Hadith #4413

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, "Mani istarshada 'alima." This can be translated as,

One who seeks right guidance becomes knowledgeable [about it].

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

The word "istarshada" comes from the root "rashada," which means guidance or righteousness. It signifies the act of seeking and attaining the right path, the path that leads to Allah's pleasure and salvation. The word "alima" means knowledgeable or aware. Therefore, this Hadith highlights the connection between seeking guidance and acquiring knowledge.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and acquiring knowledge. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269, Allah says,

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed given a great wealth.

This verse emphasizes that true wisdom and knowledge come from Allah, and He bestows it upon those who seek it sincerely.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Zumar, verse 9, Allah states,

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. It emphasizes the significance of seeking knowledge and the superiority of those who are knowledgeable.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that seeking guidance is the first step towards acquiring knowledge. When a person sincerely seeks the right path, they open themselves up to receiving divine knowledge and guidance. This knowledge is not limited to worldly matters but encompasses spiritual enlightenment and understanding of the deeper truths of life.

When someone seeks guidance and acquires knowledge, it has profound consequences in their life. They become aware of the purpose of their existence and the true nature of the world around them. This knowledge enables them to make informed decisions, avoid pitfalls, and navigate through the challenges of life with wisdom and clarity.

Moreover, seeking guidance and acquiring knowledge leads to personal growth and spiritual development. It instills a sense of humility, as one realizes their own limitations and the vastness of knowledge that exists. It also fosters a deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as the seeker of guidance recognizes that true knowledge comes from Him alone.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He was a beacon of guidance for the Muslim ummah, and his teachings continue to inspire and enlighten us today. Through this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and acquiring knowledge as a means to attain righteousness and spiritual enlightenment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that one who seeks right guidance becomes knowledgeable. By seeking the right path and acquiring knowledge, we open ourselves up to divine wisdom and understanding. This knowledge has profound consequences in our lives, leading to personal growth, spiritual development, and a deeper connection with Allah. May we all strive to seek guidance and acquire knowledge, following in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran.