Hadith #4672

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

كَثْرَةُ السُّؤالِ تُورِثُ المَلالَ۔

This can be translated as

Too much asking leads to restlessness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the important words and concepts it contains. The word (kathrah) "كَثْرَةُ" means abundance or excessive amount. (su'al) "السُّؤالِ" refers to asking or questioning. And (tawrithu) "تُورِثُ" means to cause or bring about. Finally, (malal) "المَلالَ" signifies restlessness or unease.

To understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 186:

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

This verse highlights the importance of supplication and seeking Allah's help and guidance through prayer.

However, it is crucial to strike a balance in our asking and questioning. Islam encourages seeking knowledge and understanding, but excessive questioning without a genuine purpose can lead to restlessness and confusion. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also reminds us in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 101:

O you who have believed, do not ask about things which, if they are shown to you, will distress you.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, advises us through this Hadith to be mindful of the quantity and quality of our questions. When we constantly bombard ourselves and others with an excessive number of questions, it can lead to a state of restlessness and dissatisfaction. This restlessness can arise from the inability to find satisfactory answers or the overwhelming burden of constantly seeking answers.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to prioritize our questions and focus on seeking knowledge that is beneficial and relevant to our spiritual growth and well-being. Islam teaches us to seek knowledge that brings us closer to Allah and helps us navigate the challenges of life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mujadila, verse 11:

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

Excessive questioning can also lead to doubt and confusion, as it may divert our attention from the core principles of Islam. Instead of constantly seeking answers to every minute detail, we should focus on understanding and implementing the fundamental teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that excessive questioning can also burden others. When we constantly bombard others with questions, it can create a sense of unease and inconvenience. It is important to be mindful of the time and energy of those around us and to ask questions in a respectful and considerate manner.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of striking a balance in our asking and questioning. While seeking knowledge and understanding is encouraged in Islam, excessive questioning without a genuine purpose can lead to restlessness and confusion. We should prioritize our questions, seek knowledge that is beneficial, and focus on implementing the core principles of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us wisdom and guidance in our pursuit of knowledge.