Hadith #8072

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كَمْ مِنْ مَغْرُور بِالسِّتْرِ عَلَيْهِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

How many a person has been deluded by what is concealed from him.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (maghroor) "مَغْرُور" in this Hadith refers to someone who is deceived or deluded. This deception arises from being unaware or ignorant of certain realities. The word (sitr) "سِّتْرِ" means what is hidden or concealed. It refers to the veils or barriers that prevent us from perceiving the truth or seeing the reality of a situation.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding. In Surah Al-Mujadila, verse 11, Allah says,

O you who have believed, when you are told, 'Make room in assemblies,' then make room; 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 significance of knowledge and understanding. It emphasizes that those who possess knowledge are elevated in the sight of Allah. They are given higher ranks and are granted the ability to perceive what others may be ignorant of. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to seek knowledge and not be deceived by what is concealed from them.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am, verse 50. Allah says,

Say, 'I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allah or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me.' Say, 'Is the blind equivalent to the seeing? Then will you not give thought?'

This verse reminds us that no human possesses knowledge of the unseen or the hidden except what Allah reveals to them. It emphasizes the distinction between those who are blind, metaphorically speaking, and those who can see and perceive the truth. The blind are those who are deluded by what is concealed from them, while the seeing are those who seek knowledge and understanding.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and not be deceived by what is hidden from them. It urges us to seek knowledge, to question, and to strive for a deeper understanding of the world around us. By doing so, we can avoid falling into the trap of ignorance and deception.

For example, in our daily lives, we may come across situations where we are presented with limited information or half-truths. It is important for us to be critical thinkers and not blindly accept what is presented to us. By seeking knowledge, researching, and verifying information, we can uncover the truth and avoid being deluded by what is concealed from us.

Furthermore, this Hadith also highlights the importance of humility and recognizing our limitations as human beings. We must acknowledge that there are aspects of the unseen and hidden that are beyond our comprehension. This humility should drive us to seek knowledge and rely on Allah's guidance in order to navigate through the complexities of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge, question, and not be deceived by what is concealed from them. It urges us to be critical thinkers, to verify information, and to strive for a deeper understanding of the world around us. By doing so, we can avoid falling into the trap of ignorance and deception, and instead, navigate through life with wisdom and clarity. May Allah guide us all on the path of knowledge and understanding.