Hadith #7395

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The fruit of knowledge is working for [a blissful] life [in the Hereafter].

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also implementing it in our actions. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (thamaratu) "ثَمَرَةُ" in Arabic refers to the fruit or outcome of something. It signifies the result or consequence of an action. In this context, it represents the outcome of knowledge, highlighting that knowledge should not remain mere information but should bear fruit in our lives.

The word (al-'ilm) "العِلْمِ" refers to knowledge. Knowledge is a powerful tool that enlightens the mind, broadens perspectives, and enables individuals to distinguish between right and wrong. It encompasses religious, scientific, and practical knowledge. Islam encourages seeking knowledge in all its forms, as it is a means of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (al-'amal) "العَمَلُ" refers to action or deed. It signifies the practical application of knowledge in our lives. Merely possessing knowledge without translating it into action is futile. Islam emphasizes the importance of righteous deeds as a means of attaining salvation and eternal bliss in the Hereafter.

The phrase (lil-hayati) "لِلْحَيَاةِ" means

for [a blissful] life.

It refers to the life in the Hereafter, which is the ultimate goal for every Muslim. This phrase highlights that the purpose of acquiring knowledge and implementing it in our actions is to attain a blissful and eternal life in the Hereafter.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 superiority of those who possess knowledge and act upon it, as they are the ones who truly understand the purpose of life.

In Surah Al-Asr (103:2-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of time and the urgency to utilize it wisely. Acquiring knowledge and implementing it in our actions is a means to avoid loss and attain success in both this world and the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and utilizing the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to secure a place in the Hereafter while also fulfilling our responsibilities in this world.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to not only seek knowledge but also to implement it in their actions. Knowledge without action is like a tree without fruit, devoid of any benefit. By applying the knowledge we acquire, we can lead a righteous life, fulfill our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation, and ultimately attain a blissful life in the Hereafter.

Let us reflect upon this Hadith and strive to seek knowledge, understand its implications, and actively implement it in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to acquire beneficial knowledge and the wisdom to act upon it, so that we may attain success in this world and the Hereafter.