Hadith #7463

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Knowledge does not benefit the one who does not understand [it] and forbearance is not useful for the one who does not show clemency.

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also comprehending and applying it in our lives. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (knowledge) "عِلْمَ" in this Hadith refers to the understanding and comprehension of information. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding its true essence. 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. Knowledge is a means of guidance and enlightenment, leading us towards righteousness and success in this world and the hereafter.

However, the Hadith warns that knowledge alone is not sufficient for its benefits to be realized. It is essential to comprehend and internalize the knowledge we acquire. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good.

This verse highlights the importance of wisdom, which is the application of knowledge in a wise and beneficial manner. True understanding of knowledge enables us to make informed decisions, solve problems, and navigate through the complexities of life.

The second part of the Hadith focuses on the importance of forbearance and clemency. (forbearance) "حِلْمَ" refers to patience, self-control, and the ability to remain calm in the face of adversity. It is an essential virtue that allows us to control our emotions and respond to challenging situations with wisdom and composure. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of forbearance and its rewards. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their Lord, and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them secretly and publicly and prevent evil with good - those will have the good consequence of [this] home.

However, the Hadith cautions that forbearance alone is not beneficial if it is not accompanied by clemency. (clemency) "حَلُمْ" refers to the act of showing kindness, forgiveness, and leniency towards others. It is the ability to overlook the faults and mistakes of others and respond with compassion and mercy. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages us to respond to ignorance and wrongdoing with kindness and patience, rather than reacting with anger or harshness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that true knowledge is not merely the accumulation of facts and information, but rather the understanding and application of that knowledge. Similarly, forbearance is not simply the ability to remain patient, but also the willingness to show kindness and forgiveness. By combining knowledge with understanding and forbearance with clemency, we can truly benefit from these virtues and positively impact our lives and the lives of those around us.

Let us strive to seek knowledge, comprehend it, and apply it wisely in our lives. Let us also cultivate forbearance and clemency, responding to challenges and conflicts with wisdom and compassion. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to understand and benefit from knowledge, and may He bless us with forbearance and clemency in our interactions with others.