Hadith #7543

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كُلُّ عالِم خائِفٌ۔" This can be translated as,

Every scholar is fearful [of Allah].

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the essential quality of a true scholar - the fear of Allah.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith. The word (‘alim) "عالِم" refers to a knowledgeable person, particularly one who possesses deep understanding and wisdom in religious matters. This encompasses scholars of Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and other branches of knowledge related to the religion. The word (kha'if) "خائِفٌ" means fearful or cautious. It signifies a sense of awe, reverence, and humility before the Almighty.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of knowledge and the fear of Allah. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 35:28)

Indeed, those who fear Allah among His servants are the knowledgeable.

This verse establishes a direct correlation between the fear of Allah and true knowledge. It implies that true knowledge is not merely an intellectual pursuit but is deeply rooted in the consciousness of Allah's presence and the recognition of His greatness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 35:28)

Indeed, those who have knowledge among His servants fear Allah.

This verse reinforces the idea that true knowledge is inseparable from the fear of Allah. It emphasizes that knowledge without the fear of Allah is incomplete and lacking in its essence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound responsibility that lies upon scholars. It serves as a reminder that true scholars are not merely repositories of knowledge but individuals who are acutely aware of their accountability to Allah. They recognize that their knowledge is a trust from Allah and that they will be answerable for how they utilize and convey it.

The fear of Allah instills in scholars a sense of humility, caution, and sincerity in their pursuit of knowledge. It prevents them from succumbing to arrogance, self-interest, or the temptation to manipulate knowledge for personal gain. A scholar who truly fears Allah seeks knowledge not for worldly recognition or material gain but as a means to draw closer to Allah and fulfill their duty towards Him and His creation.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their level of knowledge. It encourages us to approach knowledge with humility and reverence, recognizing that true knowledge is a means to attain the pleasure of Allah and seek His guidance. It reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge should be accompanied by a deep sense of awe and respect for the Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Every scholar is fearful [of Allah]

emphasizes the inseparable connection between true knowledge and the fear of Allah. It reminds scholars of their responsibility to use their knowledge for the sake of Allah and to serve His creation. It also reminds all Muslims of the importance of approaching knowledge with humility and reverence, recognizing that true knowledge is a means to draw closer to Allah and seek His pleasure. May Allah grant us all the ability to acquire knowledge with sincerity and fear of Him.