Hadith #7541

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the responsibility of a scholar to not only acquire knowledge but also to act upon it. The words used in this Hadith hold great significance in understanding its deeper meaning.

The first important word in this Hadith is (ala) "عَلَى", which means "upon" or "on." It signifies the obligation and duty that rests upon the scholar. It implies that it is incumbent upon the scholar to fulfill his responsibilities.

The second important word is (aalim) "عالِمِ", which refers to the scholar or the one who possesses knowledge. It highlights the importance of knowledge and the role of scholars in society. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that scholars have a duty to act upon the knowledge they possess.

The third important word is (ya'mal) "يَعْمَلَ", which means "to act" or "to do." It signifies the practical application of knowledge. The Hadith emphasizes that scholars should not limit themselves to theoretical knowledge but should actively implement what they have learned.

The fourth important word is (yatlobu) "يَطْلُبُ", which means "to seek" or "to pursue." It implies that scholars should continuously seek knowledge and strive to learn more. This highlights the importance of lifelong learning and the pursuit of knowledge.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:79):

It is not for a human [prophet] that Allah should give him the Scripture and authority and prophethood and then he would say to the people, 'Be servants to me rather than Allah,' but [instead, he would say], 'Be pious scholars of the Lord because of what you have taught of the Scripture and because of what you have studied.'

This verse emphasizes that those who are given knowledge and authority should not seek to dominate others, but rather they should encourage people to become pious scholars. It highlights the importance of acting upon knowledge and teaching others.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9):

Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It highlights the superiority of those who have knowledge and understand its implications. It further reinforces the responsibility of scholars to act upon their knowledge and guide others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to scholars that their role extends beyond acquiring knowledge. They have a duty to act upon what they know and continuously seek to expand their knowledge. By doing so, they not only benefit themselves but also serve as a source of guidance and inspiration for others.

This Hadith also holds a broader message for all Muslims. It reminds us that knowledge without action is incomplete. We should strive to implement the teachings of Islam in our daily lives and continuously seek knowledge to deepen our understanding. By doing so, we can fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims and contribute positively to society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to act upon the knowledge we possess and inspire us to seek further knowledge. May He bless us with the wisdom to understand the true essence of Islam and guide us on the path of righteousness.