Hadith #11010

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

اَلا إنَّ أسْمَعَ الأسماعِ مَنْ وَعَي التَّذْكيرَ وقَبِلَهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Indeed the most hearing ear is one that listens to admonition and heeds it.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (asmaa) "أسمع" means "the most hearing" or "the most attentive." It refers to a person who possesses the ability to truly listen and comprehend. (al-asmaa) "الأسماع" is the plural form of "أسمع" and signifies "ears" or "listeners." (wa'ay) "وَعَي" means "to listen attentively" or "to pay heed." And (at-tadhkir) "التَّذْكيرَ" means "admonition" or "reminder."

This profound Hadith emphasizes the importance of actively listening and heeding admonition. It teaches us that the most attentive individuals are those who not only listen but also internalize and act upon the reminders they receive. To further understand the significance of this teaching, let us turn to the Quran for guidance.

In Surah Al-Anfal (8:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights the importance of heeding Allah's admonition and fearing Him. By actively listening to His reminders and implementing them in our lives, we can attain His mercy, forgiveness, and guidance.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:5), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books]. Wretched is the example of the people who deny the signs of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

This verse serves as a warning against merely hearing the message without internalizing and acting upon it. It highlights the importance of actively engaging with the teachings and reminders of Allah.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we realize that it encourages us to be active participants in our spiritual growth. It calls upon us to be attentive listeners who not only hear the reminders but also internalize them and put them into practice. By doing so, we can attain a deeper understanding of our faith and strengthen our relationship with Allah.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his vast knowledge and wisdom. His words in this Hadith highlight the significance of acquiring knowledge and utilizing it to better ourselves.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of active listening and heeding admonition. It urges us to be attentive listeners who not only hear but also internalize and act upon the reminders we receive. By doing so, we can attain spiritual growth, seek Allah's guidance, and strengthen our relationship with Him. May Allah grant us the ability to be the most hearing ears and the most attentive hearts.