Hadith #7781

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

لا يَتْرُكُ العَمَلَ بِالعِلْمِ إلاّ مَنْ شَكَّ فِي الثَّوابِ عَلَيْهِ۔

This statement emphasizes the importance of acting upon knowledge and highlights that only those who doubt the reward of their actions would abandon acting upon that knowledge.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The word (amala) "عَمَلَ" refers to action or practice, while (bil-'ilm) "بِالعِلْمِ" means with knowledge. This implies that the Hadith is specifically addressing the importance of putting knowledge into action. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that knowledge should not remain theoretical or confined to mere understanding, but rather it should be implemented in our actions and deeds.

The phrase (illa man shakka fi thawabihi)

إلاّ مَنْ شَكَّ فِي الثَّوابِ عَلَيْهِ

highlights the reason behind someone abandoning the practice of their knowledge. It states that the only reason one would neglect acting upon their knowledge is if they doubt the reward that awaits them. This doubt in the reward can stem from various reasons, such as a lack of faith, a weak understanding of the divine promise, or a lack of motivation.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of combining knowledge with action. In Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah says,

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 highlights that true success lies in the combination of belief (knowledge) and righteous deeds (action). It is not enough to possess knowledge alone; it must be accompanied by action.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), where Allah says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah is just and merciful, and He will reward us according to our capabilities. Therefore, doubting the reward of our actions is a sign of underestimating Allah's mercy and His ability to fulfill His promises.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of aligning our knowledge with our actions. It encourages us to have unwavering faith in the reward promised by Allah and to trust in His infinite wisdom and justice. By acting upon our knowledge, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also strengthen our relationship with Allah and strive for spiritual growth.

Moreover, neglecting to act upon our knowledge can have detrimental consequences. It can lead to stagnation, spiritual decline, and a disconnect between our beliefs and our actions. It is through the implementation of knowledge that we can bring about positive change in ourselves, our communities, and society as a whole.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to not only seek knowledge but also to put that knowledge into action. Doubting the reward of our actions is a sign of weak faith and underestimating Allah's mercy. By aligning our knowledge with our actions, we can fulfill our obligations as Muslims, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and strive for spiritual growth. May Allah guide us all to act upon the knowledge we acquire and grant us the ability to seek knowledge that is beneficial and leads to righteous actions.