Hadith #7482

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,

لايَزْكُو الْعِلْمُ بِغَيْرِ وَرَع۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Knowledge is not purified without piety.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (knowledge) "عِلْمُ" refers to the understanding and awareness of facts, principles, and truths. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. (without) "بِغَيْرِ" indicates the absence or lack of something. And (piety) "وَرَع۔" refers to the state of being conscious of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) presence and being mindful of His commands and prohibitions.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269,

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to whom wisdom is granted indeed receives a benefit overflowing.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and the immense benefits it brings to an individual. However, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that knowledge alone is not enough for its purification. It must be accompanied by piety.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is piety.

This verse emphasizes that piety is the ultimate provision for a believer. It is the foundation upon which knowledge should be built. Without piety, knowledge becomes devoid of its true essence and purpose. It may even lead to arrogance, misuse, and corruption.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, understood the inseparable connection between knowledge and piety. He exemplified this in his own life, as he was not only a scholar but also a pious servant of Allah. His knowledge was not merely theoretical; it was deeply rooted in his consciousness of Allah's presence and his commitment to following His commands.

When knowledge is accompanied by piety, it becomes a transformative force. It guides individuals towards righteousness, humility, and moral excellence. It motivates them to use their knowledge for the betterment of society and the upliftment of humanity. Piety acts as a safeguard, preventing knowledge from being misused or distorted for personal gain or worldly pursuits.

Furthermore, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the consequences of neglecting piety in the pursuit of knowledge. Without piety, knowledge can become a source of arrogance, pride, and division among people. It can lead to intellectual arrogance, where individuals consider themselves superior to others due to their knowledge. This arrogance hinders the growth of true wisdom and prevents the unity and harmony that Islam promotes.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that knowledge must be accompanied by piety for it to be truly beneficial and purified. Piety acts as a guiding light, ensuring that knowledge is used for the betterment of oneself and society. It prevents the misuse and corruption of knowledge and fosters humility and moral excellence. Let us strive to seek knowledge with sincerity and humility, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to use it for His pleasure and the benefit of all Muslims.