Hadith #7218

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

العاقلُ من وقفَ حيثُ عرفَ

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding in the life of a believer. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (aql) "عاقل" in Arabic refers to a person who possesses intellect, wisdom, and understanding. It is a quality that enables an individual to make sound judgments and decisions based on knowledge and reasoning. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the intelligence of a person who stops at what they know, indicating the importance of recognizing one's limitations and not venturing into matters beyond their comprehension.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 187, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

They ask you about the Hour, when is its arrival? Say, 'Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None will reveal its time except Him. It lays heavily upon the heavens and the earth. It will not come upon you except unexpectedly.' They ask you as if you are familiar with it. Say, 'Its knowledge is only with Allah, but most of the people do not know.'

This verse reminds us that the knowledge of the unseen, such as the exact timing of the Day of Judgment, is solely in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is beyond the scope of human understanding. Therefore, a person of true intelligence is one who acknowledges their limitations and refrains from delving into matters that are beyond their grasp.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is Surah Al-Isra, verse 36, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse advises us not to pursue matters that we have no knowledge of. It reminds us that we will be held accountable for our actions, and it is essential to base our decisions on sound knowledge and understanding. It is the mark of an intelligent person to recognize their limitations and refrain from engaging in matters that may lead to ignorance or misguidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding. It encourages believers to stop and reflect upon what they know, to seek knowledge, and to continuously strive for intellectual growth. By doing so, we can make informed decisions and avoid falling into ignorance or misunderstanding.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be humble and to recognize that knowledge is a lifelong journey. It encourages us to be cautious and not to claim knowledge in areas where we lack expertise. By acknowledging our limitations, we can avoid arrogance and the spread of false information.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of knowledge, understanding, and humility. It emphasizes the intelligence of a person who stops at what they know and refrains from delving into matters beyond their comprehension. By seeking knowledge, reflecting upon what we know, and recognizing our limitations, we can make informed decisions and avoid falling into ignorance or misguidance. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and the humility to acknowledge our limitations.