Hadith #1570

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Vision is not attained by sight [alone], for sight can fool its possessor.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali highlights the importance of understanding that true vision goes beyond the physical act of seeing. It emphasizes the need for insight and discernment, as mere sight can be deceptive and misleading.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (رؤية) "ru'ya" refers to vision or sight, while (أبصار) "abasar" refers to the physical eyes. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that true vision is not limited to what our physical eyes perceive. It goes beyond the surface level and requires a deeper understanding and insight.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 46,

Have they not traveled through the land, and have they hearts wherewith to understand and ears wherewith to hear? Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind.

This verse emphasizes that true understanding and insight come from the heart, not just from what the eyes see.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And they have hearts wherewith they understand not, and they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth).

This verse highlights the importance of having a heart that is receptive to knowledge and understanding. Mere physical sight is not enough if the heart is closed off to the truth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us to cultivate our inner vision and seek knowledge beyond what meets the eye. It encourages us to question and critically analyze what we see, rather than accepting things at face value. This is particularly important in matters of faith, where blind adherence without understanding can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.

For example, when faced with a situation or a decision, we should not solely rely on what our eyes perceive. We should seek knowledge, consult the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and use our intellect to make informed choices. This will enable us to have a deeper understanding of the situation and make decisions that align with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also has broader implications in our daily lives. It reminds us to be cautious of the illusions and deceptions that can be created by our senses. Just as optical illusions can trick our eyes, our perception of reality can also be distorted by our biases, desires, and limited understanding. Therefore, we must strive to develop a holistic approach to knowledge, combining both external observation and internal reflection.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true vision goes beyond the physical act of seeing. It requires insight, understanding, and discernment. We must not be deceived by what our eyes perceive, but rather seek knowledge, reflect, and critically analyze the world around us. By doing so, we can attain a deeper understanding of ourselves, our faith, and the world we live in. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to see with true vision and guide us on the path of knowledge and wisdom.