Hadith #145

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,

قَدْ بُصّرْتُمْ إِنْ أَبْصَرْتُمْ وَقَدْ هُدِيتُمْ إِنِ اهْتَدَيْتُمْ، وأُسْمِعْتُمْ إِنِ اسْتَمَعْتُمْ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of perception, guidance, and listening.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (busirtum) "بُصّرْتُمْ" comes from the root word (basara) "بَصَرَ", which means "to see" or "to perceive." It signifies the ability to comprehend and understand the truth. The word (hudaytum) "هُدِيتُمْ" is derived from the root word (hada) "هَدَىٰ", which means "to guide." It implies being led towards the right path and attaining spiritual enlightenment. Lastly, the word (usmi'tum) "أُسْمِعْتُمْ" originates from the root word (sami'a) "سَمِعَ", which means "to hear." It signifies actively listening and paying attention to the teachings and guidance.

To further understand the impactful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:50),

Say, 'I do not tell you that I have the treasures of Allah or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me.' Say, 'Are the blind and the seeing alike? Do you not then reflect?'

This verse highlights the distinction between those who perceive the truth and those who remain blind to it. It emphasizes the importance of reflection and understanding.

In Surah Al-A'raf (7:179), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse highlights the consequences of not utilizing the faculties of perception, understanding, and listening. It emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with the guidance provided by Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that we have been blessed with the ability to perceive, understand, and listen. However, these blessings are only beneficial if we actively utilize them. If we choose to see, we will be granted insight and understanding. If we choose to seek guidance, we will be led towards the right path. If we choose to listen attentively, we will gain knowledge and wisdom.

This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to actively engage with the teachings of Islam. It encourages us to reflect on the signs of Allah's creation, seek knowledge, and follow the guidance provided by the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By doing so, we can attain spiritual enlightenment, strengthen our faith, and lead a righteous life.

The consequences of neglecting these blessings are highlighted in the Quran. Those who remain blind to the truth, fail to seek guidance, and do not listen attentively are likened to livestock and are considered astray. They are deprived of the spiritual growth and understanding that comes with utilizing these faculties.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of perception, guidance, and listening. It urges us to actively engage with the teachings of Islam and seek knowledge. By doing so, we can attain spiritual enlightenment and lead a life guided by the principles of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perceive, seek guidance, and listen attentively.