Hadith #7505

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The most learned of people about Allah, the Glorified, are the most fearful of Him.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the relationship between knowledge and fear of Allah. To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of important words and explore the Quranic verses that support this exegesis.

The word (the most learned) "أعْلَمُ" refers to those individuals who possess deep knowledge and understanding of Allah and His attributes. They are the ones who have dedicated their lives to seeking knowledge and have attained a high level of spiritual insight. These individuals have delved into the depths of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to gain a comprehensive understanding of Allah's greatness.

The word (about Allah) "بِاللّهِ" emphasizes that the knowledge being referred to here is specifically related to Allah and His divine attributes. It encompasses understanding His names, His qualities, His mercy, His justice, and His wisdom. This knowledge is not limited to theoretical understanding but also includes practical application in one's daily life.

The word (the Glorified) "سُبْحانَهُ" is a reminder of Allah's transcendence and perfection. It signifies that Allah is free from any imperfections or deficiencies. This attribute of Allah is repeatedly mentioned in the Quran to remind us of His greatness and to inspire awe and reverence in our hearts.

The word (the most fearful of Him) "أخْوَفُهُمْ" highlights the consequence of possessing deep knowledge about Allah. It indicates that those who truly understand Allah's greatness and majesty are the ones who fear Him the most. This fear is not a fear of punishment, but rather a fear of displeasing Allah and falling short in fulfilling His commands. It is a fear rooted in love and respect for the Creator.

To further elucidate the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:21), Allah says,

If We had sent down this Quran upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah.

This verse illustrates the profound impact of knowledge about Allah on the hearts of believers. Just as a mountain would crumble in awe of the Quran, those who possess deep knowledge about Allah are filled with a sense of humility and reverence.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Muminun (23:109), where Allah says,

Indeed, those who are near to your Lord are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate.

This verse highlights the humility and devotion of those who are close to Allah. Their knowledge and understanding of Allah's greatness lead them to exalt Him and submit to His will.

The exegesis of this Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge about Allah and His attributes. It reminds us that true knowledge is not merely an intellectual pursuit, but a transformative journey that instills fear and awe of Allah in our hearts. The more we learn about Allah, the more conscious we become of our own shortcomings and the more we strive to please Him.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for us to deepen our knowledge of Allah and His divine teachings. It encourages us to study the Quran, reflect upon its verses, and seek guidance from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny. By doing so, we can develop a profound understanding of Allah's greatness and cultivate a sincere and reverent relationship with Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true knowledge about Allah leads to a deep sense of fear and reverence. It reminds us that the more we learn about Allah's attributes and His divine wisdom, the more conscious we become of our own limitations and the more we strive to please Him. May Allah grant us the ability to seek knowledge with sincerity and humility, and may He bless us with the fear and love of Him in our hearts.