Hadith #1879

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights three forms of ignorance that are detrimental to a person's spiritual and moral well-being. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to be examined is (ignorance) "جَهْلِ". It refers to a lack of knowledge or understanding. Ignorance can manifest in various forms, such as intellectual ignorance, moral ignorance, or spiritual ignorance. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is specifically referring to moral and spiritual ignorance.

The second word is (making enmity) "مُعَادَاةُ". It signifies actively opposing or harboring ill feelings towards someone. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to making enmity with the powerful. The powerful here can be understood as those who possess authority, influence, or resources. Making enmity with such individuals out of envy, jealousy, or arrogance is a manifestation of ignorance.

To understand the significance of this statement, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against harboring ill feelings towards others based on their possessions or status:

And those who came after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.'

The second form of ignorance mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (befriending) "مُصَادَقَةُ". It refers to forming close associations or friendships. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against befriending the immoral. The immoral here refers to those who engage in sinful and unethical behavior, as their influence can lead one astray from the path of righteousness.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28):

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.

The third and final form of ignorance mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (trusting) "الثِّقَةُ". It refers to placing trust or reliance on someone. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against trusting the traitor. The traitor here represents someone who betrays trust, breaks promises, or deceives others.

The Quran cautions against placing blind trust in others in Surah Al-Anfal (8:58):

And if you fear treachery from a people, throw [their treaty] back to them, [putting you] on equal terms. Indeed, Allah does not like traitors.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious in their interactions with others. It highlights the importance of seeking knowledge, discernment, and wisdom in order to avoid falling into the traps of ignorance. By understanding the consequences of making enmity with the powerful, befriending the immoral, and trusting the traitor, Muslims can strive towards a path of righteousness and spiritual growth.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we realize that it encourages us to surround ourselves with virtuous companions, to be cautious of those who may lead us astray, and to be discerning in our trust. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the harmful consequences of ignorance and strive towards a life of righteousness and piety.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to avoid the forms of ignorance mentioned in this Hadith and guide us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.