Hadith #2964

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the qualities and characteristics of those who possess true knowledge and understanding. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its meanings and implications in the light of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by stating that

knowledge has led them to real understanding.

Here, the word (knowledge) "عِلْمُ" refers to a deep and comprehensive understanding of the teachings of Islam. It encompasses not only the acquisition of information but also the application of that knowledge in one's life. This true understanding is rooted in the Quran, which is the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding in numerous verses of the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who are ignorant. The possessors of knowledge are elevated in their status and are better equipped to navigate the challenges of life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that those who possess true knowledge

have acquired the spirit of conviction.

The word (spirit of conviction) "روحَ اليَقينِ" refers to a deep and unwavering faith in Allah and His religion. It is a state of certainty that is attained through knowledge and reflection.

The Quran encourages believers to seek this spirit of conviction. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:15), Allah says,

The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and conviction in the path of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues by highlighting the resilience and determination of those who possess true knowledge. He states,

They take easy what the easygoing regard as hard.

This implies that those who are truly knowledgeable are not deterred by challenges or difficulties. They approach obstacles with confidence and perseverance, knowing that with Allah's guidance, they can overcome any hardship.

The Quran provides numerous examples of individuals who faced adversity with unwavering determination. Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), for instance, displayed immense strength and resilience when he was thrown into the fire by his people. In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:69), Allah says,

We said, 'O fire, be coolness and safety upon Ibrahim.'

This verse demonstrates that with true faith and knowledge, even the seemingly impossible becomes easy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that those who possess true knowledge are

comfortable with that which the ignorant are repelled by.

This means that they are not swayed by societal norms or popular opinions. They are guided by the principles of Islam and are not influenced by the ignorance and misconceptions of others.

In the Quran, Allah warns against blindly following the opinions of others without knowledge. In Surah Al-An'am (6:116), Allah says,

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and not being swayed by the opinions of the ignorant.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by describing the state of those who possess true knowledge. He states,

They live in this world with their bodies but their spirits are in the higher realm.

This means that although they are physically present in this world, their hearts and souls are connected to the higher realm of spirituality and closeness to Allah.

The Quran encourages believers to strive for a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of life. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201), Allah says,

But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides profound insights into the qualities and characteristics of those who possess true knowledge and understanding. It emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge, developing unwavering faith, and facing challenges with resilience and determination. May we all strive to attain such knowledge and understanding, and may Allah guide us on the path of righteousness.