Hadith #4861

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أُطْلُبْ تَجِدْ۔" This simple yet amazing Hadith can be translated as

Seek and you shall find.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (Utlub) "أُطْلُبْ" is derived from the root word (talaba) "طَلَبَ", which means to seek, search, or strive for something. It implies an active and continuous effort to acquire knowledge, guidance, or any other beneficial aspect of life. This word emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and actively pursuing what one desires.

The word (tajid) "تَجِدْ" is derived from the root word (jada) "جَدَ", which means to find or discover something. It signifies the outcome of the seeker's efforts, indicating that one will indeed find what they are seeking if they strive sincerely and persistently.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to seek knowledge, guidance, and His blessings through various means. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185), Allah says,

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's nearness and guidance through supplication and belief. It emphasizes the need for active seeking and sincere effort in order to attain Allah's response and guidance. Similarly, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69), Allah says,

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse assures us that those who strive and make efforts for the sake of Allah will be guided by Him. It emphasizes that seeking Allah's guidance requires active engagement and dedication. It is through our sincere efforts and continuous seeking that we can find the path of righteousness and attain closeness to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to actively seek knowledge, guidance, and the blessings of Allah. It encourages us to embark on a journey of seeking truth, righteousness, and spiritual growth. By seeking knowledge, we can deepen our understanding of Islam and its teachings, and by seeking guidance, we can navigate through the challenges and complexities of life.

The consequences of implementing this Hadith into our lives are profound. When we actively seek knowledge, we become more aware of our responsibilities as Muslims and are better equipped to fulfill them. When we seek guidance, we are able to make informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls of ignorance and confusion. Moreover, seeking the blessings of Allah leads to a life filled with contentment, peace, and spiritual fulfillment.

Let us reflect upon the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself, who was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He dedicated his life to seeking knowledge from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and preserving it for future generations. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and guidance made him a beacon of light for all Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Seek and you shall find

serves as a reminder for all Muslims to actively seek knowledge, guidance, and the blessings of Allah. It emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and making continuous efforts in our quest for truth, righteousness, and spiritual growth. By seeking diligently, we can find the answers to our questions, the solutions to our problems, and the path that leads us closer to Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to seek with sincerity and bless us with His guidance.