Hadith #6830

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Cutting off [ties with] the ignorant is equivalent to establishing ties with the intelligent.

This impactful saying highlights the importance of maintaining relationships with those who possess wisdom and knowledge, while distancing ourselves from those who are ignorant.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (qati'ah) "قَطيعَةُ" refers to the act of cutting off or severing ties. It implies a complete disconnection from someone or something. (al-jahil) "الجاهِلِ" refers to the ignorant or uninformed individuals who lack knowledge and understanding. On the other hand, (silah) "صِلَةَ" signifies establishing and maintaining ties or connections. Lastly, (al-aqil) "العاقِلِ" refers to the intelligent or wise individuals who possess knowledge and understanding.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and associating with the wise in several verses. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant. Similarly, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah instructs the believers to verify information before accepting it, emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge and avoiding ignorance.

Establishing ties with the intelligent and wise individuals is crucial for personal growth and development. The company of knowledgeable individuals allows us to gain insights, broaden our perspectives, and acquire wisdom. It provides us with an opportunity to learn from their experiences and benefit from their guidance. By maintaining connections with such individuals, we are able to enhance our understanding of various matters, both worldly and spiritual.

On the other hand, cutting off ties with the ignorant is equally important. The ignorant individuals lack knowledge and understanding, and their influence can hinder our growth and lead us astray. Allah warns us in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:14),

Have you not seen those who take for friends a people with whom Allah is angry? They are neither of you nor of them, and they swear to untruth while they know.

This verse cautions us against forming close relationships with those who are ignorant and misguided.

By severing ties with the ignorant, we protect ourselves from their negative influence and safeguard our faith and intellect. It allows us to maintain clarity of thought and prevents us from being swayed by baseless opinions or misguided ideologies. Cutting off ties with the ignorant does not mean abandoning them completely; rather, it means limiting our interactions and not allowing their ignorance to affect our own knowledge and understanding.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of associating with the intelligent and wise individuals while distancing ourselves from the ignorant. By establishing ties with the knowledgeable, we gain valuable insights and guidance, enabling our personal growth and development. Simultaneously, cutting off ties with the ignorant protects us from their negative influence and ensures the preservation of our faith and intellect. May Allah guide us to seek knowledge and surround ourselves with the wise, and may He grant us the wisdom to recognize and distance ourselves from ignorance.