Hadith #7239

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The sufficiency of an intelligent person is through his knowledge.

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of knowledge and its role in shaping the intellect and character of an individual.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (ghina) "غِنَى" refers to sufficiency or contentment, indicating that knowledge is a source of fulfillment and satisfaction for a person. The term (al-'aqil) "العاقِل" refers to an intelligent or wise individual, someone who possesses the ability to understand, reason, and make sound judgments. And finally, (bi'ilmihi) "بِعِلْمِهِ" translates to "through his knowledge," highlighting that knowledge is the means through which an intelligent person attains sufficiency.

To further understand the significance of knowledge in Islam, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9),

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse emphasizes the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It highlights the superiority of knowledge and the elevated status it holds in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11), Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.

This verse highlights that knowledge is a means of elevation and honor in the sight of Allah. It is through knowledge that individuals are raised in rank and granted success in this world and the hereafter.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that true sufficiency lies in knowledge. An intelligent person recognizes the value of knowledge and understands that it is through knowledge that one can attain true success and contentment.

Knowledge equips individuals with the ability to make informed decisions, solve problems, and navigate the complexities of life. It empowers them to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. Moreover, knowledge enables individuals to fulfill their responsibilities towards themselves, their families, and society at large.

The pursuit of knowledge is not limited to religious matters but encompasses all fields of study and disciplines. Islam encourages Muslims to seek knowledge in various domains, including science, medicine, arts, and humanities. By doing so, Muslims can contribute positively to society, improve the human condition, and uphold the principles of justice and compassion.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a motivation for Muslims to continuously seek knowledge and strive for intellectual growth. It reminds us that knowledge is not merely a means of personal enrichment but a tool for positive change and societal progress. It encourages us to be lifelong learners, constantly seeking to expand our understanding and make a positive impact on the world around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of knowledge in the life of an intelligent person. It highlights that true sufficiency lies in knowledge and that it is through knowledge that individuals can attain success and contentment. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge in all fields and disciplines, as it is a means of personal growth, societal progress, and fulfilling their responsibilities as servants of Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom and motivation to continuously seek knowledge and use it for the betterment of ourselves and humanity as a whole.