Hadith #966

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Whoever contemplates about the essence of Allah, apostatizes.

Let us delve into the meaning of this profound statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (tafakkara) "تَفَكَّرَ", which means to deeply reflect, ponder, and contemplate. It emphasizes the act of engaging in profound thought and contemplation regarding the essence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This Hadith warns that such contemplation, if not approached with the proper understanding and knowledge, can lead to apostasy.

To understand the significance of this warning, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of contemplating His signs and attributes, but also cautions against overstepping the boundaries of human understanding. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 59:22)

He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed. He is the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate

This verse highlights the vastness of Allah's knowledge and the limitations of human comprehension.

Additionally, in Surah Al-An'am, Allah states, (Quran 6:91)

And they did not appraise Allah with true appraisal when they said, 'Allah did not reveal to a human being anything.' Say, 'Who revealed the Scripture that Moses brought as light and guidance to the people?'

This verse reminds us that Allah's revelation has been sent to guide humanity, and it is through His chosen messengers that we can attain true knowledge and understanding.

Therefore, when Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against contemplating the essence of Allah without proper guidance, he is highlighting the danger of relying solely on one's limited intellect and understanding. It is essential to approach the study of Allah's essence with humility, recognizing our limitations as human beings.

Engaging in contemplation without the necessary knowledge and guidance can lead to erroneous conclusions and even apostasy. This is because the human mind, no matter how intelligent, cannot fully comprehend the infinite nature of Allah. As Allah says in Surah Al-Isra, (Quran 17:49)

And they say, 'When we are bones and crumbled particles, will we [truly] be resurrected as a new creation?'

This verse reminds us of the limitations of human understanding and the need to rely on divine guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warning serves as a reminder to Muslims that while contemplation and reflection are encouraged, they must be approached with the proper knowledge and guidance provided by the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It is through their teachings that we can gain a deeper understanding of Allah's essence and avoid falling into the trap of apostasy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions against contemplating the essence of Allah without the necessary knowledge and guidance. It reminds us to approach the study of Allah's attributes with humility, recognizing our limitations as human beings. By seeking knowledge from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can gain a deeper understanding of Allah's essence and avoid the pitfalls of apostasy. May Allah guide us all on the path of true knowledge and understanding.