Hadith #10683

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he categorizes people into three distinct types. Let us delve into the meanings and implications of this Hadith, drawing upon the guidance of the Quran.

The first type mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is the "godly scholar" or (فَعالِمٌ رَبّانيٌّ)

the knowledgeable person with a divine connection

This individual is not merely a scholar in the conventional sense, but someone who has a deep understanding of religious knowledge and is spiritually connected to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They possess the light of knowledge and are guided by it in their actions and decisions.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and the elevated status of those who possess it. In Surah Al-Zumar, verse 9, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. The godly scholar mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is the embodiment of this verse, as they not only possess knowledge but also act upon it.

The second type mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is the

student who is on the path of salvation

or (مُتَعَلِّمٌ عَلى سَبِيلِ نَجاة)

the learner who seeks deliverance

This individual is characterized by their sincere pursuit of knowledge and their commitment to personal growth and development. They are actively engaged in seeking guidance and understanding, striving to align their actions with the teachings of Islam.

The Quran encourages believers to seek knowledge and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. In Surah Al-Zumar, verse 9, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, those who fear Allah - when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking knowledge as a means of protection against the whisperings of Satan. The student on the path of salvation mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) embodies this verse, as they are constantly seeking knowledge to strengthen their faith and protect themselves from the temptations of the world.

The third type mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is the "uncultivated rabble" or (هِمَجٌ رِعاعٌ) "the ignorant masses". These individuals are described as those who mindlessly follow every caller, without seeking the light of knowledge or relying on a strong support. They lack discernment and are easily swayed by the opinions and ideologies of others.

The Quran warns against blindly following others without seeking knowledge and understanding. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 22, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse highlights the importance of using reason and intellect to discern the truth and make informed decisions. The uncultivated rabble mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) represents those who fail to utilize their intellect and blindly follow others, regardless of the validity or authenticity of their message.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us against falling into the category of the uncultivated rabble and urges us to seek knowledge and understanding. By doing so, we can become godly scholars or students on the path of salvation, who are guided by the light of knowledge and firmly grounded in the teachings of Islam. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize seeking knowledge, as it is the key to enlightenment, guidance, and salvation.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be among the godly scholars and the students on the path of salvation, and protect us from the pitfalls of ignorance and blind following. May we always strive to seek knowledge, understand the teachings of Islam, and apply them in our lives. Ameen.