Hadith #7553

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who reveres a scholar has revered his Lord.

This wise utterance emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting scholars in Islam. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (waqqara) "وَقَّرَ", which means "to revere" or "to honor." It signifies the act of showing deep respect and admiration towards someone. The word (ʿāliman) "عالِماً" refers to a scholar, someone who possesses knowledge and wisdom in religious matters.

To understand the significance of revering a scholar, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 28:80)

And those who were given knowledge said, 'Woe to you! The reward of Allah is better for he who believes and does righteousness. But none are granted it except the patient.'

This verse highlights the elevated status of knowledge in Islam. Scholars are the bearers of knowledge, and their guidance is invaluable for Muslims seeking to understand and practice their religion. By revering a scholar, one acknowledges the importance of knowledge and recognizes the role it plays in guiding individuals towards righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila, Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 35:28)

It is only those who have knowledge among His servants that fear Allah.

This verse emphasizes that true reverence for Allah is closely linked to knowledge. Scholars, through their deep understanding of the Quran and Sunnah, are able to guide Muslims towards a greater awareness of Allah's commands and teachings.

When we revere a scholar, we are not only honoring their knowledge but also acknowledging the divine wisdom that Allah has bestowed upon them. By seeking their guidance and benefiting from their expertise, we are essentially showing reverence to Allah Himself. This is because scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets and Imams, who were chosen by Allah to convey His message to humanity.

The consequences of revering a scholar are profound. By seeking knowledge from them, we gain a deeper understanding of our religion and are able to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and guidance. Scholars serve as a source of inspiration and guidance, helping us to develop a stronger connection with Allah and His teachings.

Moreover, revering a scholar fosters a culture of learning and intellectual growth within the Muslim community. It encourages the pursuit of knowledge and the dissemination of beneficial teachings. This Hadith reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and recognizing the scholars who dedicate their lives to its pursuit.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that revering a scholar is an act of reverence towards Allah. By honoring those who possess knowledge, we acknowledge the importance of seeking guidance and understanding in our religion. The Quranic verses mentioned further emphasize the significance of knowledge and the role of scholars in guiding Muslims towards righteousness. May Allah bless us with the ability to revere and benefit from the scholars, and may He increase us in knowledge and wisdom.