Hadith #4667

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,

One who abandons the words 'I don't know' comes upon his [place of] destruction.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of humility and knowledge in the life of a Muslim. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The phrase (I don't know) "لا أدري" is significant in this Hadith. It highlights the virtue of acknowledging one's limitations and seeking knowledge. It is a humble admission that one does not possess all the answers and is open to learning. By abandoning this phrase, a person displays arrogance and a false sense of self-sufficiency, which can lead to their downfall.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages seeking knowledge throughout the Quran. In Surah Al-Zumar, Ayah 9, Allah says,

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?'

This verse emphasizes the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who do not. By acknowledging our lack of knowledge, we are reminded of the importance of seeking knowledge and the humility it brings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 269, Allah says,

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

This verse highlights that wisdom and knowledge are gifts from Allah, and it is our duty to seek them. By abandoning the words "I don't know," we reject the opportunity to acquire wisdom and the blessings that come with it.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) understood the significance of knowledge and humility. His deep understanding of Islam and his unparalleled wisdom are well-known among Muslims. He was known as the "Gate of Knowledge" due to his vast knowledge and his ability to provide profound insights into various matters. Therefore, when Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against abandoning the words "I don't know," it carries immense weight and importance.

By refusing to admit our lack of knowledge, we close ourselves off from opportunities to learn and grow. This can have severe consequences in both our personal and spiritual lives. In the pursuit of knowledge, we gain a deeper understanding of our faith, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and become better equipped to navigate the challenges of life.

Moreover, abandoning the words "I don't know" can lead to arrogance and misguided beliefs. It is through acknowledging our limitations that we recognize the vastness of Allah's knowledge and the need for His guidance. In Surah Al-Kahf, Ayah 110, Allah says,

Say, 'I am only a human like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God.'

This verse reminds us that even the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself acknowledged his human limitations and sought knowledge from Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to embrace humility and seek knowledge. By abandoning the words "I don't know," we risk falling into arrogance and ignorance. The Quranic verses mentioned emphasize the importance of knowledge and the virtue of acknowledging our limitations. Let us strive to be humble seekers of knowledge, constantly learning and growing in our faith, and avoiding the path of destruction that comes with arrogance and ignorance. May Allah guide us all on the path of knowledge and grant us the humility to admit when we do not know.