Hadith #7348

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Knowledge is through action.

This wise utterance emphasizes the inseparable connection between knowledge and action. To truly possess knowledge, one must not only acquire it but also put it into practice.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith. The word (knowledge) "عِلْمُ" refers to the understanding and awareness of information or facts. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. The word (through action) "بِالْعَمَلِ" signifies the practical application of knowledge in one's actions and behavior.

To support the importance of action in acquiring knowledge, we find numerous verses in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:110),

You are the best nation produced for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.

This verse highlights the role of action in spreading righteousness and guiding others towards the truth. It emphasizes that knowledge alone is not sufficient; it must be accompanied by action.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:5), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books].

This verse illustrates that merely possessing knowledge without acting upon it is as futile as a donkey carrying books. It emphasizes the importance of implementing knowledge in our lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound wisdom. Knowledge that remains stagnant and does not manifest itself in action is incomplete and ineffective. True knowledge is transformative; it inspires individuals to act in accordance with its teachings. When knowledge is put into practice, it becomes a guiding light, leading us towards righteousness and success.

For example, if one possesses knowledge about the importance of honesty, it is through the action of being honest in their dealings that they truly internalize and benefit from that knowledge. Similarly, if one learns about the significance of kindness, it is through acts of kindness towards others that they truly embody and experience the beauty of that knowledge.

The consequences of neglecting the connection between knowledge and action can be detrimental. Without action, knowledge can become a burden rather than a blessing. It can lead to arrogance, hypocrisy, and a lack of spiritual growth. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:4),

And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. [They are] as if they were pieces of wood propped up - they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded that knowledge is not a mere intellectual pursuit but a transformative journey. It is through action that knowledge becomes a means of spiritual elevation and a source of guidance for ourselves and others. As Muslims, we should strive to acquire knowledge and then implement it in our daily lives, seeking to align our actions with the teachings of Islam.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and the strength to act upon it. May He bless us with the ability to be true embodiments of knowledge, using it to bring about positive change in ourselves and society.