Hadith #7424

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states that the ultimate objective of knowledge is the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ghayatu) "غايَةُ" in Arabic refers to the ultimate goal or objective. It signifies the highest purpose that one seeks to achieve. In this context, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that the true purpose of acquiring knowledge is to attain the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (al-'ilm) "الْعِلْمِ" refers to knowledge. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. However, in this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) specifically refers to the knowledge that leads to the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This knowledge is not limited to mere information, but it encompasses deep understanding and awareness of the divine teachings.

The word (al-khawf) "الْخَوْفُ" means fear. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the fear of displeasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This fear is not a paralyzing fear, but rather a sense of awe, reverence, and consciousness of Allah's presence. It is a fear that motivates us to avoid sins and strive for righteousness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197):

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (fear of Allah). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights that the best provision for the journey of life is the fear of Allah. It is through this fear that one attains true understanding and wisdom. It is the foundation upon which all other knowledge should be built.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse emphasizes that the fear of Allah leads to numerous blessings and benefits. It grants us a criterion to distinguish between right and wrong, it purifies our souls from sins, and it opens the doors of forgiveness and mercy from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of this fear of Allah in the pursuit of knowledge. When one acquires knowledge with the intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah and avoiding His displeasure, it becomes a means of attaining closeness to Him. It becomes a source of guidance and enlightenment that shapes our actions and decisions.

This fear of Allah also serves as a motivation for self-improvement and self-accountability. It reminds us that every action and word is being witnessed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It instills a sense of responsibility and consciousness in our hearts, leading us to strive for righteousness and avoid sinful behavior.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the ultimate goal of knowledge is not mere intellectual pursuit, but rather the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through this fear that we attain true understanding, wisdom, and guidance. It is a fear that motivates us to strive for righteousness and avoid sinful behavior. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge with the intention of attaining His pleasure and may He bless us with the fear that leads to His mercy and forgiveness.