Hadith #7307

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the vastness and importance of knowledge. He states,

Knowledge is greater than can be encompassed [in its totality], so take the best from every [branch of] knowledge.

This impactful Hadith highlights the limitless nature of knowledge and encourages Muslims to seek knowledge from all sources and disciplines.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (knowledge) "عِلْم" refers to the understanding and awareness of facts, information, and principles. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. The word (greater) "أكْثَرُ" signifies the vastness and magnitude of knowledge, indicating that it surpasses human capacity to fully comprehend it.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises us to "take the best" from every branch of knowledge. This implies that we should seek knowledge from various fields and disciplines, extracting the most beneficial and valuable aspects from each. By doing so, we can broaden our understanding, enhance our intellectual capabilities, and apply this knowledge in a way that benefits ourselves and society.

To further understand the importance of seeking knowledge from diverse sources, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It emphasizes the superiority of knowledge and encourages Muslims to acquire it.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed given a great wealth.

This verse emphasizes that wisdom and knowledge are blessings bestowed by Allah, and those who are granted them are enriched with immense wealth. It reinforces the idea that seeking knowledge is a noble pursuit and a means of attaining closeness to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of critical thinking and discernment when acquiring knowledge. It encourages Muslims to evaluate and select the best from various sources, ensuring that the knowledge they acquire aligns with the principles and teachings of Islam. This approach enables Muslims to distinguish between beneficial knowledge and that which may be misleading or harmful.

Furthermore, this Hadith emphasizes the continuous nature of seeking knowledge. It implies that knowledge is not limited to a specific time or place but is an ongoing process throughout one's life. Muslims should strive to constantly expand their knowledge, remaining open to new ideas, perspectives, and advancements in various fields. This approach allows for personal growth, intellectual development, and the ability to contribute positively to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to embrace the vastness of knowledge and seek it from various sources. It encourages critical thinking, discernment, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. By doing so, Muslims can enhance their understanding, contribute to the betterment of society, and fulfill their intellectual potential. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to seek knowledge and benefit from it in the best possible manner.