Hadith #1626

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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who carries out transactions without knowledge, falls into usury.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before engaging in any business transactions. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (without knowledge) "غَيْرِ عِلْم". This phrase emphasizes the significance of acquiring knowledge and understanding before engaging in any financial dealings. It serves as a reminder that ignorance can lead to harmful consequences, such as falling into usury or interest-based transactions.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding. 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 lack it. It implies that knowledge is a valuable asset that sets individuals apart and guides them towards making informed decisions.

Furthermore, 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 from Allah, and those who possess them are enriched in various aspects of life. It further emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding in order to make wise choices, including in financial matters.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against engaging in transactions without knowledge, specifically highlighting the danger of falling into usury. Usury, or riba, is prohibited in Islam as it involves the exploitation of others through unfair interest-based transactions. By emphasizing the consequences of engaging in such transactions without knowledge, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to seek knowledge and understanding in order to avoid falling into this forbidden practice.

This Hadith serves as a reminder that knowledge is not only a means of personal growth and enlightenment but also a safeguard against harmful actions and decisions. It encourages Muslims to educate themselves about the principles of Islamic finance and the ethical guidelines that govern financial transactions. By doing so, they can ensure that their dealings are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and free from any form of exploitation or injustice.

Moreover, this Hadith highlights the importance of seeking knowledge in all aspects of life, not just in matters of finance. It reminds Muslims that knowledge is a powerful tool that enables them to navigate through the complexities of the world and make informed choices. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, serves as an exemplary figure in this regard. His deep understanding of various disciplines, including theology, jurisprudence, and ethics, allowed him to provide profound insights and guidance to the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking knowledge before engaging in any financial transactions. It warns against the dangers of ignorance and emphasizes the need for Muslims to educate themselves about the principles of Islamic finance. By doing so, they can ensure that their dealings are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and free from any form of exploitation or injustice. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to make informed choices in all aspects of our lives.