Hadith #9113

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,

نَكَدُ العِلْمِ الكِذْبُ، ونَكَدُ الجِدِّ اللَّعْبُ۔

This Hadith highlights two important concepts: the spoiler of knowledge is dishonesty, and the spoiler of seriousness is idle play.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. "نَكَدُ" refers to the act of spoiling or corrupting something. "العِلْمِ" refers to knowledge, which encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. "الكِذْبُ" means dishonesty or lying, which is the act of intentionally deceiving others. "الجِدِّ" refers to seriousness, diligence, and dedication in one's actions. And finally, "اللَّعْبُ" refers to idle play or frivolous activities that divert one's attention from important matters.

To further understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:42),

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].

This verse emphasizes the importance of honesty in acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Dishonesty corrupts the purity of knowledge and leads to confusion and misguidance.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of successful believers, stating,

Who turn away from ill speech.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding falsehood and dishonesty in speech and actions. It reminds us that knowledge should be used for the betterment of society and the dissemination of truth.

The second part of the Hadith emphasizes the importance of seriousness and dedication in our endeavors. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115),

Did you think that We created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?

This verse reminds us that life is not a mere play or amusement, but a serious test and opportunity for growth. Engaging in idle play distracts us from fulfilling our responsibilities and achieving our goals.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.

This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our religious obligations over worldly pursuits. It encourages us to be serious and focused in our worship and to avoid engaging in idle activities during sacred times.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand that knowledge should be acquired and shared with honesty and integrity. Dishonesty corrupts the essence of knowledge and leads to confusion and misguidance. Additionally, we are reminded of the importance of seriousness and dedication in our actions. Engaging in idle play distracts us from fulfilling our responsibilities and achieving our goals.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the qualities of honesty, sincerity, and seriousness in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can preserve the purity of knowledge and fulfill our obligations to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and society. May Allah guide us on the path of truth and grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge with sincerity and seriousness.