Hadith #5912

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذَا ازْدَحَمَ الجَوابُ نُفِيَ الصَّوابُ۔

This can be translated as,

When the answer is overcomplicated, correctness is negated.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of simplicity and clarity in conveying knowledge and understanding.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (izdahama) "ازْدَحَمَ" means to become crowded, congested, or complicated. It refers to a situation where the answer or explanation becomes convoluted and difficult to comprehend. On the other hand, the word (nufiya) "نُفِيَ" means to be negated or invalidated. It implies that when the answer becomes overly complex, the correctness or truthfulness of that answer is undermined.

To further elucidate the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of clarity and simplicity in conveying knowledge in several verses. In Surah Al-Maida, verse 101, Allah says,

O you who have believed, do not ask about things which, if they are shown to you, will distress you.

This verse advises Muslims not to delve into intricate matters that may cause confusion or distress.

Similarly, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 185, Allah states,

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

This verse highlights the accessibility of Allah and His willingness to respond to the prayers of His servants. It emphasizes the simplicity of reaching out to Allah without the need for complex rituals or intermediaries.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes these Quranic teachings by emphasizing the importance of simplicity in conveying knowledge. When the answer becomes convoluted and difficult to understand, it loses its correctness and effectiveness. This can have profound consequences in various aspects of life, including religious matters, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making processes.

For instance, in matters of faith, if religious teachings are presented in a complex and confusing manner, it can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. This can result in divisions and conflicts among Muslims. On the other hand, when knowledge is conveyed in a clear and concise manner, it becomes more accessible and beneficial to a wider audience.

In interpersonal relationships, overcomplicating our communication can lead to misunderstandings and strained connections. When we express ourselves in a simple and straightforward manner, we foster understanding and strengthen our bonds with others. Similarly, in decision-making processes, when answers are unnecessarily complicated, it becomes difficult to make informed choices. However, when information is presented in a clear and concise manner, it enables us to make sound decisions based on accurate understanding.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize simplicity and clarity in conveying knowledge and understanding. It encourages us to seek simplicity in our interactions, teachings, and decision-making processes. By doing so, we can ensure that the correctness and truthfulness of our answers are preserved, leading to greater unity, comprehension, and effectiveness in all aspects of our lives.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to convey knowledge in a simple and clear manner, and may He bless us with the ability to understand and apply the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.