Hadith #6741

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) emphasizes the importance of knowledge and the role of scholars in guiding the ummah towards the worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (ma'rifah) "مَعْرِفَةُ", which means "cognizance" or "knowledge." This word signifies a deep understanding and awareness of religious teachings. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of knowledge. In Surah Al-Zumar, verse 9, Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant.

The second crucial word is (al-'alim) "العالِمِ", which refers to a scholar or a knowledgeable person. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises the scholars and their role in guiding the people. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 18, Allah says,

Allah bears witness that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge - [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice.

This verse highlights the elevated status of scholars and their role in upholding justice in society.

The Hadith then states that the cognizance of a scholar is the (deen) "دين", which can be translated as "devoutness" or "religion." This implies that true knowledge leads to a deep understanding and practice of religion. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of practicing religion sincerely. In Surah Al-Zumar, verse 11, Allah says,

Say, 'Indeed, I have been commanded to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.'

The Hadith further states that through this devoutness, Allah is worshipped. This highlights the ultimate purpose of knowledge, which is to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. In the Quran, Allah repeatedly emphasizes the importance of monotheism and the worship of Him alone. In Surah Al-Ikhlas, Allah says,

Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'

The Hadith then mentions that through this devoutness, a human being gains obedience in his lifetime. This implies that knowledge and devoutness lead to a righteous and obedient life. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages the believers to be obedient and righteous. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 277, Allah says,

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

Finally, the Hadith states that through this devoutness, a scholar leaves behind a beautiful remembrance after his death. This signifies the lasting impact and legacy of a knowledgeable person. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises a beautiful remembrance for those who strive in His cause. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 68, Allah says,

And your Lord creates what He wills and chooses; not for them was the choice. Exalted is Allah and high above what they associate with Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of knowledge and the role of scholars in guiding the ummah towards the worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). True knowledge leads to devoutness, obedience, and a beautiful remembrance after death. As Muslims, we should strive to seek knowledge, practice our religion sincerely, and leave behind a positive impact on society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to gain beneficial knowledge and use it to worship Him and serve humanity.