Hadith #4972

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,

Allah, the Glorified, has granted you with hearing so that it may heed [and comprehend] that which is concerns it and with sight so that what is dark for it may be brought to light [and seen clearly].

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) - the ability to hear and see.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (asma'an) "أسْماعاً" refers to hearing, while (ta'iya) "تَعِيَ" means to heed or comprehend. Thus, Allah has blessed us with the faculty of hearing, enabling us to understand and comprehend the knowledge and wisdom that is conveyed through sound. This includes the ability to comprehend the teachings of the Quran, the words of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Similarly, the word (absaran) "أبْصاراً" refers to sight, and (tajluwa) "تَجْلُوَ" means to bring to light or make clear. Through the gift of sight, Allah has enabled us to perceive and understand that which is hidden or unclear. This includes recognizing the truth, distinguishing between right and wrong, and gaining insight into the deeper meanings of the world around us.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:46),

Have they not traveled through the land, and have they hearts wherewith to understand and ears wherewith to hear? Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using our faculties of hearing and understanding to gain knowledge and insight. It reminds us that true blindness lies not in the physical eyes, but in the hearts that fail to comprehend the truth. Allah has blessed us with the ability to hear and see, and it is our responsibility to utilize these gifts to seek knowledge, understand the teachings of Islam, and discern between right and wrong.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:50), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'Have you considered: if His punishment should come to you by night or by day - for which [aspect] of it would the criminals be impatient?'

This verse highlights the importance of being aware and perceptive, as it asks us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. Just as sight allows us to see the consequences of our deeds, hearing enables us to understand the warnings and guidance provided by Allah and His messengers. By utilizing our faculties of hearing and sight, we can gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of our actions and make informed decisions.

In light of these Quranic verses and the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that Allah has blessed us with the ability to hear and see for a purpose. It is not merely for sensory pleasure, but rather to seek knowledge, comprehend the teachings of Islam, and gain insight into the truth. By utilizing these faculties, we can navigate through the challenges of life, make informed decisions, and strive for spiritual growth.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding. It encourages us to use our hearing and sight to gain a deeper understanding of the teachings of Islam, to reflect upon the signs of Allah in the world around us, and to seek wisdom from the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, serves as an exemplar for us in utilizing these faculties to their fullest potential.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) - the ability to hear and see. It highlights the importance of utilizing these faculties to seek knowledge, comprehend the teachings of Islam, and gain insight into the truth. By doing so, we can navigate through the challenges of life, make informed decisions, and strive for spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to utilize these gifts in the best possible manner.