Hadith #1003

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

خَيْرُ الأُمُورِ ما أسْفَرَ عنِ اليَقينِ۔

This can be translated as,

The best matters are those which give rise to certitude.

In this thought-provoking saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding that leads to certainty.

To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The term (asfara) "أسْفَرَ" means

to give rise to

or "to lead to." It signifies the outcome or result of a particular matter. And (al-yaqeen) "اليَقينِ" refers to certitude or absolute conviction. It is a state of complete confidence and unwavering belief.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding. In Surah Al-Zumar, verse 9, Allah says,

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It emphasizes the superiority of knowledge and understanding.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 6, Allah instructs the believers,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse encourages Muslims to verify and investigate information before accepting it as truth. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and avoiding ignorance.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Imam highlights that the best matters are those that lead to certitude. This means that it is not enough to simply have knowledge; one must strive for a deep understanding that eliminates doubt and uncertainty.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to seek knowledge that goes beyond superficial understanding. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge that is based on evidence, reasoning, and contemplation. This knowledge leads to certitude, which in turn strengthens one's faith and conviction.

For example, when it comes to matters of faith, blindly following traditions or cultural practices without understanding their basis can lead to doubts and confusion. However, when one seeks knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Islam, the reasons behind its principles, and the wisdom behind its practices, it leads to a deeper conviction and unwavering faith.

Similarly, in matters of worldly affairs, making decisions based on solid knowledge and understanding ensures better outcomes. By thoroughly investigating and analyzing the information at hand, one can make informed choices that are more likely to lead to success and positive results.

The consequences of following this advice are far-reaching. Seeking knowledge that leads to certitude empowers individuals to make informed decisions, avoid ignorance, and overcome doubts and uncertainties. It strengthens their faith and conviction, allowing them to navigate through the challenges of life with confidence and clarity.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge that leads to certitude. It encourages Muslims to go beyond superficial understanding and strive for a deep comprehension that eliminates doubts and uncertainties. By doing so, individuals can strengthen their faith, make informed decisions, and achieve success in both worldly and spiritual matters. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to seek knowledge that leads to certitude.