Hadith #7485

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

Nobody disparages knowledge and its possessors except the foolish, ignorant one.

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of knowledge and warns against belittling it or those who possess it. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (istakhif) "استخف" in the Hadith means to belittle or underestimate. It refers to the act of disregarding the value and significance of knowledge. The word (ilm) "عِلْمِ" translates to knowledge, which encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. The possessors of knowledge, referred to as (ahlihi) "أهْلِهِ", are those who have acquired knowledge and are its rightful custodians.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It implies that knowledge elevates an individual's status and understanding, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute positively to society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.

This verse emphasizes that knowledge is a means of elevation and honor in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It highlights the importance of valuing and respecting those who possess knowledge, as they are chosen by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for their intellectual abilities and understanding.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that belittling knowledge and its possessors is a characteristic of the foolish and ignorant. It reflects the ignorance of those who fail to recognize the value and significance of knowledge in shaping individuals and societies. Such individuals lack the wisdom to appreciate the transformative power of knowledge and its potential to bring about positive change.

The consequences of disparaging knowledge and its possessors are far-reaching. It hinders intellectual growth, stifles innovation, and perpetuates ignorance. When knowledge is undervalued, individuals are discouraged from seeking it, leading to a stagnant and regressive society. Moreover, belittling knowledgeable individuals creates an environment where their contributions are disregarded, depriving society of their wisdom and expertise.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the significance of knowledge in the development of individuals and society. His statement serves as a reminder to Muslims to uphold the value of knowledge and to respect and honor those who possess it. By doing so, we can create an environment that fosters intellectual growth, encourages lifelong learning, and paves the way for progress and enlightenment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of knowledge and warns against belittling it or those who possess it. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of seeking knowledge and respecting its possessors. As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate a society that values and promotes knowledge, recognizing its power to transform individuals and societies for the better. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to appreciate and seek knowledge, and the humility to respect and honor those who possess it.