment from worldly desires. Muslims are reminded to seek knowledge, embody its teachings, and prioritize spiritual growth over materialistic pursuits. Scholars, in particular, are encouraged to continuously purify their intentions and remain steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge for the sake of Allah. May Allah grant us all the ability to seek knowledge, embody its teachings, and benefit from the wisdom of the scholars.